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VERIFY | Are high hotel prices during the Total Solar Eclipse considered price gouging under Texas law?

Central Texas hotel prices are soaring the night before the total solar eclipse, from $300 to $1,000.

TEXAS, USA — Hotel prices and rentals are at an all-time high for the Total Solar Eclipse. If you are looking to book something in Central Texas, prices for just one night are reaching up to $1,000.

It has many wondering if these high prices qualify as price gouging.

THE QUESTION

Do high hotel prices during the Total Solar Eclipse qualify as price gouging under Texas law?

OUR SOURCE

Texas Attorney General

THE ANSWER

No, hotel prices climbing during the Total Solar Eclipse is not considered price gouging since there is not a disaster declared by the Governor of Texas or President.

WHAT WE FOUND

The Total Solar Eclipse will make its way right over Central Texas on April 8, 2024. It will bring in thousands of people from across the world, all searching for somewhere to stay.

6 News Reporter Sydney Dishon went to look for hotels in the Central Texas area to see just how high the prices are getting for a stay. 

On Expedia, 6 News found hotels ranging from $300 to $1,000 per night with almost everything already sold out the night before the eclipse. 

That raised the question as to whether this qualifies as price gouging under Texas law.

The Attorney General says price gouging is illegal. It's a deceptive act that happens when an emergency takes place and businesses raise their prices excessively on goods and services.

However, high prices alone do not mean price gouging has taken place.

Businesses are allowed to determine the prices for their products.

If a disaster has been declared by the Governor of Texas or President, and businesses raise their prices to take advantage of the declaration, it is likely price gouging and you should file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office

Want something verified? Get in touch at verify@kcentv.com!

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