News: EU to get tough over hidden charges

Flights > News > # 1575 (14/11/2007)

Over half of Europe's airlines including Ryanair could be forced to close their websites next year if they fail to fix pricing irregularities uncovered by the EU consumer affairs watchdog in a probe carried out in September.
The results of the investigation published today (November 14) says "over 50 percent of all websites showed irregularities, in particular relating to price indications, contract terms and clarity of proposed conditions."
"Companies will be contacted by authorities and asked to provide clarification or change their practices in four months. Those who fail to do so could face legal action leading to fines or closure of their Web sites," the report says.
The results do not identify any airlines in particular, but the European Union's Executive Commission intends to "publish a list of companies concerned" in four months' time.
Last month, Spain's consumer rights watchdog said it had found misleading information in seven of 12 airline ticket websites including Ryanair - Europe's biggest no-frills airline.
The Spanish authorities also found faults with Spanish carriers Vueling, Iberia and Spainair.
The Brussels investigation, known as a "consumer sweep," focused on unfair pricing, hidden charges and poorly translated terms and conditions.