Texas Sues Booking Holdings For Not Disclosing Junk Fees Upfront

8/21/2023

The state of Texas filed a lawsuit against Booking Holdings, alleging that the travel technology company violates state law by marketing hotel rates in a deceptive manner because it does not include a variety of fees when it initially displays room prices. “Consumers who use Booking websites to search for and compare prospective hotel accommodation options by price in accordance with the daily room rate are misled because the price advertised does not include the mandatory fees that are subsequently added during the purchase process,” the lawsuit said. “Furthermore, Booking’s actions place hotels and other competitors that include mandatory fees in the price initially advertised for hotel rooms at a competitive disadvantage.” The lawsuit, filed in District Court in San Antonio, seeks a temporary restraining order, and then a permanent injunction and civil penalties. The lawsuit alleged that Booking’s practices violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Skift (08/14/23) Dennis Schaal