Airlines scrap surcharge shocks

OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING FORCES CARRIERS TO INCLUDE DEBIT CARD SURCHARGES IN HEADLINE PRICES AND ADS MAJOR airlines have been forced by the UK by the Office of Fair Trading to include debit

card surcharges in the headline price of their fares. The OFT had investigated Ryanair, Aer Lingus, BMI Baby, Eastern Airways, easyJet, Flybe, German Wings, Jet2, Lufthansa, Thomas Cook,

Thomson and Wizz Air after a complaint that they added the charges as bookings were being finalised. Consumer rights group Which? had called for the investigation in a "super

complaint" to the OFT. The companies agreed to the changes without court action and have until August 1 to comply. So far, all but Ryanair, Aer Lingus, BMI Baby and Jet2 have already

changed their procedures and advertising. OFT chief executive Clive Maxwell said: "This is a great outcome for the millions of people who buy flights online. It is important that the

cost presented when they search for a flight is realistic and that they are not surprised by extra charges. Otherwise it is harder for them to shop around for the best deal." He has

also said that debit cards are the "online equivalent of cash" and should not incur extra fees. The OFT says consumers pay £300million a year in credit and debit card surcharges.

The UK government has said it plans legislation to ban excessive charges for credit and debit card purchases - and extend this to the wider economy. Photo: Aeroports de Paris