Checking In

The fact that flights and hotel prices are up won't surprise frequent travelers who've been experiencing the increases first-hand. But what's interesting about the rise is the double standard that exists in how airlines and hotels are allowed to advertise their rates.

Airlines have been trying to loosen rules that say they have to include extra fees in their advertised fares. They have argued that they should be able to post airfares excluding things like the recent surcharges to cover higher fuel costs. This week, the carriers got turned down by the U.S. Transportation Department. Citing the public interest, the DOT issued a decision to stick with the one-price policy for airlines posting fares.  

Bad news in bold, please

Hotels, on the other hand, have been getting away with separating published room rates from multiple niggling surcharges for years, which drives most travelers crazy. "If they give a grand total, I appreciate that a lot,'' says Derek Chan, a frequent traveler based in Seattle. And those surprise extras for tips, "energy'' charges, and local phone service that appear on the bill at front desk checkout — a time when business travelers are not in the mood to quibble — have been getting bigger.

While there isn't any end in sight to the surcharges, hotels may begin publishing more realistic rates that include some of the extras. A New York Times article this week looks at what some hotel companies are doing, or thinking about doing, to be more open about what travelers can expect upon checkout.

Bottom line: You won't pay any less to fly or sleep in the next year. But there's a chance you'll have a better idea of exactly what you're paying for.

Write to: Barbara Correa at bboydstoncorrea@yahoo.com

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