OFT challenges Ryanair over new booking charges
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fair trading officials today clashed with Ryanair over the reason the Irish airline gave for introducing extra charges for its passengers.
Ryanair said it was bringing in a 2% processing fee on all new credit card bookings made from tomorrow.
The no-frills carrier, which is also scrapping exemptions from its £6 website administration fee, said it was introducing the £2 fee "in order to comply with the UK Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) recent ruling on credit card fees".
But the OFT said: "We have not required any airline to introduce new payment charges, increase their credit card charges or scrap any discounts they wish to offer."
The OFT added: "We took action to make sure that debit card charges are included in the headline price and credit card charges are transparent and not sprung on shoppers towards the end of the booking process."
Those using Ryanair's "cash passport" scheme in Ireland, Germany and Spain will be able to avoid administration fees until February 1, February 15 and March 21 2013 respectively.
Ryanair said it was continuing to "deliver the lowest fares and a no-fuel surcharges guarantee to all our passengers", and that customers could avoid credit card fees by paying with a debit card.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments