Regulators Don’t Care

The problem Jane Engle wrote about (“On the Web, Buyers Face a Fee-Finding Mission,” Travel Insider, Jan. 20) is epidemic throughout much of the business world, and the reason is simple: In too many cases the agencies and commissions responsible for regulating industries don’t care about consumers.

There is no reason that airlines, travel agents or online travel services should be allowed to quote a price without it being the true price, with all fees and charges included.

At the moment, rental cars seem to be the worst offenders in the travel business, although airlines and high-end hotels run a close second.

When I buy a can of peaches at the grocery, the store is required to charge me the price posted on the shelf. There’s no reason the travel industry should be any different.

BOB THOMAS

Los Angeles