MYRTLE BEACH - New rules for all airlines are now in effect and they could impact Grand Strand tourism.
The new rules, which went into effect late last week, are highlighted by new price quoting regulations.
All airlines must now advertise the true price of the ticket, including all fees and taxes.
Baggage fees will now be advertised on the first screen of the airlines website where you buy the tickets.
They will also be required to allow customers to cancel a ticket purchase within 24 hours without a penalty.
The reason why the rules could impact Grand Strand tourism is because in 2011 Spirit Airlines accounted for more than half off all passengers that flew in and out of the Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Spirit Airlines advertises extremely low fares on its website.
Its prices are higher at the time to check out because of added baggage fees and government fees and taxes.
"I’m actually am a part of the nine dollar fare club so I think I assumed it would be nine dollars," said Erin McCauley who flew from Myrtle Beach to New York on Tuesday.
"They told me I was going to pay $26 there and back," said Chris Carter who flew to New York on Tuesday as well.
By the time the two travelers reached the final page of their purchase the price was much higher.
"More than what they told me it was going to be. It was like $130," Carter said.
"I think probably around $115," said McCauley.
Marketing expert Mark Mitchell said full cost disclosure could deter people from taking last minute cheap trips to Myrtle Beach.
"Now that its all communicated some of those, I call them “marginal travelers”, some of those uber price sensitive buyers may make that trip," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the best way for Myrtle Beach leaders to ensure the amount of visitors this year doesn't dip is for them to find a way to educate airline passengers of the changes.
"[Local tourism leaders] don't control [the airlines],” Mitchell said. “[They can] encourage [the airlines] to make sure that they get the message out that what you're getting is the total cost."
The Obama administration has proposed raising air travel taxes which is completely different that the new regulations the US Department of Transportation enacts.
Mitchell said there’s no way to know the exact impact the changes will have on the local tourism industry until an economic study is done.
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