EasyJet has been censured by the Advertising Standards Authority for what it claims was misleading ad copy.
It relates to easyJet’s claim of carry-on baggage fees available ‘from £5.99.’
The airline has failed to provide evidence to ASA of this.
The was first raised by consumer group Which?
“We always aim to provide clear information to our customers on pricing and the purpose of this page was to display factual information on fees and charges to customers,” easyJet responded.
“We always have some large cabin bags available for the lowest price. In light of the ASA’s feedback we have made some changes to the page to ensure the information is as clear as possible.”
The airline claimed it displayed an accurate price on some routes.
With the airline unable to provide sufficient evidence, ASA ruled the advert was misleading and ordered EasyJet not to use the wording in future ads.
The airline has now updated its website: “Fees vary with demand, route, flight date and time of booking. You’ll see exact price at time of purchase.”
The airline claimed it was ‘not able to provide specific figures’ as cabin bag fees are priced based availability, demand and other factors.
Which? claimed average cabin bag prices were five times as high based on its research.
“It’s frankly astonishing that airlines think they can ignore the rules and mislead customers with unattainable prices, so it’s absolutely right that the ASA has made this ruling,” Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said.
