ACROSS THE COUNTRY – Consumers booking tickets and accommodations can soon expect more transparent pricing as a new “junk fee” law is set to take effect, requiring businesses to disclose the full, upfront cost of services, including all mandatory fees.

• New Law: An upcoming “junk fee” law will mandate upfront disclosure of all mandatory fees for tickets and bookings.
• Consumer Impact: Individuals buying event tickets, booking hotels, and renting cars will see the total cost earlier in the purchasing process.
• Increased Transparency: The legislation aims to eliminate surprise fees, allowing for easier budgeting and price comparisons.

New “Junk Fee” Law Aims to Bring Transparency to Ticket and Booking Costs

A new law set to take effect soon is poised to bring significant changes to the way consumers encounter fees when purchasing tickets for events, booking accommodations, and other services. This legislation, often referred to as the “junk fee” law, aims to increase transparency by requiring businesses to disclose the full, upfront cost of services, including all mandatory fees, before the final purchase. This move has the potential to save consumers money and provide a clearer understanding of what they are actually paying for.

Who Will Be Affected and How?

This law will have a broad impact on individuals who regularly purchase tickets for concerts, sporting events, and movies, as well as those who book hotels, rental cars, and airline tickets. Currently, many companies advertise a base price and then add various mandatory fees during the checkout process, such as service fees, processing fees, or resort fees. These fees can often add a significant, and sometimes unexpected, amount to the final cost.

Under the new law, these practices will be curtailed. Businesses will be required to include all mandatory fees in their initially advertised price, allowing consumers to see the true cost of the service from the outset. For example, if a concert ticket is advertised at $50, that price must include any mandatory service fees. Similarly, a hotel room advertised at $100 per night must include any mandatory resort fees. This upfront transparency will empower consumers to make more informed decisions and compare prices more accurately across different providers.

What This Means for Your Future Bookings and Purchases

The implementation of this “junk fee” law means that in the near future, you should expect to see more straightforward pricing when booking or buying tickets. The advertised price should be the price you ultimately pay (excluding optional add-ons like baggage fees or room upgrades, and government taxes which may still be listed separately but more clearly).

This change could lead to:

• Easier Budgeting: Knowing the full cost upfront will simplify budgeting for entertainment and travel expenses.
• More Accurate Price Comparisons: It will be easier to compare offers from different companies without having to go through the entire checkout process to see the final price.
• Increased Negotiation Power (Potentially): As hidden fees become a thing of the past, the focus may shift more towards the base price and the value offered.

While the exact date of implementation and specific details of the law may vary depending on the jurisdiction, it is a significant step towards greater transparency in pricing and a win for consumers who have long been frustrated by unexpected “junk fees.” Keep an eye out for these changes as you plan your future bookings and ticket purchases.