No more hidden fees when booking flights online

Flying should get a little bit easier as of this week thanks to some new airline rules taking effect.

The rules will take a lot of the surprise out of ticket buying. The only question:  Will all airlines honor them?

Complaints About Hidden Fees

One of the biggest complaints about air travel these days are all the hidden fees.

For example, you go to Orbitz , Expedia or any airline website and find a decent price. But when you go to book it, the fare jumps another $50 or more as taxes, fuel surcharges and bag fees are added on.

For instance, the fare quote says "$325,"  but then says "plus $70 in taxes and fees."

Changes This Week    

But as of Jan. 26, 2012, new Department of Transportation rules will make booking simpler. The three biggest changes:

    -Airlines will now be required to include all fees and surcharges in the original quote.

    -Passengers will now have 24 hours to cancel a flight without penalty.

    -Airlines must also disclose all baggage fees at time of booking.

Only possible catch: Some airlines say the rules on how they have to post fares may infringe on their right of free speech. So we'll have to see if they all go along with this or try to challenge it in court.

But it's a big step ahead for passenger rights, so you don't waste your money.