The US Department of Transport (DOT) has responded to the lawsuit it is facing against several airlines following its rule requiring airlines to inform customers of all hidden fees.
According to travelpulse.com, DOT said the new rule would save passengers over US$500 million (R9 billion) annually. Airlines argued that the additional information would inundate customers and cause confusion during the booking process.
“We just issued a rule requiring airlines to inform you, before you buy a ticket, of fees they will charge you. Now, the airline lobby is suing us, saying that if you have the right to that information it will ‘confuse’ you. For once, I am speechless,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote on X (previously Twitter), post on Tuesday.
DOT has stated that it will steadfastly defend the new regulation, which is intended to shield airline passengers from hidden fees and ensure they comprehend the complete cost implications before purchasing a flight ticket.
“Many air travellers will be disappointed to learn that the airline lobby is suing to stop these common-sense protections,” the Department added.
The airlines pushing back against the new rules are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
