The government is watching how airlines, travel agents and Web sites promote airfares to make sure they give enough price information.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is concerned that fees and restrictions aren’t always stated clearly enough when they’re listed separately from fares, per Reuters. Airlines and other ticket sellers are allowed to list taxes and some fees separately from airfare in ads, but those fees can add up to 26% of the total cost of the ticket.
The DOT can fine airlines or marketers that mislead consumers. It fined British Airways $40,000 in June for not including a $4 surcharge on a promotional fare, Reuters reports.
The Washington-based agency recently cracked down on “free ticket” promotions that didn’t disclose taxes and fees, which still applied to “free” tickets. DOT has been watching airlines closely since consumer complaints intensified after Sept. 11, 2001.
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