European Union: Commissioner Kuneva welcomes new report on airline charges

The report, which will be presented by the Norwegian Ombudsman Bjørn Erik Thon, is the result of a year long investigation by 11 national enforcement authorities (led by Norway). The in-depth study found that airlines are frequently including parts of their basic operational costs (handling charges, fuel charges, booking fees) into what appears to be obligatory “taxes and charges” – this can mislead consumers and falsely attract consumers to buying seemingly cheaper tickets.The study covered 281 flights, 24 leading European airlines, as well as 34 major European airports.The results of the investigation will feed into the industry agreement currently being elaborated following the EU enforcement sweep on airline ticket selling websites (see IP/09/783).Source: Press release by Commissioner Kuneva; report on airline charges available here>>.

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