US DOT to airlines: No hidden fees

[serfty]

DOT to airlines: No hidden fees - CNN.com

The Department of Transportation issued a second set of rules Wednesday to address a litany of passenger gripes, including the bane of modern air travelers' existence: hidden fees for bags, meals, pillows and reservation changes.

The new rules, which will take effect in 120 days ...

In summary the new rules:

• Require full disclosure of additional fees. Airlines must include all government taxes and fees in every advertised price. Also, they must prominently disclose all potential fees on their websites, including fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or upgraded seating.
• Limit tarmac delays. Foreign airlines at U.S. airports, or U.S. airlines on international flights, must limit tarmac delays to four hours. The rule makes exceptions for safety, security or air traffic control-related reasons.
  
• Require compensation for bag fees. Airlines must refund baggage fees if the bag is lost. Airlines will also must apply the same baggage allowances and fees for all segments of a trip.
• Increase compensation for bumping. Under the new rule, bumped passengers subject to short delays will receive up to $650 (was $400), while those subject to longer delays would receive payments up to $1,300 (from $800).