Travel app Hopper to pay $35 million FTC settlement over hidden fees

Hopper, the travel‑booking app, has agreed to pay $35 million to resolve a Federal Trade Commission investigation that accused the company of employing deceptive “dark‑pattern” designs to conceal fees and mislead users about the costs and benefits of its services. The settlement follows the FTC’s claim that Hopper’s interface deliberately obscured additional charges, prompting travelers to believe they were receiving lower‑priced options than were actually available.

Under the agreement, Hopper will not admit wrongdoing but must implement a comprehensive compliance program, undergo regular third‑party audits, and provide clear, upfront disclosures of all fees and service terms. The FTC said the action reinforces its broader effort to curb manipulative design practices that can erode consumer trust in digital marketplaces. The $35 million payment marks one of the larger penalties levied for dark‑pattern violations in the travel sector.