Ban on misleading fare ads by airlines

New Delhi: For the first time ever, the government has forbidden airlines from publishing misleading low basic fares that do not include the high
surcharges and taxes that will be levied on the fares. The aviation ministry and DGCA recently asked a leading low cost carrier (LCC), which had started advertising fares of Rs 99 with the steep add-ons amount finding no mention, to withdraw the campaign.
"Airlines should not give a misleading figure. When you will not sell a ticket for Rs 99, with surcharge and taxes of about Rs 3,000 will be added to it, why should you give a wrong picture to consumers? We have accordingly told airlines to desist from doing so as a clear picture must be given," aviation minister Praful Patel said.
Patel, who has been leading a campaign for getting relief to airlines that has led to the recent abolition of 5% custom duty on jet fuel and a sharp reduction in ATF price, said the benefit must ultimately flow to consumers.
The EU has banned airlines from hiding taxes, fees and surcharge while advertising, since last Saturday.
Interestingly, British Airways also recently advertised Hyderabad-London return fares of Rs 90 plus taxes and surcharge.
03/11/08 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Nov 2008