News Digest

BTS’ National Transportation Statistics Updated - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today updated National Transportation Statistics (NTS) – a web-only reference guide to national-level transportation data. NTS, updated quarterly, includes a wide range of national transportation information. NTS consists of more than 260 tables of national data on the transportation system, safety, the economy and energy and the environment, of which 54 were updated today. The next quarterly update is scheduled for January. NTS  can be viewed on the BTS website.  Contact: Dave Smallen (202) 366-5568.

DOT Fines Cathay Pacific for Violating Full-Fare Advertising Rules.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined Cathay Pacific, an airline based in Hong Kong, $260,000 for violating the Department’s full-fare advertising rule and ordered the carrier to cease and desist from further violations.  In response to a consumer complaint, DOT’s Aviation Enforcement Office investigated the fare advertising on Cathay Pacific’s U.S. website.  The Enforcement Office found that for a significant period of time, Cathay Pacific advertised fares in its initial fare matrix that did not include mandatory taxes and fees.  When consumers searched for fares originating from non-U.S. points to the United States, the Cathay Pacific website first displayed a fare matrix that did not include carrier surcharges and government imposed fees and taxes.  After choosing a flight and proceeding through the booking process, consumers were presented with much higher fares for the same flight.  By not advertising the full-fare to be paid by the consumer in the initial fare matrix on its U.S. website, Cathay Pacific violated the full fare advertising rule and engaged in prohibited unfair and deceptive practices.  The consent order is available at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2014-0001.  Contact:  Caitlin Harvey:  (202) 366-4531.

DOT 97-14