Biden Intensifies Fight Against Hidden Travel and Hotel Junk Fees

Biden Intensifies Fight Against Hidden Travel and Hotel Junk Fees

By Michael Thompson

November 25, 2024 at 06:09 PM

President Biden continues his campaign against hidden travel and hospitality fees, focusing on airline and resort charges during the busy Thanksgiving travel season. The administration aims to eliminate "junk fees" - hidden charges revealed late in booking processes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently mandated airlines to disclose all costs upfront during booking, though airlines are challenging this regulation in federal court.

Person holding ballot box

Person holding ballot box

Biden advocates for airlines to cover hotel and meal costs for delayed or canceled flights. This comes as Charlotte Douglas International Airport workers initiated a 24-hour strike, affecting American Airlines operations during peak holiday travel.

Screenshot of Biden's Twitter post

Screenshot of Biden's Twitter post

While the initiative enjoys public support, the airline industry argues that upfront fee disclosure would confuse consumers, especially those with airline status or different travel needs.

The campaign extends to casino resorts, where hidden fees significantly impact final costs. For example, Caesars Palace advertises $259 per night but charges actually total $350.29 after adding their $49.95 daily resort fee plus taxes. These resort fees typically cover amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and local calling.

Airlines for America opposes the changes, claiming they would mislead consumers about necessary expenses. Despite industry pushback, the Biden administration maintains its stance on transparency in travel pricing.

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