Friday, May 16, 2025
The Federal Trade Commission has finally struck back. Hidden hotel fees are now illegal across the US under a game-changing consumer protection rule. For years, travelers have felt blindsided. They booked rooms at one price, only to be hit later with hidden hotel fees. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is putting an end to that. This game-changing consumer protection rule didn’t appear overnight. The Federal Trade Commission worked behind the scenes, studying patterns, hearing complaints, and gathering data. Travelers kept asking for help. Hidden hotel fees kept piling up. The Federal Trade Commission listened—and now they’ve struck back.
Hidden hotel fees are deceptive. They distort comparisons. They trick consumers. But under this new rule, hidden hotel fees can’t be hidden anymore. They’re illegal across the US. Moreover, this isn’t just about hotels. The Federal Trade Commission expanded this game-changing rule to include vacation rentals and even ticketing platforms. Hidden fees—from hotels, rentals, and event sellers—must now be shown upfront. This changes everything. Behind the scenes, what’s really happening is a shift in power. The Federal Trade Commission is giving it back to the consumer. It’s a rare win in a world filled with fine print and pricing tricks. From big hotel chains to rental sites, everyone must now play fair. No more bait. No more switch. The game has changed. The Federal Trade Commission made its move. Hidden hotel fees are finished. And what’s really happening behind the scenes is a long-overdue reckoning—for the better.
After years of mounting frustration, travelers across the United States can finally breathe easier. As of May 12, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rolled out a long-anticipated rule to eliminate hidden hotel and vacation rental fees. This powerful consumer protection move brings long-overdue transparency to the travel industry.
The new regulation directly targets so-called “junk fees”—undisclosed charges like resort or amenity fees tacked on at the end of the booking process. These fees have quietly drained billions from traveler wallets, making that “affordable” $200 room cost much more after checkout surprises.
Now, that ends.
What This Means for Travelers Right Now
Under the FTC’s rule, hotels, vacation rental platforms, and event ticketing companies must include all mandatory charges in the initial advertised price. No more bait-and-switch. No more fine print shock.
If your room has a $50 resort fee, it must be advertised as $250 per night, not $200 with fees hidden in the fine print. Likewise, vacation rentals must display cleaning fees upfront. Concert and sports event tickets? No more last-minute service charges—what you see is what you pay.
It’s not just consumer-friendly—it’s revolutionary.
A Clear Win Against Deceptive Pricing Tactics
For years, hotels and booking platforms lured customers in with low nightly rates, only to inflate the total with mandatory fees. Travelers were misled into believing they were getting a deal, only to see costs skyrocket before final payment.
This practice didn’t just damage trust. It made price comparisons nearly impossible. Two hotel rooms could appear equal in price until checkout—when one suddenly became $50 more due to hidden fees.
The FTC’s new rule restores fairness. It creates a level playing field. And most importantly, it restores control to consumers.
Who’s Affected? A Broad Sweep of Industries
While hotels and vacation rentals are the primary targets, the rule has a wider reach. Live event ticket sellers—especially giants like Ticketmaster—must now show all service charges in the advertised ticket price. No more sticker shock at checkout.
The travel sector is also feeling the ripple effect. Rental car companies, tour operators, and booking engines must ensure mandatory fees are made visible from the start.
Moreover, platforms that fail to comply could face serious penalties. The FTC has confirmed fines can exceed $50,000 per violation. That’s per incident—not per day.
Why This Rule Was Desperately Needed
Consumer advocacy groups have fought for years to bring transparency back to travel pricing. Thousands of complaints poured in. Travelers shared stories of surprise fees for basics like Wi-Fi, gym access, and pool towels.
Even worse, many of these charges were non-optional. You couldn’t decline them—even if you never used the amenities. The practice eroded trust and created a confusing marketplace dominated by fine print and frustration.
Now, with the FTC stepping in, transparency becomes law—not just a courtesy.
The Emotional Relief for Travelers
For everyday travelers planning vacations, weddings, or long-awaited reunions, this change brings real emotional impact. Planning travel is already stressful. Unpredictable prices make it worse.
This rule reduces anxiety. It makes budgeting easier. It builds confidence in booking.
Families planning summer trips can now trust that the total they see is the total they’ll pay. Solo travelers won’t get hit with surprise charges. Seniors on fixed incomes can book with peace of mind.
This isn’t just a pricing change—it’s a change in how Americans experience travel.
What You Can Do If You Encounter Hidden Fees
Even with this new protection, consumers should stay vigilant. If you spot a hotel or vacation rental hiding fees after May 12, you can—and should—report it.
Submit complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The more reports filed, the more pressure companies face to comply.
Hold brands accountable. Transparency is no longer optional—it’s required by law.
Will Hotels and Platforms Adapt Smoothly?
Some major chains have already begun updating their pricing displays in preparation. Others may resist or delay. But with the threat of large penalties, most are expected to fall in line fast.
Vacation rental giants like Airbnb and Vrbo are likely next to overhaul their pricing structure. Users should start seeing fully bundled pricing—including cleaning fees—at the search level.
Meanwhile, event organizers and ticketing platforms are under pressure to stop hiding service fees until the checkout page. The next few months will test the industry’s ability to comply.
What Comes Next: A Fairer Future for Travelers
This FTC rule is a massive leap forward for consumer protection. It reinforces a broader shift in travel toward fairness, honesty, and transparency.
No more second-guessing what your trip will really cost. No more frustration at unexpected charges. Just clear, upfront pricing the moment you search.
Moreover, the move sets a precedent for other industries plagued by hidden charges—streaming services, airlines, telecom providers, and beyond.
