Travel app Hopper has reached a $35 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission after allegations that it presented fees in a misleading way and did not clearly show the full cost of bookings.
The FTC said the app's VIP Support and Price Freeze features were promoted as helpful add-ons, yet users were not always given a clear view of the extra charges attached to them. Regulators also said some optional fees appeared pre-selected or were harder to notice within the booking flow.
Another focus of the case was Hopper's Price Freeze or "Hold the Room" feature. According to the FTC, the service did not fully explain its limits, including that the rate protection depended on availability and specific conditions.
Under the settlement, Hopper must improve how it presents pricing and disclose all fees more clearly before customers complete a transaction. The payment will be used for consumer redress, while the company is now restricted from misrepresenting its pricing structure.
Launched in 2014, Hopper became widely known for its AI-based travel predictions and reported more than 120 million lifetime downloads in 2024. The case reflects a broader shift toward clearer digital commerce standards, and it may help shape a more transparent future for travel apps and online booking platforms.