In 2011, the Department of Transportation issued a final rule that enhanced airline passenger protections by prohibiting airlines and sellers of air transportation from increasing the price after a purchase occurred. The Enforcement Office of the Department of Transportation has generally enforced the post purchase rule and has required airlines to honor mistaken fares. In 2014 the Department of Transportation expressed concerns about how mistaken fares are spread online and asked for comments on how to address “bad faith” purchases of mistaken fares. Now, the DOT stated it would no longer enforce section 399.88 with respect to mistaken fares that occur on or after May, 8 2015 until the Department issues a final rule that specifically addresses mistaken fares.
Read More:
http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer…icy-statement-050815
This is really a blow to those of us who like to find bargain airfares. There were some abuses, but in general the post purchase rule been a good one for consumers and airlines. It’s very hard to know a great sale from a mistaken fare. I hope the rule will be enforced in some way in the future.