MEPs to insist carriers advertise full cost of flights

THE era of the one cent flight promise could be coming to an end as European legislators insist that airlines must include all taxes and other charges in their advertising.

Currently, low-cost airlines advertise the price they charge for a flight only, and, later in the booking process, add in the airport taxes, fuel surcharges and credit card booking fees.

Under new rules, agreed by the European Parliament, the full cost of the flight must be advertised, and security charges identified clearly.

A report prepared for the parliament by Lithuanian MEP Arunas Degutis argued that passengers should be given the same rights as other consumers, including being told the full price of their purchase in advance.

He said it was unfair that companies highlight just the fare they charge, and hide the fact that the true cost is much higher.

The problem is particularly bad when people are booking online and have to fill in lots of information before they learn the true cost of their flight, he said.

MEPs agreed with him that in any information given to the public about flight prices all applicable taxes, non avoidable charges, surcharges and fees known at the time must be included.

They argue, too, that the public have a right to know exactly what they are paying in security taxes, which some airports, airlines and countries have introduced to cover increased costs of checking passengers and their luggage.

In future, they say, this charge should be clearly shown on the ticket and the money collected should be used only to meet airport and on on-board aircraft security costs.

The legislation, which could come into effect by the end of the year, is part of a revision of laws which opened up air transport more than 10 years ago, allowing airlines such as Ryanair to emerge.