US FederalCan an airline charge hidden fees that are not disclosed at the time of booking?
No, airlines cannot charge hidden fees not disclosed at the time of booking. Federal law prohibits unfair or deceptive practices, including failing to clearly disclose all mandatory fees before purchase.
What the Law Says
Federal law explicitly prohibits airlines from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices—including hiding mandatory fees until after booking. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces this rule and requires full transparency on all charges consumers must pay.
Under 49 U.S.C. § 41712, it is unlawful for an air carrier to engage in 'unfair or deceptive practices' or 'unfair methods of competition.' This includes failing to disclose material information that affects a consumer’s purchasing decision.
The DOT has interpreted this statute to require airlines to display the total price of air transportation—including all mandatory government-imposed taxes and carrier-imposed fees—before a consumer completes a purchase. Hidden or post-booking fees violate this standard.
Airlines must also clearly distinguish between optional services (e.g., seat selection, checked bags) and mandatory charges. Optional fees may be offered later—but only if they are truly optional and not required to complete the basic flight service.
Statutory TextA person may not engage in an unfair or deceptive practice or an unfair method of competition in air transportation or the sale of air transportation.
— 49 U.S.C. § 41712 — Unfair airline practices
Statutory TextThe Secretary of Transportation may bring a civil action against a person violating this section.
— 49 U.S.C. § 41712 — Unfair airline practices
What to Do
Review the total price shown before confirming your purchase — it must include all mandatory fees.
If you’re charged an unexpected fee after booking, contact the airline and request a refund or explanation.
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint.
Keep screenshots or receipts showing the initial price quote and the final charge for evidence.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.