Flybe first to slash ‘hidden’ costs of booking air tickets

AN AIRLINE, which had one of the highest booking charges, yesterday slashed its fees in an attempt to distance itself from the “negative perceptions of low fare travel”.

However, the move by Flybe, run by Scots-born Jim French, prompted consumer watchdogs to demand other carriers make bigger cuts so passengers paid only the real cost of booking.

It also comes ahead of new UK government rules banning excessive charges, which campaigners hope will be introduced by the end of the year.

Flybe, which operates 39 routes from Scotland, said it wanted “to be seen as fair and our pricing to be transparent”.

Seven years ago, the airline was the first in the UK to introduce baggage charges – ahead of no-frills rival Ryanair.

Yesterday’s changes, under the slogan “Making flying better”, include axing debit card charges.

The cost of paying by credit card has also been cut, with a single charge replacing fees per passenger and per flight. A three-class ticket system will be introduced, with the middle, “new economy” class including one free checked-in bag. Flybe said such tickets would start at under £50.

Credit card charges for Flybe’s Scottish flights to the Highlands and Islands, operated by Loganair, will increase from £6 per person to £9 per booking, but most passengers pay by debit card which were fee-free.

The changes follow a drop in demand for Flybe. It is now expected to make a loss of some £8.5 million in the year to March against a predicted £6m profit.

Which?, the former Consumers’ Association, has campaigned for lower charges and said the cuts must be just the start. A spokesman said: “It’s good to see some airlines finally cutting exorbitant credit and debit card charges.

“But consumers still stand to lose millions of pounds this year from airlines who are dragging their feet waiting for the consumer rights directive.

“If these companies are really committed to giving customers a fair deal, they must cut card charges to reflect the real cost now.

“Which? has long been campaigning for an end to hidden and disproportionate surcharges. The government’s decision to ban excessive fees was a victory for consumers but this is just a drop in the ocean. A total of 50,000 people supported our campaign to see these ‘rip-off’ charges stamped out, so government must stick to its commitment and ensure the ban happens by December 2012.”

Laurie Price, director of aviation strategy at consultants Mott MacDonald ITA, said: “Anything that improves the travel experience for passengers is welcome.

“The emphasis on transparency in pricing and booking and being totally up-front on the issue of no debit card fees but admitting one-off charges for credit cards shows a recognition of some of the major frustrations passengers have had dealing with airlines and in particular low-cost carriers.”

Flybe UK managing director Andrew Strong said: “I want Flybe to be seen as fair and our pricing transparent. We have listened to what passengers have told us.”

Airline ticket booking fares

FLYBE £9 per booking by credit card. Debit cards free. Previously £5.50 both per person and per flight.

EASYJET £9 “administration fee” per booking plus additional 2.5 per cent of total transaction for credit cards, minimum £4.95.

RYANAIR £6 “admin fee” both per passenger and per flight.

JET2 Booking fee of 3.6 per cent per transaction, minimum £4.99. Visa Electron free.

BRITISH AIRWAYS No charge for booking levied.