Three fined for airfare ad violations

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday it had slapped three companies with fines for violating airline fare advertising rules.

Rules adopted in January mandate companies clearly display fares in full, including surcharges, taxes and fees, so that hidden costs are not later sprung on unsuspecting consumers.

The department said Philippine Airlines and Santa Barbara Airlines were each fined $80,000. Ticket agent Pacific for Less was fined $20,000, the department said.

"We adopted our airline consumer protection rules to make sure passengers know the full price they have to pay, including charges for checking baggage, when they buy an airline ticket," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

"Carriers and ticket agents are required to comply with these rules."