New Airline Rules for 2012
January 9th 2012 -
Airline passengers won't have to wade several steps into the booking process to see the full price of an airline ticket after a new rule goes into effect on January 26. The Department of Transportation rule requires airlines to include all mandatory taxes and fees in advertised fares. Airlines have previously been allowed to separate government taxes and fees, which can add up to 20% to the price of air travel, from the initial advertised price of a ticket.
The new policy is part of a package of air travel passenger protections that start in January. The price advertising rule will go into effect two days after the other rules, following American Airlines' request to implement it on a day that's less busy in terms of ticket sales and online traffic.
Among the other protections: A ban on price increases after a ticket has been purchased; a 24-hour window for passengers to hold or cancel a reservation without payment or penalty for reservations made a week or more before the departure date; required disclosure of baggage fees upon booking and on e-ticket confirmations; required prompt notification of delays of more than 30 minutes, cancellations and diversions; the same baggage allowance and fees to apply throughout a passenger's trip.
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