Spotting hotel junk fees is getting easier. Avoiding them isn’t.

It's easier than ever to spot hidden fees when you book flights, hotels or tours online. But don't expect your vacation costs to go down.

Travelers report no noticeable change in overall prices, but having a clear breakdown of costs is seen as a win after years of unexpected charges at checkout. According to a 2023 Consumer Reports survey of 2,121 U.S. adults, 37% have experienced unexpected fees during a hotel stay.

Key takeaways

• California has enacted two laws to improve price transparency. The Honest Pricing Law requires businesses to list prices that include all mandatory fees, while another requires hotels, motels and short-term rentals to disclose the full cost, including taxes and fees, before a reservation is made. Both laws went into effect on July 1;
• According to the California Attorney General, the new laws have not affected rates. Data from hotel and short-term rental tracking providers also show no correlation between the legislation and a reduction in rates;
• Despite the intent of the laws, Expedia executives noted during a recent earnings call that the legislation has negatively impacted bookings.

Get the full story at The Wall Street Journal