FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Washington DC Attorney General sues Marriott over "deceptive resort fees"
Old Jul 10, 2019, 3:24 pm
  #50  
HNLbasedFlyer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Originally Posted by pinniped
Marriott *doesn't* display them in total on the first search page. They are intentionally hidden. The entire purpose of a resort fee is deception - there's literally no ethical reason for them to exist.

If the Federal agency wants to side with industry lobbyists, fine. That does not prohibit a state AG from going after the hotels at that level.
Which the FTC has said is fine - it doesn't have to be on the first search page - they've specifically said resort fees do not have to be part of the room rate.

Of course a State AG can sue - and now a court will need to decide the merit and if they can overrule the FTC. Law firms have started several class action suits - none of which have prevailed.

Of course we all don't want to pay fees - my point I'm trying to make this is an uphill battle based on it is regulated by FTC - and courts have been hesitant to take on or overrule the FTC, DOT, etc since as a matter of law, the FTC regulates the pricing.
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