Travelers, rejoice — the days of budget-breaking “surprise” hotel fees are finally over.
A new federal rule that took effect on May 12 is forcing hotels and vacation rental sites to show the real price — upfront. That means no more jaw-dropping “resort fees,” “cleaning fees,” or “just-because-we-can fees” slapped on at checkout. What you see is what you pay. Period.
The Federal Trade Commission’s new “junk fees” rule has officially banned the bait-and-switch tactics that have plagued American travelers for years. You know the drill: that cozy $129-a-night deal magically becomes $210 after you hit “book.” Not anymore.
📉 TRAVEL SITES GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER
Expedia and Hotels.com were ahead of the game. They’ve already been showing all-in prices, complete with taxes and fees, before checkout — a move that likely saved many a family vacation and first date getaway.
Vrbo jumped on board, too, adding a new “No Hidden Fees” badge so travelers know the price they see isn’t going to balloon like your luggage fees at the airport.
Airbnb, after years of “oops, forgot to mention that $85 cleaning fee,” finally cleaned up its act last year. It now shows total prices — including service and cleaning fees — right on the search page. (About time, right?)
🏨 HOTELS JOIN THE PARTY… OR ELSE
Big hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG have also been tightening up. Marriott got slapped with a legal wake-up call back in 2021 and has been on its best behavior since. Hilton and Hyatt have now also promised they’re showing you all the fees right out of the gate — not when you’re already halfway to checkout.
💸 WHY NOW?
Because Americans were sick of getting fleeced. A 2024 study from Skift Research found that hidden fees were the #1 most-hated part of booking travel online. Not delays. Not crying babies on planes. Fees.
And let’s be real — it was about time the government did something about it. No one wants to play “Guess That Fee” while trying to plan a weekend escape.
🧳 THE BOTTOM LINE
Your travel budget just got a little more honest. The all-in pricing rule means you can finally comparison shop without needing a calculator, legal dictionary, and a glass of wine.
So go ahead, book that hotel. Just make sure they’re showing you the full price — because now, it’s the law.
No more sticker shock. No more fine print nightmares. Just clear prices and clean conscience.
Thanks, FTC. Next up: airline seat fees?
