Here are the weekly online travel updates for the week ending Sunday, January 27th. This week’s update provides an update on the DOT and FTC’s recent rulemaking efforts on “hidden” industry fees. fun.
- Google update scheduleIn response to increasing pressure from EU competition authorities, Google has agreed to change the information displayed on some platforms and stores. Specifically, Google Flights and Google Hotels will immediately distinguish between services provided by Google and services provided by third parties, make it clear that Google Hotels does not verify or verify guest reviews, and will not be used by other online bookings. Comply with the transparency guidelines applicable to the platform.
- Objection to Proposed DOT Ancillary Fee RulesAlthough industry groups are the main voices in favor of greater transparency in ancillary fees, ASTA and the Association for Travel Skills challenge the Department of Transportation’s proposed rule on the same subject. Specifically, the groups dispute that the draft regulation excludes global distribution systems. The Travel Technology Association has also raised concerns about the requirement that ancillary information be displayed on the first page of search results, which the association says is a concern for consumers, particularly on its metasearch sites. It will make shopping very confusing for users who are members of.
- 5,000 Comments and Counting: FTC’s Proposed Rulemaking Notice Gains AttentionAs comments continue to be received on the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rulemaking notice on ancillary charges (including hotel and resort fees), the FTC has elected to extend the comment period through February 8. bottom. Those interested in reviewing comments can find a searchable catalog. Here – https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2022-0069/comments.
Have a nice week everyone. It was great to see so many of you at her HEDNA in Seattle last week.
Google services that provide more accurate EU-compliant information
January 27, 2023 via Verge
Many of our services will soon be updated to provide clear and accurate information in compliance with EU consumer protection law. Announced by the European Commission on Thursday, the Alphabet-owned company has agreed to introduce changes to its Google Store, Google Play Store, Google Hotels and Google Flights…
Las Vegas hotel accused of rent conspiracy in class action lawsuit
26 January 2023 via Reuters
(Reuters) – Several large companies that operate high-profile hotels in a prominent business district near Las Vegas filed a consumer complaint in federal court on Wednesday, alleging they conspired to keep hotel room rates artificially high. A lawsuit was filed for breach of the trust law. The lawsuit in Nevada federal court is that Caesars Entertainment Inc,…
Class Action Claim Details
Budgets and options: Could “save now, buy later” catch on in the travel industry?
January 25, 2023 via WIT
Buy now, pay later – a form of credit that allows consumers to pay for their purchases in small installments – has gained popularity in the travel industry in recent years. From 2019 to 2021, the number of his BNPL loans initiated in the US is 5 …
Fee transparency rule excludes GDS, ASTA complains
From Travel Weekly on January 24, 2023
ASTA and the Travel Technology Association have submitted comments to the Department of Transportation on proposed regulations that would require advance disclosure of additional charges to airlines and third-party ticket sellers, including Travel Advisor. Both groups agree on the need for greater consumer transparency…
legal warning
Unfair or Deceptive Fee Transaction Regulation Updates
The Commission agrees that allowing additional time for submitting comments in response to the ANPR will help facilitate a more complete record. Therefore, the Committee decided to extend the comment period by 30 days to 8 February 2023. The 30-day extension will allow the commenter sufficient time to address the issues raised in her ANPR.
Learn more about unfair or deceptive rate trading regulation rules here.
