FTC Finalizes Rule Requiring Transparent Pricing for Hotels and Event Tickets

The new regulation mandates upfront disclosure of all fees, aiming to save consumers billions of dollars and millions of hours annually.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a rule requiring businesses to disclose total prices, including all mandatory fees, for live event tickets and short-term lodging upfront.
The rule targets deceptive 'bait-and-switch' pricing practices and mandates that the total price be displayed more prominently than other pricing details.
The FTC estimates the rule will save consumers up to 53 million hours annually and over $11 billion in the next decade by simplifying price comparisons.
The rule, passed with a 4-1 vote, will take effect in April 2025, during the Trump administration, potentially allowing the incoming administration to review or withdraw it.
FTC Chair Lina Khan emphasized the rule's consumer benefits, urging policymakers to expand efforts to ban unfair and deceptive fees across the economy.