New DOT rules regarding airfares

[kapper]

Anyone know when the airfare full disclosure rules go into effect?

I know the DOT was proposing other new rules for our protection, i.e:

Peanut allergy studies
DOT will conduct studies and try to figure out the best method to deal with passengers that have peanut allergies.

They are considering completely banning peanuts on all flights, banning nuts on flights where peanut-allergic passengers are aboard or creating a peanut-free buffer zone.

[kyshel]

When does the peanut issue stop? Does that mean ALL facilities have to be peanut-free when preparing or shipping all foodstuff/beverages? Such a nonproductive way to spend tax-payer's money. This issue has been discussed ad infinitum on airline forums. Are they going to ban all nuts (even tho peanuts are legumes) on buses or in schools or in malls or grocery stores (heaven forbid anyone drops a jar of PB--sound the alarm and evacuate the store!!)

[omegaet]

Anyone know when the airfare full disclosure rules go into effect?

I know the DOT was proposing other new rules for our protection, i.e:

Peanut allergy studies
DOT will conduct studies and try to figure out the best method to deal with passengers that have peanut allergies.

They are considering completely banning peanuts on all flights, banning nuts on flights where peanut-allergic passengers are aboard or creating a peanut-free buffer zone.

I guess those new rules will cramp or eliminate Spirit Airlines advertising offers for $9 airfares.

[kyshel]

I just read again and I missed this: "for our protection" laughable. It's a reason to spend tax money because a very small minority whined very loudly. I agree that the "disclosure" about fares needs to be addressed IF it involves all airlines (clearly all legacy carriers already abide by the guidelines that disclose fares plus fees) This is directed to customers of airlines like Spirit (Southwest used to advertise same way--do they still?) who actually believe they get $9 airfare when they start to shop them. We're not talking about protecting the public--just the stupid. Wasted money--stupid is as stupid does.

[omegaet]

I just read again and I missed this: "for our protection" laughable. It's a reason to spend tax money because a very small minority whined very loudly. I agree that the "disclosure" about fares needs to be addressed IF it involves all airlines (clearly all legacy carriers already abide by the guidelines that disclose fares plus fees) This is directed to customers of airlines like Spirit (Southwest used to advertise same way--do they still?) who actually believe they get $9 airfare when they start to shop them. We're not talking about protecting the public--just the stupid. Wasted money--stupid is as stupid does.

I think the operative term was 'for our protection' in the original posting.

As of this morning, Spirit was still offering the opportunity to join their $9 Fare Club for only $59.95 a year, but of course, the PLUS - PLUS - PLUS was buried in the small print. No one, at least to my knowledge, has ever nailed down a $9 net fare.

[LL_Travelfan]

Oh. you can get $9 Fares, even on Lufthansa, or Air Berlin, it is the PLUS. PLUS, PLUS that kills the Golden Goose....

[kyshel]

But, as O mentions, these are not NET. There is no fare without the fees and taxes!! Currently there isn't-- PERIOD, END OF SENTENCE.
The issue here is the disclosure method--up front, easy to read or buried in fine print. This legislature is geared to the carriers who misrepresent fare prices in advertising to bait, then "add" the actual supplements required for transit--security fees, taxes, etc.
I don't understand the "protection" issue. When you buy a ticket, the price is what it is--$9 plus plus plus (or similar) There is then an option to BUY or NOT--when the total price is presented. Why does anyone need to be protected? Is anyone is that stupid to think they're getting a $9 ticket when the final price is much higher at point of purchase?

[kyshel]

Oh. you can get $9 Fares, even on Lufthansa, or Air Berlin, it is the PLUS. PLUS, PLUS that kills the Golden Goose....

The point is there is NO golden goose. People who are stupid enough to believe that shouldn't be buying tickets.

[LL_Travelfan]

You are right, we have all gotten used to the Plus, Plus, Plus, whether it is airs fare or hotel bills or car rentals. Even on ordinary, every day sales, the States tack on the Sales Tax. Fees and taxes have become a fact of life. Hardly necessary to disclose any of these for "our own protection".

[kyshel]

You are right, we have all gotten used to the Plus, Plus, Plus, whether it is airs fare or hotel bills or car rentals. Even on ordinary, every day sales, the States tack on the Sales Tax. Fees and taxes have become a fact of life. Hardly necessary to disclose any of these for "our own protection".

So does the Eu--it's called VAT and you are quite aware of it--we are as well when we travel Europe. I also see the new Italian tax per room per night, which is IN ADDITION TO VAT.