Hopper to pay $35M settlement over hidden fees, deceptive pricing

Hopper settles FTC claims for $35 million over deceptive hidden fees and dark patterns.

Travel app Hopper has agreed to pay a $35 million settlement to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to resolve allegations that it misled consumers with deceptive hidden fees and unfair pricing tactics. The settlement addresses claims that Hopper used manipulative design techniques, known as “dark patterns,” to push users toward additional charges.

The FTC accused Hopper of setting pre-selected optional add-ons, which caused users to incur unexpected costs. Specifically, Hopper’s “VIP Support” and “Price Freeze” features were cited as misleading, as these services promised benefits that many consumers did not receive, including limited access to customer support and unclear pricing structures.

Hopper has stated that these practices were discontinued in mid-2023 and emphasized that the settlement avoids prolonged litigation over outdated issues. A Hopper spokesperson said, “We decided to settle because the claims at issue are outdated and have no bearing on our business” and that continued litigation would distract from current customers and partners.

Under the settlement terms, Hopper must clearly disclose all fees in future transactions and ensure users understand total costs before booking. The $35 million settlement fund will be used for consumer redress, although details on distribution have not been disclosed.

This enforcement action is part of a broader FTC crackdown on companies employing dark patterns, following recent settlements like StubHub’s $10 million resolution and Shutterstock’s $35 million agreement for deceptive practices in digital consumer transactions. Hopper’s case underscores the importance of transparency and compliance in travel tech and other consumer-facing digital services.

Yes, but: Hopper claims the allegations relate to outdated practices discontinued in 2023 and settled to avoid costly litigation.