Will the sun finally set on some of the airlines' most aggravating policies?

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Tougher New Airline Regulations Ahead

Trying to book and pay for a plane ticket can make you feel helpless.

But the Department of Transportation (DOT) is expected to come to your rescue this spring, according to reports from USA Today and Huffington Post.

The new regulations could force airlines to tell you exactly what you're paying for before you buy a ticket.

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Huffington Post travel blogger and consumer advocate Christopher Elliott says there are 3 big things lurking in your airfare the government's new upcoming regulations could finally exterminate.

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1. You buy a ticket from one airline and end up on another.

You think you're flying a big name carrier, only to board the plane to be greeted by a crew "operating the plane" as a partner of the big name carrier. Airlines get away with it under code sharing agreements. Most airlines take part in code sharing agreements, according to the US General Services Administration. Even though it's completely legal, it's still a big pet peeve for passengers, and Elliott believes the DOT may move to make this more transparent.

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2. Full disclosure for travel agent kickbacks

Travel agencies may not be showing you the lowest price available. Instead, they may be telling you about the price that earns them kickbacks from airlines. Elliott says DOT could require travel agencies to reveal the bonuses they receive if you purchase a ticket from them.

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3. The Laundry List of "Other Fees"

Ever bought a cheap ticket only to realize the fee for your one reasonably-sized bag is half as much as the ticket? Currently websites like Expedia and Airfare Watchdog break down those hidden fees by airline, but Elliott reports the DOT's new upcoming regulations could force the airlines to be more upfront about fees before you purchase a ticket.