Everyone has experienced it. When looking for a plane ticket (in a comparator or on a site), companies attract customers with very low prices that do not correspond to the reality of the rate paid at the end.
In fact, you have to add fees for the choice of seat, to be able to carry your luggage in the hold or in the cabin, for express boarding, for a meal, to be able to modify or cancel your ticket. Enough to very quickly inflate the account of the single or double. Because it is these options that are at the heart of the economic model of airlines today. And this, all over the world.
At EasyJet, for example in Europe, these payment options represent 20% of the low-cost carrier’s revenue.
The United States wants to end this practice and proposes new, more transparent rules for companies, travel agencies and other online comparators.
“The passenger deserves to know the real cost of his ticket before buying it”
It is about “significantly strengthening consumer protection by ensuring that they have access to certain cost information before purchasing their airline tickets,” explains the Department of Transportation.
Specifically, airlines (US and foreign) and travel search websites must indicate, from the first time an airline ticket is displayed, all optional or non-additional charges.
“This proposed new rule would require airlines to be transparent with customers about the fares they charge, which will help travelers make informed decisions and save money.”
Other sectors soon affected
Although it is still a proposal open to public comment for two months, the Association of American Airlines has already reacted by indicating that the sector is already transparent, including in terms of taxes “to help consumers choose the tickets that best suit their needs.” your needs”.
This initiative of the Biden administration is part of a program to safeguard the purchasing power of consumers in a context of high inflation. This program will also address “unfair and hidden fees” in other areas, such as Internet service providers, bank overdrafts and late fees.
Source: BFM TV
