**Say Goodbye to Hidden Fees: New FTC Rule Forces Airbnb & Ticketmaster to Show Full Prices Upfront**
The days of surprise fees at checkout are over for Airbnb and Ticketmaster, thanks to a new FTC rule requiring upfront all-in pricing. While the change only applies to live events and short-term lodging, it’s a win for transparency—no more bait-and-switch tactics. Consumers can now compare prices fairly, though other industries still bury fees until the last minute.
**Why Hidden Fees Trick You Into Spending More—And How the FTC Is Fighting Back**
Hidden fees aren’t just annoying—they manipulate shoppers into overspending by obscuring true costs until they’re too invested to back out. A new FTC rule now bans this deceptive pricing for event tickets and lodging, but industries like car rentals still thrive on last-minute add-ons. Research shows companies make 28% more when they hide fees—so why would they stop voluntarily?
**Airbnb’s Transparent Pricing Makes Trip Planning Easier—Why Don’t More Companies Follow?**
Shopping for an Airbnb just got less stressful, with fees now displayed upfront instead of at checkout. But most companies resist all-in pricing—StubHub lost revenue when it tried transparency, proving hidden fees boost profits. While consumers love clear pricing, businesses fear losing competitive edge, leaving regulators to force the change. Could this be the end of junk fees—or just the beginning?