DOT slaps Air France with $85,000 fee for violating full-fare advertising rules

The Department of Transportation fined Air France $85,000 for violating its price advertising rule that requires airline websites to display the total airfare including taxes and fees. The department followed up a consumer complaint to find that the website was hiding additional fees that customers would have to pay after securing a flight using frequent flyer miles. Air France’s website has been updated to comply with DOT regulations.

Although Air France is not an American airline, the DOT can regulate any air transportation sold within the United States and does not issue a warning to airlines prior issuing the fine. Aerolineas, Aeroflot, Royal Jordanian, Phillipine Airlines and Egyptair have been fined for similar advertising violations.

British Airways also was hit with a $250,000 fine in early October for violating DOT regulations regarding full-fare advertising and baggage handling reimbursements.