LOCAL EURO MP: NEW AIRLINE RULES MEAN END TO MISLEADING FLIGHT PRICES

3.32.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jul 2007

Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP Diana Wallis has welcomed proposed new legislation approved by the European Parliament today which will mean tougher new laws to stamp out unfair airline pricing.

Many airlines continue to advertise misleading prices that don't reflect the final cost of the ticket, despite previous EU legislation, the UK's Consumer Protection Act and warnings from the Office of Fair Trading.

Speaking after the vote, Diana Wallis said:

"Airline customers often feel confused and cheated by unclear pricing structures.Tax and supplements can often double the advertised price. I support the tougher rules which will oblige airlines to provide inclusive prices in advertising from the start. This is good news for all passengers."

Notes:

The practice of airlines separating all kinds of charges from the price initially seen has become widespread.

Many tour operators add £30 to advertised prices for a short-haul trip and £65 for long-haul, justifying the supplement by the increased cost of fuel, even though oil prices have been at their current level for two years.

This proposed revision of EU legislation ensures that any supplements must be included in the advertised price of a ticket or from the outset of the booking process.