Ryanair in court

Ryanair misled customers over the price of flying with its rival Buzz, a court heard yesterday. The airline is in court over allegations brought by trading standards officers that it misled the public over the cost of flights with Buzz and over the cost of its own flights. Essex County Council is making the allegations, which concern internet advertising over flights departing from the county’s Stansted Airport. Ryanair denies the charge, according to a BBC report. The investigation by trading standards officers began in March 2003, according to the report, which is a few months after Ryanair announced its intention to take over Buzz. According to the BBC report, Ryanair made multiple claims about Buzz fares being up to £33 more expensive than they were. It also added that Ryanair is accused of not quoting the full price of fares on its website homepage, with no mention of taxes and charges until later in the booking process. A verdict is expected next week.