easyJet criticised over insurance sales
28.06.09
easyJet is ignoring an EU ruling that they cannot automatically add travel insurance to the sale when people buy flights, the Guardian reports. Last November, the EU introduced legislation requiring airlines to include all taxes and charges in their ticket prices. Amongst other things, the ruling says: ‘It will not be possible to impose additional charges on passengers without their express consent (opt-in).’ This opt-in includes saying yes to travel insurance.
However, the newspaper reports that easyJet is still making passengers opt out of travel insurance when they book flights via its website. And even when they do opt out, they are asked to confirm this decision in what is a hard sell for this additional revenue source for the airline.
Which? Holiday from the Consumer Association reports that three other airlines are also ignoring the EU ruling. Jet2 and Monarch both automatically add travel insurance, costing between £7 and £10.49 per passenger. Cancellation insurance for flights returning on the same day is added also automatically by Air Berlin, costing €12 (£10.50). Consumers have to untick a box to opt out.
An easyJet spokesman said it would change its website to conform with the opt-in guidelines in the next few months. In April, Ryanair complied with the EU ruling, removing insurance opt-out from its booking process.
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