That hotel room advertised at $129 that became $171 at checkout? The federal government's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees now makes that bait-and-switch illegal. Hotels, vacation rentals and live-event ticket sellers must show the total price — including resort fees, service fees and cleaning fees — the first time a price appears.
What the rule covers
The rule targets two industries where surprise fees were the business model: short-term lodging (hotels, motels, vacation rentals) and live-event tickets (concerts, sports, theater). The price you see first must be the price you pay, minus only government taxes and actual shipping. A fee can still exist — but it must be in the headline number, not sprung at the last screen.
What it does not cover
Restaurants' service charges, airline baggage fees, credit-card surcharges and rent-application fees are outside this particular rule, though several states have their own versions. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the rule and can seek refunds for consumers and penalties against companies that ignore it.
What this means for you
- Compare the first price you see — it is finally the real one for hotels and tickets.
- Still see a resort fee appear at checkout? Screenshot it and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov — that pattern is exactly what the rule bans.
- Before any trip, run the stay through our travel budget calculator — resort fees, taxes and tips are itemized so nothing ambushes the budget.
Where these facts come from: FTC — Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees. State fee-disclosure laws vary; this article is general information, not legal advice.