ASTA believes getting rid of so-called junk fees would benefit travel advisors' clients.
The Society filed comments this week in favor of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposed rule that would "prohibit unfair or deceptive practices" related to junk fees, which ASTA described as "hidden or deceptive fees that can harm consumers."
In the comments, ASTA general counsel Peter Lobasso said the Society is an advocate not just for travel agencies and advisors but the consumers who use their services.
While there has been more public scrutiny of resort fees in recent years, ASTA noted their use is still common in the hotel industry. The disclosure of fees, sometimes called "amenity fees" or "destination fees," is inconsistent, ASTA said.
Often, consumers don't know about or understand the fees, the Society said. As a result, a consumer might see a bill that's higher than expected at booking or checkout.
"This is a problem altogether distinct from the failure to disclose the charge upfront to the agency and consumer during the booking process," ASTA said.
ASTA reiterated that it has long been in favor of price transparency and supports efforts to ensure consumers see the full, pre-tax price of a hotel room while searching and comparison shopping.