Fri, Jan 20, 2012
Latest Cause Is Fairness And Clarity In Fares And
Reservations
Airline consumer watchdog FlyersRights.org has endorsed the
Department of Transportation's pending implementation of further
airline passenger protections, a product of many months of advocacy
and collaboration by FlyersRights.org with the Department. The new
rules, scheduled to go into effect on January 24 and January 26,
will enhance the air travel experience by making ticket prices more
accurate and the pricing process more transparent. The new rules
will prohibit post purchase price increases, allowing consumers to
hold reservations for 24 hours without payment or penalty for
cancellation, and requiring passenger notification of flight status
changes within 30 minutes.
Kate Hanni, founder and Executive Director of FlyersRights.org,
said that "For years, airline passengers have been confused by
smoke and mirrors pricing practices of the airlines which have
masked the true cost of fares. While DOT has delayed implementation
of this one provision until January 26, we will soon be able to
look at an advertised fare and know that it includes all taxes and
fees. For the first time, apples to apples comparisons will be
easier. Also, we can now purchase tickets without concern that
carriers, tour operators, or other sellers might increase the price
after our purchase."
Hanni also noted that "the ability to hold reservations for 24
hours without payment and cancel without penalty will be a boon for
business travelers. This new provision will provide flexibility
that's long been needed-given the difficult economic times we are
facing, more clarity and fairness on pricing should bolster
consumer confidence in airline tickets."
Finally, Ms. Hanni said that "One of the most common complaints
we hear through our free, 24/7 hotline regarding flight delays
boils down to 'we can't find out what's going on.' The new
rule mandating updates every 30 minutes will have a very positive
impact, reducing a major stress factor in air travel. The rule's
insistence that airlines notify passengers who subscribe to their
flight notification services by all available means will give us
meaningful, timely information."
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