Fair web fares: Online travel sites squabble over fare displays as the DOT tries to referee. (Technology).(Department of Transportation's review of online travel sites)(Government Activity)(Internet/Web/Online Service Information)

Travel Agent, January, 2002 by Michels, Jennifer

As if online fare displays--and their fairness to consumers--haven't already created angry debate in the industry over the past several years. the Department of Transportation's (DOT) ongoing review of several online sites, along with a change in interpretation of its own rules regarding service fees, has prompted renewed discussion about what fees should be included where, and whether online displays are deceptive.

Two DOT rulings in December have caused Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz to again be thrown into the fray and forced to defend the way they display charges and fees in a debate that will affect all online agency sites. And because of a new interpretation by the DOT that now allows online agencies to list service fees separately from the total...