The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced new regulations aimed at safeguarding travelers from those pesky add-on fees that seem to pop up everywhere.
These guidelines focus on what they call “unfair or deceptive fees.”
They specifically tackle charges like “resort” or “destination” fees that customers face when utilizing hotel facilities, such as pools or gyms.
A recent lottery win, well, that’s a completely different story—$1 million in Florida, from tickets bought at Walmart, for instance, is certainly a bright spot.
Short-term accommodations include various options like hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and services like Airbnb.
Interestingly, the American Hotel and Lodging Association reports that around 6% of hotels impose these resort fees.
“The new rules are set to prohibit misleading pricing tactics, including bait-and-switch strategies, particularly concerning live event tickets and short-term accommodation fees,” an FTC press release highlights.
However, it’s worth noting that taxes and certain government fees aren’t covered by these regulations.
Companies involved in short-term lodging and live events are now required to provide clear price details in their advertisements. They must display the full price upfront.
The FTC notes, “This total must include all known fees that can be calculated beforehand, covering any mandatory goods or services that are required during the same transaction.”
A Marriott representative recently stated they aim to offer customers clearer and more transparent pricing starting May 2023.
They also mentioned that they were the first hospitality brand to ensure upfront payment of non-government fees, which are included in the total price visible to customers.
Marriott added that this practice has already been in play for two years, so guests likely won’t notice much of a difference.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), based in Washington, DC, has also been asked for feedback on these developments.
Earlier this year, AHLA’s group president and CEO emphasized that the new federal standards aim to provide a clearer pricing structure, benefiting everyone involved.
She expressed her belief that every consumer deserves transparency throughout the booking experience, regardless of where they choose to stay.
For those looking to dodge resort fees, Nerdwallet suggests several tips. They note, for instance, that when booking with points, some resorts still require customers to pay the resort fee in cash on top of the points cost.
If you hold hotel elite status, there’s a chance you could get out of those fees altogether.
Nerdwallet recommends leveraging hotel points whenever possible to steer clear of those annoying charges.
