The DOT has released a statement saying it will no-longer enforce airlines to honor mistake fares.
The airlines will have to demonstrate that the ticket price was actually a mistake (I am not sure how they will have to do that), and they will have to reimburse the ticket price plus any other expenses the customer made in reliance upon the purchase of that ticket.
“The Assistant General Counsel has decided not to enforce section 399.88 with respect to mistaken fares while the Department completes the aforementioned rulemaking process. As a matter of prosecutorial discretion, the Enforcement Office will not enforce the requirement of section 399.88 with regard to mistaken fares occurring on or after the date of this notice so long as the air line or seller of air transportation: (1) demonstrates that the fare was a mistaken fare 4; and (2)reimburses all consumers who purchased a mistaken fare ticket for any reasonable, actual, and verifiable out – of – pocket expenses that were made in reliance upon the ticket purchase, in addition to refunding the purchase price of the ticket These expenses include, but are not limited to, non – refundable hotel reservations, destination tour packages or activities, cancellation fees for non-refundable connecting air travel and visa or other international travel fees. The airline may ask the consumer requesting out-of-pocket expenses to provide evidence (i.e.receipts or proof of cancellations) of actual costs incurred by the consumer.”
Click here for the DOT’s statement.
