NEW AIRLINE RULES MEAN END TO MISLEADING FLIGHT PRICES

5.50.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jul 2007

West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed proposed new legislation that, if approved by the European Parliament today, will mean tougher new laws to stamp out unfair airline pricing.

Despite previous EU legislation, the UK's Consumer Protection Act and warnings from the Office of Fair Trading, many airlines continue to advertise misleading prices that don't reflect the final cost of the ticket.

Speaking ahead of the vote today in Strasbourg, Liz said:

"Many customers are still confused and cheated by unclear pricing structures, with tax and supplements often more than doubling the list price. Tougher rules obliging airlines to provide inclusive prices in advertising from the start of the booking procedure is surely good news for all passengers."

"These proposals are good for the consumer and the industry as a whole, also strengthening the safety obligations for airlines and the authorities that issue them with licences."

"In addition, liberalisation of current rules means more airlines will be encouraged to cut down on duplicate flights and code-share, which should reduce excess capacity and therefore emissions on certain routes."

ENDS