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04/25/2024

Airlines Were Just Put on Notice over ‘Surprise Junk Fees’

Here are four new rules they will have to follow

The Biden administration’s war against junk fees has taken to the skies. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announcedthat it has finalized new rules requiring upfront notification and disclosure of “surprise junk fees” when travelers purchase airline tickets. 

"The rule requires airlines and ticket agents to tell consumers upfront what fees they charge for a first or second checked bag, a carry-on bag and for canceling or changing a reservation," reads a press release from the DOT, adding that the new rule "will help consumers avoid unneeded or unexpected fees that can increase quickly and add significant cost to what may, at first, look like a less expensive ticket."

Accordingly, airlines will be required to provide passengers with “automatic cash refunds when owed because their flights are cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed or the ancillary services, like Wi-Fi, they purchased are not provided.”

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fast Company.

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