The EU doesn’t like airlines, part 2
The EU has cracked down on “misleading” airfares on websites, where an airfare was advertised but did not “clearly advertise the full prices and conditions of their flight offers”.
Certainly flyers should be able to clearly understand what they’re getting, but I hope the new ads don’t insulate travelers from knowing how much of what they pay actually goes to other entities.
But then the EU complains “the other main problem was the lack of available seats at the advertised fare, even when the advertised price was accurate.”
Yes. This is how it works. When airlines have sales A LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LOWER PRICE LEVELS; THIS IS HOW IT WORKS ALL THE TIME. It’s not a “problem”; the airlines are allowed to give a limited number of cheap seats on a first-come, first-serve basis. (If the fares are never available at all, that would be deceptive, but there’s not been a recent incident where this was actually the case.)
And I’m still annoyed about this one (which was Part 1), even though the airline I work for does not get close to Europe.
Apologies for: The two prior posts. They are probably admissible in a court of law as evidence I’m under the influence of drugs. Please note I did not authorize the hiring of Mr. E, and may put his continued employment up for a vote once we post the interview. Until then, I will permit his presence to satisfy the Mascot’s man-crush.
Regarding part 1, how many airlines do you think will cut back service to Europe now? Or will you see more of a large general fare increase for all flights going to the EU?
Right, the government should see the airline fares much like hotels. Hotels have sale prices that disappear after X number of bookings.
Comment by Allen | 29 July 2008
with all the hassle of flying, security, tight seats (even for me, and i’m a small man) paying extra for a bag, it makes me want to take a boat instead…
Comment by chessloser | 30 July 2008
this concerns me verily, as we are headed to europe in a few weeks and we did get one of those too good to be true fares from SkyEurope - 5 euros from barcelona to spain to be exact.
oh well, if we need help we’ll be calling you, Eggie. It should be easy for you to hide some money in the empty shell that is your head. And I expect someone of your size could easily sneak slide himself into someone’s luggage for a free ride.
Comment by annie | 31 July 2008
Yes Annie, it is too good to be true. The distance from Barcelona to Spain is 0 km, 5 euros seems like a lot.
Comment by Wahrheit | 1 August 2008
At least Europeans got it lucky. Take a look at us Ozzies who has to put up with stuff like this:
http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,26058,24108622-5014090,00.html
Comment by tanc(happyhippo) | 1 August 2008
that’s too funny Wahrheit…
Comment by Chessaholic | 1 August 2008
i meant barcelona to vienna… stupid typing late at night… hehh ehh
Comment by annie | 1 August 2008
@Allen: International flights are so profitable, US airlines want to do more of them. I’m not familiar with the fare competition; more than likely everyone else is raising fares too.
@chessloser: I would love to see you figure out how to boat to New York.
@Annie: I saw your ticket, and you paid, what $14 in all? Not sure if there’s anything extra at the airport (hint: pack light)
Did you know the Mascot is 6 ft tall?
@Wahrheit: QFT
@tanc: The bag just said “BOMB” on it, it’s not like there was an actual bomb. How is this a problem?
(Oh, did you know they don’t like you making terrorist jokes in an airport? Strange, but true.)
Comment by Donnie | 4 August 2008
Yes, that’s right, I’m 6ft tall, what did you think, I’m the size of those little chicken eggs? I can’t fit in some little luggage.
Plus my shell is NOT empty, it’s filled with yolk, white and brains.
Comment by The Mascot | 4 August 2008