Pricing:Aer Lingus and Ryanair have been singled out by a government consumer watchdog in the UK for not quoting the full price for their fares when customers first log on to their websites.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) ordered 13 airlines to include taxes and charges when quoting fares. Eleven have complied, but Aer Lingus and Ryanair are still adding taxes and charges only at the booking process's end.
The OFT acted following complaints from the public that the fares on websites do not include taxes and charges until the final part of the booking process.
In February, it warned the travel industry it would take steps against airlines, tour operators and travel agents if they advertised misleading prices.
The OFT said Aer Lingus and Ryanair had both changed their homepages, but technical issues had stopped them from changing their entire website booking processes. However, the office said it was satisfied both airlines would be making the necessary changes soon.
"Misleading pricing not only undermines consumer confidence but also distorts competition. We will enforce the law enthusiastically where we find that consumers have been misled," said Sean Williams, OFT's executive director.
Aer Lingus says it will comply with the OFT's demands towards the end of next month, when it updates its website software.
Ryanair says it is now quoting the full price of fares in advertisements and on the home page of its website, and will be including full fares by the first quarter of next year.
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