WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. airlines are suing to stop the Biden administration from requiring greater transparency about the fees carriers charge their passengers, saying a new rule would confuse consumers by giving them too much information during the check-in process. purchase of tickets.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said Monday it will vigorously defend the rule against what he called “hidden trash taxes.”
American, Delta, United and three other carriers, along with their industry trade group, sued the Department of Transportation in federal appeals court on Friday, asking the court to overturn the rule.
The trade group Airlines for America said the Transportation Department is going beyond its authority by trying to “regulate private commercial operations in a thriving market.” Airlines said the government has not demonstrated that consumers can no longer obtain information about fees.
“Airlines go to great lengths to inform their customers about these fees,” Airlines for America said Monday. “The Department of Transportation’s incidental fee rule will greatly confuse consumers, who will be inundated with information that will only serve to complicate the purchasing process.”
The Department of Transportation announced the new rule on April 24. It would require airlines and travel agents to disclose in advance any charges for baggage and canceling or changing a reservation. Airlines must show fees on the first page of the website where they quote the price of a flight.
The agency estimated the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.
“We will vigorously defend our rule that protects people from hidden junk fees and ensures that travelers can see the full price of a flight before they buy a ticket. Many air travelers will be disappointed to learn that the airline lobby is suing to end these common-sense protections,” the department said Monday.
Among the country’s six largest airlines, only Southwest did not join the legal challenge, which was filed in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Southwest said the rule will have little or no effect because the Dallas-based carrier allows passengers to check two bags for free and has never charged extra fees for changing or canceling reservations.
“Overall, we support the right of all airlines to price their products, but we believe rates should be disclosed clearly and consistently so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions,” Southwest said.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
