Government to crack down on 'rip-off' airline charges

Ministers are understood to be drawing up measures to stop passengers being hit by unexpected charges of up to £160 for changing the names on bookings, printing boarding passes or checking in luggage.

The Department for Transport is due to publish an aviation strategy with plans to ensure that fees are clearly visible at the time of booking.

The move would see airlines having to present fees in the same way as when tickets are purchased to enable customers to easily compare airline prices.

It would also make it clear that the price you see is the price you pay, The Times said. Airlines could then be asked to review their charges if the price was deemed excessive.

According to the newspaper the reforms would cover all “add-on fees” such as booking fees, seat reservations, bag charges and fees for extra leg room.

The move comes after a report last year found that 66 of the world’s largest airlines made £33 billion through ancillary revenue such as fees and other extras like in-flight meals.

The CAA ordered a review of the terms and conditions imposed by airlines on passengers almost two years ago, and said it was looking into whether administration fees and additional charges were proportionate, easily understood and clearly displayed.

Last year the DfT asked for submissions for the future of aviation.

The department will publish its formal response in the coming weeks, where it will set out initial ideas such as making hidden fees more transparent.