Airlines must now disclose taxes and fees

GREENVILLE - The practice of advertising cheap last minute deals and super low fares is over. It's a change welcomed by many airline travelers.

"Anytime you have the full information you can kind of do an apples to apples comparison I think it's a good thing," said Marcus Doyle of Hartford, Conn. flying through Outagamie County Regional Airport Thursday.

"I am pretty tech savvy and I like to shop online and I do like to look at the bottom line before I hit that book button, so I don't think it will be a problem at all," said Chrissy Zitka of Appleton.

Booking fees, fuel surcharges and change fees used to be listed separately from the fare fee. The new rules mean passengers will have a better idea of the true cost to fly, but baggage fees will still be extra. So will other optional in-flight services like Wi-Fi. But those fees will also have to be disclosed up front and more visible for people booking online.

"The whole industry has changed as of today," said Brian Hurley of Fox World Travel in Oshkosh. He expects it will take months for people to adjust to the new pricing system.

"If you are looking at anywhere between $50 and a European ticket costing up to $600 in taxes and fees, that's pretty substantial, but at least it educates the consumer as to what the price really is," he said.

We contacted several airlines for comment this morning but have not received any statements from them. Airline travelers say the information will give them peace of mind.

"I think the people who frequently travel do know the particulars before they do hit that click button," said Zitka.

"I think it is good just to see what it is going to cost so there is no surprises," adds Doyle.