Biden administration wants airlines to disclose all fees upfront

After hinting for months that airlines could soon face more regulations in the name of consumer protection, the White House announced plans to unveil a new proposed rule Monday that would require airlines to be more transparent about add-on fees.

Under the proposed U.S. Department of Transportation rule, the White House revealed Monday morning, airlines and third-party travel sites that sell airfare would be required to immediately disclose fees related to changing or canceling a flight, choosing a seat (which affects a family’s ability to sit together) and for checked or carry-on bags. The idea is that the first time you see an airfare listed, you’d also know exactly what other fees you might face on your flight.

President Joe Biden is expected to discuss the proposed rule at a White House Competition Council meeting Monday.

“Airline passengers deserve to know the full, true cost of their flights before they buy a ticket,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a written statement announcing the proposed regulation. “This new proposed rule would require airlines to be transparent with customers about the fees they charge.”

The announcement comes just weeks after the DOT unveiled a new dashboard for airline passengers, which lists passenger rights to protections like rebooking and reimbursement for hotels, meals and ground transportation in the event of cancellations or significant delays within the airline’s control.

Biden administration officials have also been outspoken about their intent to place additional regulations on airlines, including around allowing families to sit together on flights.

The new proposed rule would apply to both U.S. and foreign carriers, on flights to, from or within the U.S.

This is a developing story and will be updated with new information.