Currently before Congress is a bill that would allow the airlines to hide the full price of airfares from customers in the same manner that car rental agencies, hotels and other businesses do.
In 2012, the Obama Administration put in to effect the airfare disclosure rule, stating that the price shown most prominently in an advert must include all taxes and fees.
Several airlines sued to overturn the rule, but the courts took the side of the government and the Supreme Court refused to hear the argument.
Now the airlines are asking Congress to roll back the law, citing that, among other things, the airline industry is over taxed. They want the consumer to know that about 21% of a typical $300 domestic fare is allotted for taxes and fees.
Opponents of the bill were surprised at how fast it has made its way through the system thus far, introduced in March and approved by the transportation committee a month later. They say the bill is dishonest and misleading to the customer.
“The bill is “a gift to the airlines,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), a transportation committee member who said he voted against it. “What you’re going to see is $200 for the airfare, and then you’re going to be shocked when it turns out to really be $250.”
Opposition to the bill is beginning. On Monday, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), introduced opposing legislation that maintains the existing regulation and doubles the penalty for violating it.
Do you think the airlines should be required to continue to post full price even if other industries don’t?
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