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Planning a trip? Need to book a flight, hotel, or something else for travel? Know that some companies tack on extra charges they make hard for you to see or bury in the fine print — hoping you won’t notice until it’s too late. Here’s how it happens.

Let’s say you’re searching for a flight online or through a travel app. You find one that fits your budget, click through to book it, and feel good about the price — until you check your receipt or bank statement and realize you’ve paid more than expected. Sound familiar?

That’s what the FTC alleged in its case against the travel apps operated by Hopper, Inc. According to the FTC’s complaint, when Hopper users were ready to confirm their booking, they saw a screen with the “total” price listed and a prominent “continue” button — suggesting that was the full price the consumer would pay for their booking. 

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Mobile screen showing option to "choose payment"
Source: FTC v. Hopper, Inc.

On the next screen, users received additional details about their itinerary above a prominent “Swipe to Book Flight” button.

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Mobile screen showing option to "swipe to book flight"
Source: FTC v. Hopper, Inc.

But there was a catch. Hopper had pre-selected add-on charges — a “Tip” and an additional charge for “VIP Support” — that were automatically added to the total. Only customers who ignored the “Swipe to Book Flight” button and scrolled down on the screen could see these additional pre-selected charges. And most consumers never did.   

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Mobile screen showing additional fee charges
Source: FTC v. Hopper, Inc.

Hidden fees like this can trick you into paying more for travel. Dishonest companies are betting that you’re too rushed, too distracted, or won’t look closely enough.

Here are some tips to help you spot and avoid hidden fees if you’re booking travel, making reservations, or purchasing anything online:

  • Scroll down. Before you confirm a payment, keep scrolling past the “Book,” “Pay,” or “Confirm” button to see the whole screen. Make sure there’s nothing hidden below the payment button.
  • Look for pre-selected options. Some businesses hope you won’t notice that you’re automatically agreeing to pay additional charges now (or later). Review every checkbox and toggle, and deselect anything you didn’t choose or don’t want.
  • Compare the final total to the original price. If the amount at checkout is higher than the price you saw earlier, don’t just accept it — find out why before completing the purchase. 
  • Report hidden fees to the FTC. Spot a hidden fee, or been charged for something you didn’t agree to? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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