MSE News: Airlines axe debit card surcharges, but Easyjet & Ryanair won't follow suit

jpsartre

callum9999 wrote: »

what exactly is the issue?

Is there an issue? In the context of debating easyJet's admin fee, Kite2010 claimed that they will get around adding the online check-in to the base fare because they will claim it can be avoided. I simply pointed out that easyJet has no online check-in fee and that I believed Kite2010 was confusing them with Ryanair who does and who have argued (in the past at least) that the fee is optional. Then you asked where they say it's optional and I provided the relevant quote from McNamara.

As for whether or not the fee is avoidable, I never disputed that it was. I did, however, (as I think most people would) question McNamara's argument that the fee therefore doesn't need to be included in the advertised price.

callum9999

jpsartre wrote: »

Is there an issue? In the context of debating easyJet's admin fee, Kite2010 claimed that they will get around adding the online check-in to the base fare because they will claim it can be avoided. I simply pointed out that easyJet has no online check-in fee and that I believed Kite2010 was confusing them with Ryanair who does and who have argued (in the past at least) that the fee is optional. Then you asked where they say it's optional and I provided the relevant quote from McNamara.

As for whether or not the fee is avoidable, I never disputed that it was. I did, however, (as I think most people would) question McNamara's argument that the fee therefore doesn't need to be included in the advertised price.

Fair enough - though you may think it's being pedantic (I do see why), there is a very important difference between avoidable and being optional. Optional being something you can book a flight without, whereas avoidable is as it sounds. To my knowledge (which I'm the first to admit isn't infallible!), the online check-in fee has never been an "optional" fee, and that quote doesn't say it was either.

If there actually was a period where the advertised price was excluding a non-optional check-in fee then I'd fully agree with you. But as Ryanair only advertise sale fares, I can't envisage that ever being possible?

jpsartre

I agree with you that there is a difference between optional and avoidable, my point is that it doesn't matter in this context. I used the word optional, McNamara or the interviewer doesn't. So just ignore what I said and read his answer. It is clear that he attempting to justify that the fee is not included because it is avoidable. If the fee was included in the advertised price at the time the interview took place his answer doesn't make any sense.

SaveTheEuro

The Office of Fair Trading is claiming credit for 12 airlines agreeing to scrap debit card surcharges when it dragged its feet on the issue for a long time. In fact, the EU ordered action and the UK government decided to implement the change as soon as this year.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2012/58-12

SaveTheEuro

Ryanair's move not to surcharge for debit card fees comes into effect on 1st December 2012.

jpsartre

Whoever's responsible, it's good news for passengers IMO.

Louisdf

So does this mean that the cash passport will now be useless? Or will a price be quoted upfront and those with a cash passport will get a £6 discount at the final stage?

jpsartre

According to this article, Cash Passport holders will now be offered a discount (don't know if it will be the full £6 though):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18718556

budgetflyer

Its not fair! Everyone should get a discount

SaveTheEuro

jpsartre wrote: »

According to this article, Cash Passport holders will now be offered a discount (don't know if it will be the full £6 though):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18718556

That might not be easy for Ryanair to do -- de facto debit card users would be paying more. But Ryanair might give it a try, knowing challenges to such arrangements take months to reach fruition.