Airline websites ‘misleading travellers’

Thursday, 14 Nov, 2007 0

Half of 400 airline websites are misleading the consumer, according to an investigation by the European Commission.

At last 200 European airline sites are failing to show taxes and charges and refusing to show the lowest fare prominantly, according to reports.

But the Commission has declined to name any of the carriers involved to allow them to improve their websites.

The probe involved 15 national airline authorities across the European Union over one weekend at the end of September. Half of the 400 tested were not complying in one way or anther with EU law, the BBC reported.

The Commission could force websites that flout its rules to shut down next year if they fail to improve.

Ryanair responded by saying it had not been contacted by the Commission over the investigation and said all prices on its website home page and media advertising was “fully tax inclusive”.

A spokesman added: “We would welcome any proposals by the Commission to force Europe’s high fare arilines to match Ryanair’s fares, our inclusive advertising, our low fare availability and our guarantee of no fuel surcharges ever.”

Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said: “When consumers are looking for flights they want clarity and honesty right from the start – not hidden charges that they only discover at the last minute. We look forward to seeing what recommendations the European Commission proposes to force airlines to comply with the regulations and improve their services.”

by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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