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 Transportation Department in federal appeals court Friday, saying the agency is going beyond its authority by trying to “regulate the operations private commercial businesses in a prosperous 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,” trade group 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.
