CAA advises winter sun-seekers to check the cost of airline extras

2012-11-08 — /travelprnews.com/ — UK holidaymakers looking to book a foreign break this winter can make sure they’re not hit by any surprise extra costs, by using the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s newly updated airline fees and charges comparison table.

The online tool allows passengers to compare the optional fees and charges applied by the top 21 airlines operating in the UK. It includes information on how much airlines charge passengers for checking in luggage, reserved seating and a host of other services that passengers may have to pay for on top of the headline ticket price. Details of any credit and debit card charges that may apply are also included.

Originally launched earlier this year, the table has been updated following a comprehensive review and now includes the latest information available from the most-used airlines in the UK.

Iain Osborne, Group Director for Regulatory Policy at the CAA, said:

“Here in the UK we have a fantastically diverse aviation market that offers real choice and value to millions of consumers every year. But to see the benefit of that diversity, consumers need to have the full price picture and that means being aware of the cost of not just their ticket, but also any potential fees and charges they may have to pay on top.

“This table allows anyone looking to book a flight this winter to compare the different charges that airlines apply, and choose the flight that suits them best.”

The fees and charges comparison table is available from the CAA’s Passenger Portal, which also includes a range of additional advice for passengers to use before they fly, on board the aircraft and after they return from their trip.

Where fees and charges are not optional extras but unavoidable e.g. air passenger duty, they must by law be included in the price of the ticket at the start of the booking process and therefore clear to consumers. The CAA continues to work to make sure airlines and travel companies display prices to consumers correctly.

For further media information contact the CAA Press Office on: 020 7453 6030; press.office@caa.co.uk

Follow the CAA on @UK_CAA

Notes to editors

1. The CAA is the UK’s specialist aviation regulator. Its activities include: making sure that the aviation industry meets the highest technical and operational safety standards; preventing holidaymakers from being stranded abroad or losing money because of tour operator insolvency; planning and regulating all UK airspace; and regulating airports, air traffic services and airlines and providing advice on aviation policy from an economic standpoint.
2. The fees and charges comparison table includes information on the optional fees and charges applied by the top airlines operating in the UK, based on scheduled flight numbers. All of the airlines included in the tool were consulted throughout its initial development.
3. The CAA reviews and publishes updated versions of the tool quarterly. It has also committed to actioning requests for amendments within three working days.

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