Ripped off, misled or confused?
A third of us who book airline tickets online are being “ripped off, misled or confused”, the European Commission said today. Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva has threatened to take action against airlines and tour operators for what she says are “serious and persistent” consumer problems, including misleading advertising in relation to online ticket sales. Misleading pricing is the biggest problem and was recorded in 58 per cent of the sites under investigation while in 49 per cent of the sites, there were irregularities related to contract terms. Problems with non-availability of advertised offers also appeared frequently.
On a somewhat related matter, I have today been asked to pay an extra €65 per person fuel tax for a boat tour I’m taking this summer in South America.
This comes after I have paid for the trip - any advice on where I stand here?
Thanks
Comment by RC | May 9, 2008 at 1:16 pmthe european commission is talking nonsense. if you dont like the price of the ticket dont buy it. the airlines are not holding a gun to your head.at the end of the booking process a full price is quoted and you can take it or leave it.
Comment by hugh | May 10, 2008 at 10:35 amRC - Fuel tax for a boat trip? Have never come across this before. Is it a long cruise? And if you tell me who the agent is, I can look into it.
Conor
Comment by Conor | May 10, 2008 at 1:45 pm