"Whether they are in Brussels or Barcelona, in Munich or Manchester, consumers are entitled to clear, fair price indications, without any unpleasant surprises hidden in the contractual clauses written in small letters": Meglena Kuneva, EU Commissioner in charge of consumer protection, submitted today a survey of the websites of 400 national flagship and low-cost airlines, conducted from 24th to 28th September. "We realised he explains – that 50% of the websites selling airline tickets fail to keep their obligations towards consumers". Because of this, "today I will send the airlines a strict warning, demanding that they sort out their business. At the deadline, in January, I will not hesitate to take further measures and point out to the public and expose the airlines that are still in an irregular position". The survey covered 15 EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sweden) plus Norway: most irregularities concern "price indications, contractual terms and the clarity of the conditions provided". Kuneva did not rule out legal proceedings to be brought against those airlines that will not comply with the Commission’s requirements.
