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Travel search sites fight proposed DOT ruling
A group of major travel search sites have joined together to argue against the Transportation Department’s proposal to display more detailed information when customers search for airline tickets online.
Regulations being considered by DOT would force all airlines and ticket agents to show fees for first and second checked bags, and charges for carry-on bag and seat assignments in the displayed price.
The group of search sites – Google, Hipmunk, Kayak, Skyscanner, Travelzoo and TripAdvisor say complying with this rule would class them as ticket agents even though they do not provide actual ticketing services.
They also contend that customers engaging in flight searches make up only a small proportion of their traffic.
"The DOT’s attempt to regulate a whole new class of entities is without precedent or authority and would have unintended consequences that would harm consumers," the companies jointly said.
The remarks were made yesterday prior to the deadline for public comments for the proposal which is known as Consumer Rule 3.
The proposal also wants to ensure that all airlines and ticket agents show which specific airlines are operating flights on individual segments under code-share arrangements.
Additionally, if the rule passes successfully, a charter for minimum customer service standards will be imposed for travel agents such as prompt response to customer complaints and holding ticket reservations for a 24-hour period without payment.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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