The Department of Transportation (DOT) imposed a fine of $130.000 to the Mexican carrier Volaris last Friday for not informing consumers that they could pay luggage fees when buying tickets.
However, Volaris spokesperson Enrique Beltranena argues that their reservations system contains a hyperlink in the purchasing page. The link will lead to another page where customers would be able to see how much they would have to page for luggage as well as the other services offered by the airline.
“For the purpose of promoting transparency in the process and ensuring the best shopping experience, such information is available on the site at all times under’ Additional Service Fees’,” he said in a statement.
In that sense, the airline said it complied with the provisions the DOT has set with regards to transparency of certain pieces of information that should be disclosed to clients.
horities, in this case the DOT, have had to the company regarding the provision of specific information for clients.
On the other hand, DOT states that when the new provision took effect last January 24, Volaris only placed flight schedules and prices on their website. The application where customers could see how much they would have to pay for luggage was missing.
“We have stated in our policy that baggage fees should be transparent to ensure that consumers have complete and accurate information about how much will have to pay when booking a flight,” said Secretary of the U.S. Transportation, Ray LaHood.
He warned that violation fees apply to both national and international airline companies that fail to meet standards.
Volaris is the first airline to be fined for violation of the new rules of consumer protection for air transport. The new policies were released January of this year.
Under the new policy, airline companies must clearly state the additional charges customers must pay for luggage in the first image or advertisement for the flight of their choice.
Volaris operates flights from Mexico to the cities of California, Nevada, and Illinois and is expected to soon open routes to Florida.
