The Trading Standards Institute has accused budget airlines of displaying “totally fictitious” fares six weeks after a deadline set by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to end misleading pricing.
TSI chief executive Ron Gainsford said: “Enough warnings have been given to the industry. The TSI intends to work with the OFT to stamp out this marketing ploy.”
Gainsford told the institute’s annual conference in Manchester: “Consumers should not have to search around to get the true price.”
The OFT warned travel companies, including low-cost carriers, in February that it expected advertising and online headline prices to include all non-optional charges.
Abta agreed to police its members and called 11 companies before its code of conduct committee on charges of breaching the rules two weeks ago. It issued reprimands and fines of up to £5,000, although details have not been disclosed pending the right of appeal.
However, Trading Standards lead officer for travel, Bruce Treloar, said at least one no-frills carrier operating to Dublin has failed to comply, with its website informing customers: “Fares do not include taxes, fees and charges.”
Treloar said: “It should not still be happening. The OFT warned all travel suppliers the practice of separating non-optional extra costs was illegal and that it intended to take action.”
Mike Haley, head of consumer protection for the OFT, said: “We will not hesitate to take court action against any airline and travel companies that refuse to toe the line.”