Get All Access for $5/mo

Major U.S. Airlines Are Suing the Government Over 'Capricious' Fee Transparency Law Southwest Airlines opted not to join the other airlines in the lawsuit.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

A new rule regarding air travel fee transparency enacted by the U.S. Transportation Department earlier this month has sparked outrage among major U.S. airlines — and now the companies are suing the government to block the new order.

The lawsuit was filed on Monday in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on behalf of the trade group Airlines for America and certain carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

Related: Delayed, Cancelled Flights Now Eligible for Full Cash Refund

The airlines are calling the new rule "an abuse of discretion" and claim that the agency is overstepping its power by going "beyond its authority" in an attempt to "regulate private business operations in a thriving marketplace."

The law, announced on April 24, requires airlines to disclose and explain all "surprise junk fees" upfront "clearly, conspicuously, and accurately" to passengers before they purchase their tickets.

Southwest Airlines did not join the lawsuit — the airline has never charged for checked baggage or charged fees for canceling or changing a flight.

"Overall, we support every airline's right to price its products but believe fees should be clearly and consistently disclosed so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions," Southwest said, per the Associated Press.

The USDOT claims the new law will save travelers over $500 million a year in fees.

"Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers' business — not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at a press conference, at the time.

Related: Delta Airlines Is Increasing Checked Bag Fees This Week

"We will vigorously defend our rule protecting people from hidden junk fees and ensuring travelers can see the full price of a flight before they purchase a ticket. Many air travelers will be disappointed to learn that the airline lobby is suing to stop these common-sense protections," the department said Monday.

It's estimated that airlines made $33 billion in 2023 in checked bag fees alone.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

At Age 15, He Used Facebook Marketplace to Start a Side Hustle — Then It Became Something Much Bigger: 'Raised Over $1.6 Million'

Dylan Zajac, now a 21-year-old senior at Babson College, wanted to bridge the digital divide.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Innovation

These Entrepreneurs Created a League That Turns Gamers Into Pro Race Car Drivers: 'We're Giving Drivers a Sustainable Career Path'

Racing Prodigy's innovative E2Real sports league is lowering the high-cost barrier to entry for drivers to take their passion to the track.

Business News

OpenAI Just Released Its Text-to-Video Generator, Sora. Here's How the New AI Could Impact Small Businesses and Creators.

Sora has a variety of use cases for businesses, from social media campaigns to video creation.

Science & Technology

Machines Are Surpassing Humans in Intelligence. What We Do Next Will Define the Future of Humanity, Says This Legendary Tech Leader.

Craig Mundie, co-author of "Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope and The Human Spirit" dives into the unrivaled power of AI.

Growing a Business

This Cozy Coffee and Garden Shop Has Become a Staple in Its Community By Following 5 Smart Strategies

Maypop is a combination coffee and garden shop where a blend of community building and customer service creates an unforgettable experience.