CONGRESS CONSIDERS RESURRECTION OF 2014 TRANSPARENT AIRFARES ACT
March 7, 2016
U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) introduced an amendment to H.R. 4441 in response to airlines concerns with a 2012 Department of Transportation (DOT) rule requiring them to prominently display total ticket prices in advertising and in internet displays, including government taxes and fees. The proposed amendment, which would essentially reverse the Department’s full fare advertising rule, is being criticized by opponents for its diminutive effect on critical consumer protection measures adopted to prevent inappropriate airline advertising.
If accepted in its present form, the amendment would allow lower base ticket prices without government taxes and fees to be presented first to travelers purchasing tickets on the internet, as long as the total fare price is disclosed at some point during the transaction in a manner that, “clearly presents the information to the consumer.” The amendment would also apply to internet advertising and solicitation provisions, thus allowing airlines to conspicuously display lower base ticket prices on initial screens and allow additional information as to the exact price of taxes and fees on other parts of the website apart from the main webpages, such as in pop-up screens or other links.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).