New FTC rules will end those sneaky fees for hotel rooms and concert ticket

[phillynews215]

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

• The FTC has issued rules that crack down on “bait and switch” pricing practices in the lodging and live event industries.
• These companies will now have to display the full price of hotel rooms, concert tickets, and sporting events instead of hiding any extra charges.
• The ruling doesn’t ban these companies from imposing these extra fees, however.

Don’t you hate it when you see a reasonable price for a hotel room, only to find that the actual price is higher than expected when you try to book it? It’s not uncommon for certain industries to tack on hidden fees like service charges or amenity fees to a bill before checkout. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will now require these companies to show these extra charges upfront.

The Washington Post reports that the FTC has now issued rules that crack down on hidden fees in the lodging and live event industries. Although the ruling still allows for these fees to exist, companies in these sectors will now be forced to clearly display them so customers aren’t misled about the actual price of products and services. According to FTC Chair Lina Khan, these regulations aim to prevent the “bait and switch” pricing practices that are prevalent in these areas.




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