Junk fees disclosure is material to the consumer’s decision
Travelers United defeated Sonesta Hotels’ attempt to have a lawsuit challenging junk fees practice stopped. It was dismissed and sent to a jury on Thursday, March 21, 2024. As the Court explained, “a reasonable juror could . . .find the stage at which [the junk fees] disclosure was made is material to the consumer’s decision,” and accordingly, the case must be resolved by a jury, not a judge.
The lawsuit is one of a number of recent actions brought by Travelers United. These lawsuits seek to put an end to the hotel industry standard “bait-and-switch” practice. They advertise hotel rooms for one price but refuse to actually sell the rooms for the advertised rate without junk fees.
Sonesta does not deny engaging in the practice
Tellingly, Sonesta does not deny engaging in the practice. “This order stands as a warning to the travel industry: if you’re going to advertise a hotel room or service for a particular price to consumers, you must be willing to actually complete the sale for the originally advertised price,” said Wes Griffith of Tycko & Zavareei, one of Travelers United’s attorneys in the action.
The court’s order also confirmed that Travelers United can serve as class a representative. It shows that DC non-profits have an additional tool to help shape policy through class litigation.
This pivotal ruling marks a triumph for Travelers United. It underscores the organization’s commitment to advocating for fairness and transparency in the travel industry.
READ ALSO:
How the FTC can stop drip pricing, resort fees, and junk fees
Safe Fees, nothing but Hotel Resort Fees by another name
Lauren joined Travelers United in 2015. Founded Kill Resort Fees, the only site devoted to ending hidden hotel resort fees. Armed with an arsenal of frequent flyer miles and some extreme budgeting skills, Lauren traveled around the world through 37 countries. Accomplishments include eating at the world’s largest restaurant in Syria, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border, running into Anthony Bourdain at a Mexican restaurant in Cambodia and cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa.
