FTC Bans Hidden Junk Fees for Tickets and Hotels, Mandates Upfront Pricing in 120 Days

Dec 17, 2024, 07:21 PM

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a rule to ban hidden 'junk fees' for live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals. The rule mandates that businesses must disclose the total price, including all mandatory fees, upfront to consumers. This initiative, supported by a bipartisan 4-1 vote among FTC commissioners, aims to eliminate deceptive pricing practices that surprise consumers with additional charges at checkout. The rule is set to take effect 120 days after its announcement, reflecting a broader effort by the Biden administration to combat hidden fees across various industries. The FTC estimates that the rule will save consumers up to 53 million hours annually, equivalent to over $11 billion in savings over the next decade, by reducing the time spent searching for the true cost of tickets and lodging.