- Resort fees back in the spotlight due to Marriott, Wyndham lawsuits by Hotel Management via VFTW. Resort fees have got to be the biggest scam in the tourism industry, followed by dynamic currency conversion. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, the competitive advantage of using resort fees is so strong that hotels almost have to introduce them in markets where their competitors are using them. The easiest way to solve that issue is with government regulation.
- Airline Admits Revenue-Based Mistake, Will Award More Credit to Cheap Fares by View From The Wing. Will be interesting to see how the airline industry adapts to revenue based models going forward.
- Amazon’s return policy for the holidays is now in place. You have until January 30th instead of 30 days. Same for Newegg.
There is absolutely no way the hospitality industry can justify resort fees existing without the sole purpose of intentionally misleading consumers. With airlines; bag fees, seat assignment fees, etc are all OPTIONAL. When something goes from being OPTIONAL to MANDATORY, it needs to be included in the advertised rate. It’s fine (although not a good business move) if they want to nickel and dime guests once they are there with gym fees, internet fees, etc as they have the option to not use or pay for those services. I’m not sure how the FTC can justify holding airlines and hotels to different standards.
MR. PAGE: … And I should clarify, my primary airline is Aeroflot, a Delta partner and member of the SkyTeam Alliance with whom I enjoy status at the Kremlin Medallion level.