FTC proposes $35M settlement with Hopper over hidden travel-app fees—what’s next

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on July 2, 2026 announced a proposed stipulated settlement with the companies behind the Hopper travel apps, accusing them of charging hidden fees without consumers’ express informed consent.

In FTC v. Hopper (USA), Inc. (Case 232 3086; Civil Action No. 1:26-cv-13058) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the FTC says the proposed order would require Hopper to pay $35 million for consumer redress and would bar the companies from deceiving consumers about fees and the total prices consumers would pay.

What the FTC alleges Hopper did

In its complaint, the FTC alleges that—despite promises like “no hidden fees”—Hopper charged users “Tip” and “VIP Support” fees that were allegedly optional yet hidden and pre-selected in the app purchase flow.

The FTC also alleges that Hopper misrepresented the benefits of its fee-based VIP Support service and its Price Freeze offering, including how restrictions were disclosed and how the service would work in practice.

The $35 million: what it’s for under the proposed order

Under the FTC’s proposed order, Hopper would pay $35 million, which the FTC says will be used for consumer redress.

The FTC also said the Commission voted 2-0 to file the complaint and to stipulate the proposed order. But because this is a stipulated agreement, it remains proposed until the court takes the step needed to approve/sign/enter it.

What the proposed court order would require going forward

The FTC says the proposed order would include injunctive requirements aimed at fee transparency and truthful pricing, including terms that would:

• Prohibit misrepresenting fees; and
• Require Hopper to clearly and conspicuously disclose fees and charges, as well as the total price and the final amount due for transactions.

What “consumer redress” could mean for users

“Consumer redress” typically refers to money set aside for eligible consumers connected to the alleged conduct. The practical question is how the final court-approved implementation handles eligibility, notice, claims (if any), and the timing of payments.

If you used Hopper’s travel apps during the period described in the complaint and were charged for “Tip” or “VIP Support,” the next milestone to watch is whether any court action triggers a redress/claims process—and what steps consumers would need to take.

What to watch next

As of the FTC’s case listing, the matter is pending. The immediate next step is what the District Court does with the stipulated agreement—because that determines when the order becomes enforceable and how any consumer redress process would proceed.

Sources

• FTC press release (July 2, 2026): $35M, 2-0 vote, proposed-order disclosure rules