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DOT Proposes Base-Fare Listings, Southwest Opposes Confusing Change

8/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed letting airlines list a base fare without taxes but still show price, and it could lift the ban on fare-component highlights.
Southwest Airlines opposed change in a July 22 filing, saying it would confuse those accustomed to all-in pricing, and noted period stays open through Aug. 21.
Analyst Sean Cudahy of The Points Guy warned shoppers could be surprised by taxes and fees at checkout.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed letting airlines list a base fare without taxes but still show price, and it could lift the ban on fare-component highlights.
Southwest Airlines opposed change in a July 22 filing, saying it would confuse those accustomed to all-in pricing, and noted period stays open through Aug. 21.
Analyst Sean Cudahy of The Points Guy warned shoppers could be surprised by taxes and fees at checkout.