Watchdog attacks airlines over website pricing
Airlines must avoid misleading customers by universally switching to pricing that includes taxes, fees and charges (TFCs) on their websites, the industry's watchdog has demanded.In 2005 the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) prepared a report showing that 43 per cent of customers buying plane tickets online were unaware that only some airlines included TFCs in their prices.Today's follow-up report from the AUC finds that while most airlines have incorporated TFCs into their prices some â€" notably budget airlines â€" have failed to do so."There remains a risk that passengers are not aware that airlines charge different TFCs on a route and therefore might not look at other airlines' websites to compare fares," AUC chairman Tina Tietjen explained."In addition, passengers now have a further problem in that they must compare prices between those airlines that include TFCs in their prices and those that don't. The only solution is for all airlines to switch to all-inclusive pricing on their websites."The report found insufficient justification for airlines continuing to separate TFCs from the overall charge. While some TFCs are levied by external bodies, like government-imposed airport taxes, others â€" like the fuel surcharge â€" are part of the airlines running ports, the report claims."They are in fact a cost of doing business - like cabin crew uniforms or in-flight catering," it notes.
Share this..
Related stories
UK pensioners struggling to cover energy costs
A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has today revealed to what extent gas and electricity price rises are impacting upon the lives and financial well-being of the elderly in the UK. The report shows that between 2004 and 2007 pensioners in the UK saw their gas costs increase by 55% and electricity costs by 36% while reducing their own consumption by 10%. The report also reveals that...
Read MoreTreasury select committee wants changes in personal finance market
The powerful Treasury select committee has today issued a report with a number of major changes recommended in the personal finance market. One suggestion is that consumers should have free access to credit reports, which currently cost around two pound each, in line with the US where each member of the public is allowed a limited number of free reports each year. However, one of the more eye-catc...
Read MoreSwapping expensive debt for cheap debt
There are many people in the UK who have mortgage debt, credit card debt and loan debts and appear unsure as to how they should attack these particular issues in the short to medium term. The simple solution is to pay down your most expensive debt as soon as possible because this will incur higher interest charges and will ultimately cost you more in the long run. However, you also need to appreci...
Read MoreIs it time to install a water meter?
Even though water meters have become more and more popular with the water companies over the last few years, there has been a general feeling that it is not in the best interests of customers to install such devices. However, do you really know how much water you use in your home and what it is costing you?
The next few years will see a variety of green taxes introduced to the UK co...
Which? responds to Ofgem switching figures
Which? has responded to figures showing that the number of consumers switching energy provider last year hit a five-year high. Research conducted by the UK energy watchdog Ofgem found that the number of switchers in 2007 climbed to 5.1 million. Siobhan Parker of Switch with Which? welcomed the trend which she said is evidenc that "consumers are using their buying power and taking their business el...
Read More