A group of airlines has sued the US government over a rule requiring more transparency about the fares they charge passengers, saying it will only confuse consumers by giving them too much information when purchasing their tickets.
The Transportation Department warned Monday that it will vigorously defend the rule against “unnecessary hidden fees”
American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and three other airlines, along with their umbrella association, sued the Department of Transportation on Friday in a federal appeals court, claiming the agency is exceeding its authority by trying to “regulate private business operations in a thriving market.”
The airlines say the government has not shown that consumers can no longer get that information.
“Airlines make enormous efforts to ensure that customers are aware of these fees.””the association, Airlines for America, stressed on Monday. “The ancillary fare rule developed by the Department of Transportation 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, under which airlines and travel agents will be required to disclose early any fees they will charge for baggage, or for canceling or modifying a reservation. Airlines will have to publish fares on the first web page where the price of a ticket appears.
The agency estimates the rule will save consumers more than $500 million.
“We will vigorously defend our rule, which protects people from unnecessary hidden fees and allows them to find out the full price of a ticket before purchasing it. “Many travelers will be disappointed to learn that the airline lobby is suing to stop these common-sense protections,” the Department of Transportation indicated on Monday.
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Source: Gestion
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