Easyjet ends fee-free bookings as it now charges for Visa Electron

jonas123

I think what people don't realise is that the difference between low cost carriers and the likes of BA/Aer Lingus etc. has narrowed (in terms of price).

Of course, the full service carriers can never match the lead-in fares of the low cost carriers, but you'd be surprised how often it is cheaper to fly on BA from LGW than easyJet. And remember that price includes a bag and some form of free catering on board (however bad!)

It's always worth checking ALL airlines and not just assuming that easyJet / Ryanair will be cheaper. And it's also worth pricing everything up in total (ie how much does easyJet cost if I take a bag and buy something onboard as this is free with the more established airlines).

mad_rich

Indeed. I always assume that other people compare all the options, just as I do, but I've found that are surprising number of people are wedded to either LCCs or legacy carriers by virtue of the (perceived) cost and level or service.

[Deleted User]

Here's an article from BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16546582

NFH

MaccaHallam wrote: »

There are no card charges anymore apart from 2.5% on credit card transactions.

It's actually the greater of £4.95 or 2.5%.

It is extremely unlikely that Easyjet pays such a high fee to accept credit card payments. Therefore when Article 19 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights is enacted in the UK later this year, this hefty surcharge will have to come down to the true cost. Although the eventual wording in UK legislation will differ at least slightly, Article 19 is worded as follows:

Member States shall prohibit traders from charging consumers, in respect of the use of a given means of payment, fees that exceed the cost borne by the trader for the use of such means.

jamesbrownontheroad

NFH wrote: »

It is extremely unlikely that Easyjet pays such a high fee to accept credit card payments. Therefore when Article 19 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights is enacted in the UK later this year, this hefty surcharge will have to come down to the true cost. Although the eventual wording in UK legislation will differ at least slightly, Article 19 is worded as follows:

Member States shall prohibit traders from charging consumers, in respect of the use of a given means of payment, fees that exceed the cost borne by the trader for the use of such means.

The problem is that Easyjet is attempting to stay ahead of the curve on this one, by referring to the £9/€11 fee as an "admin fee" - effectively distancing it from the cost of handling a debit or credit card transaction and labelling it as a cost incurred in the general administration of the sale. This makes it difficult for the EU legislation to apply, because the charge is not linked to a single traceable transaction cost that the banks might charge Easyjet.

Former_MSE_Guy

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"Easyjet passengers will no longer be able to beat booking fees with a Visa Electron card..."

Read the full story:
Easyjet ends fee-free bookings as it now charges for Visa Electron

jamesbrownontheroad

Note also this established thread on the issue: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3725435

NFH

jamesbrownontheroad wrote: »

The problem is that Easyjet is attempting to stay ahead of the curve on this one, by referring to the £9/€11 fee as an "admin fee" - effectively distancing it from the cost of handling a debit or credit card transaction and labelling it as a cost incurred in the general administration of the sale. This makes it difficult for the EU legislation to apply, because the charge is not linked to a single traceable transaction cost that the banks might charge Easyjet.

See above. I was not writing about the £9 admin fee but about the continued £4.95/2.5% fee for accepting credit card payments.

callum9999

I guess the one "benefit" for me is I can now happily spend my nectar points on them - something I could never justify when there was a fee-free option of payment.

(Not really a benefit in the grand scheme of things, but as they just sit there unused anyway, it can sort of be classed as such if you're feeling particularly optimistic!)

The_Groat_Counter

Like I said in that other thread, it'd be far preferable if easyJet just operated a straightforward policy of what you see is what you'll pay - if a flight shows up as costing £29.99, then one should be able to buy it for that price using a debit card, no extra charges, full stop. And if the price of all flights would have to go up a bit in order to cover lost revenues from the charge being abolished, then so be it.

Go on easyJet, why not just be honest and upfront about it all - it'd only enhance your reputation.