Looks as if the nation’s air carriers want to make their fares appear cheaper than they really are — and chances are, they’re going to get away with it.
You could almost hear the collective sigh relief coming from the industry’s Washington lobbyists earlier this month, when the deadline for comments on this proposed rule change passed.
Basically, the Department of Transportation quietly asked for “comments” from the public just before the busy holiday season, when no one was paying attention (including yours truly). It gave travelers 60 days to respond.
Result? The government could now either end its rule compelling airlines to include government-imposed charges in its fares, or revise its rule to eliminate most or all requirements for airfare advertisements, or eliminate the full-fare advertising regulation in its entirety.
If any of those scenarios unfold (and they probably will unless there is a loud public outcry) it could make shopping for an airfare far more complicated. Consumers could find new surcharges on their final bill when they go to book tickets. But the rule change would benefit airlines because it would make fares seem lower than they actually are.
I counted 477 public comments, almost all of them against the rule changes. But are they enough? You can let the DOT know your thoughts through its feedback form and while you’re there, please let them know how you feel about the commenting process.
If you have questions about the actual rule, or need some clarification, I recommend sending an e-mail to Betsy Wolf in the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings.
Update: My colleague Edward Hasbrouck has pointed out that he did make a blog entry on the DOT proposal a few days before comments closed. And I also failed to mention that fellow blogger James Gilden over at the LA Times did a story about airfares that mentioned that the agency supported a change a few months before any official action had been taken. Sorry for the oversight, fellas!
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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