EU to end misleading air fares

STRASBOURG – Airlines will no longer be able to advertise one euro tickets for journeys which actually cost far more after European Union lawmakers approved a deal to end ambiguity on airport taxes and additional charges.

The directive is particularly aimed at the websites of budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair and demands that air fares shown include all known taxes, surcharges and fees, such as those related to security or fuel. Options such as travel insurance would only be able to be sold on an “opt-in” basis, where buyers have to choose to buy the product rather than having to opt out.”It is misleading to advertise a ticket at one or two euros, when the actual cost is actually much higher,” said Lithuanian liberal MEP Arunas Degutis, who led the legislation through parliament.British socialist MEP Brian Simpson said budget airlines had perfected the art to the frustration of passengers.”This transparency has to be a good thing, and I hope it will end what has been over recent years an exercise in deceit by some airlines which try to con the travelling public into believing they are buying a very cheap ticket when the opposite is true,” he added.In addition, stricter controls on the financial situation of airlines should ensure that passenger rights are protected when airlines go bankrupt.The new regulation should enter into force later this year or early next year.Nampa-ReutersOptions such as travel insurance would only be able to be sold on an “opt-in” basis, where buyers have to choose to buy the product rather than having to opt out.”It is misleading to advertise a ticket at one or two euros, when the actual cost is actually much higher,” said Lithuanian liberal MEP Arunas Degutis, who led the legislation through parliament.British socialist MEP Brian Simpson said budget airlines had perfected the art to the frustration of passengers.”This transparency has to be a good thing, and I hope it will end what has been over recent years an exercise in deceit by some airlines which try to con the travelling public into believing they are buying a very cheap ticket when the opposite is true,” he added.In addition, stricter controls on the financial situation of airlines should ensure that passenger rights are protected when airlines go bankrupt.The new regulation should enter into force later this year or early next year.Nampa-Reuters