London - This week sees the start of new rules that ban UK budget airlines and travel firms from charging hidden fees when you make a booking.
The rules by watchdog the Office of Fair Trading force companies to make charges such as booking fees, tax and bagging costs clear, and ban them from adding them at the last minute.
The watchdog has also declared war on travel firms that try to wincustomers by advertising misleading sales - for example, a firm advertising a one-day flightsale, though the typical costof a trip is the same as it normally costs.
Travel firms must also be up-front about how much financial protection is in place at the time of booking, and provide clear contact details so customers can pursue a claim if they are unsure of any details of their booking.
Any businesses that fail to comply with the new rules face enforcement action through the courts, the OFT has warned.
“Holidaymakers should be able to make aclear choice and should not besurprised by hidden charges orconditions after theyhave booked or arrived at their resort or destination,” says Cavendish Elithorn, senior director of the OFT’s goods and consumer group.
“Our guidance makes life easier for consumers by leaving the travel industry in no doubt about its responsibilities.” - Daily Mail