The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has banned “junk fees” from live event tickets, requiring ticket sellers and hotels to disclose prices upfront. The ruling aims to reduce costs and promote competition, with President Biden stating that the ban will save families hundreds of dollars each year.
The FTC passed the rule 4-1, with Chairman Andrew Ferguson dissenting due to concerns about post-election rulemaking. However, current Chairman Lina Khan emphasized the importance of transparency in pricing, noting that thousands of comments were received from consumers who shared their experiences with hidden fees.
Under the new rule, ticket sellers must display prices including processing and handling fees upfront, rather than adding them as a surprise at checkout. The ruling does not limit the fees themselves but aims to increase consumer awareness.
Critics argue that the ban is insufficient and will not address the root issue of vertical monopolies in the industry. They point to the dominance of Ticketmaster and Live Nation, which has contributed to high prices for event tickets.
President Biden’s approval ratings have suffered due to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues, and critics argue that this ban is just another example of him misleading Americans on his intentions.
Source: https://deadline.com/2024/12/federal-rule-bans-hidden-junk-fees-live-event-tickets-donald-trump-ftc-pick-voting-against-1236209303