EU gets tough on hidden air costs

CHEAP air fares that turn out to be much more expensive than advertised are to be banned under new proposals from Brussels.

From December 2007, the advertised fare will have to include all hidden costs.

Currently, some of the less transparent taxes include extras such as fuel surcharges and credit card charges.

Airlines will also be prohibited from charging passengers booking in one member state more than those making the booking in another — something that frequently happens when booking online.

Countries that charge airlines from other member states extra for using their airports will also be forced to treat all EU airlines equally.

The changes were announced by Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot yesterday. “Citizens should be easily able to compare fares between airlines while, at the same time, we must ensure there is fair competition between airlines,” he said.

The new rules will have to be agreed by both the governments of the member states and the European Parliament before coming into force.

The proposed changes were welcomed by Ryanair. Ryanair was recently criticised by an Austrian European Parliament member who claimed they were hiding the true cost of fares.

But a statement from the low-cost airline responded today: “All passengers who book and fly with Ryanair already receive a full breakdown of fares, taxes and charges before they make their booking.”

Ryanair were accused of charging more for airport taxes than they were being charged by the airport.

The commission, meanwhile, is planning measures to direct airports to publish their charges.

Mr Barrot wants each member state to have an independent regulator to ensure airport charges are transparent, his spokesperson Stefaan De Rynck said.

The opening-up of air transport has been one of the successes of the European Union over the past decade and has resulted in lower fares and an increase in airlines and routes.