Airlines could be forced to close websites

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 13 Nov 2007 at 08:39

Over half of Europe's airlines including Ryanair could be forced to close their websites next year if they fail to remedy problems identified by the EU consumer affairs watchdog in a probe carried out in September.

The investigation claims that "over 50% of all websites showed irregularities, in particular relating to prices, contract terms and clarity of proposed conditions."

"Companies will be contacted by authorities and asked to provide clarification or change their practices in four months. Those who fail to do so could face legal action leading to fines or closure of their web sites."

The results do not identify any airlines in particular, but the European Union's Executive Commission intends to "publish a list of companies concerned" in four months' time.

Last month, Spain's consumer rights watchdog said it had found misleading information in seven of 12 airline ticket websites including Ryanair and Spanish carriers Vueling, Iberia and Spainair.

The report claims that website are promoting flight prices that do not include airport taxes and additional fees; that websites automatically tick boxes for insurance or additional services, trapping the consumer into buying unwanted items or being included on spam mailing lists.