DOT Fines GOL Airlines $250,000
The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Brazilian Airline GOL for violating its rules.
According to a press release from DOT, the agency has fined Brazilian GOL Airlines for violating a number of rules that protect the rights of airline travelers. The violations total $250,000 in fines; according to DOT, this is the largest penalty assessed for violations of the rules adopted in April 2011.
The airline broke the rules, which ensure that a passenger on any airline is treated with respect when purchasing a ticket or boarding a plane. GOL violated these rules through its website by failing to include DOT-required information, such as a detailed contingency plan or a list of baggage fees. Buyers couldn't see the full fare until they began making their reservations.
GOL also failed to include taxes and fees when displaying its fares in advertising, which violates DOT's advertising rules. In addition, the airline failed to post its contract of carriage in "an easily accessible form on its website" and failed to include information online regarding how patrons could file a complaint with GOL.