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Court Strikes Down Airline Fee Disclosure Rule

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 3, 2026, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed its prior ruling allowing the U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) to mandate upfront airline-fee disclosures.
The court vacated a 2024 rule requiring airlines to reveal ancillary fees, such as baggage charges, to customers during booking.
Major airlines had challenged the rule, arguing that federal law did not authorize USDOT to enforce such disclosures.

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Story summary

On February 3, 2026, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed its prior ruling allowing the U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) to mandate upfront airline-fee disclosures.
The court vacated a 2024 rule requiring airlines to reveal ancillary fees, such as baggage charges, to customers during booking.
Major airlines had challenged the rule, arguing that federal law did not authorize USDOT to enforce such disclosures.