Europe votes to clear up plane ticket pricing

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European lawmakers adopted Wednesday new measures aimed at clearing up the cost of plane tickets by forcing airlines to include all taxes and other charges in their prices.

Members of the European Parliament voted by 401 to 255 in favor of the legislation, which would oblige companies to post the all-up price a traveler will have to pay for trip so that people can shop around more easily. The measure still has to be rubber stamped by the EU's 27 member countries.

“Air fares published in any form, including on the Internet, which are addressed directly or indirectly to the travelling public shall include all applicable taxes, non-avoidable charges, surcharges and fees known at the time of publication,” the text said.

Airlines would also have to provide a breakdown of extra costs under the categories of taxes and other duties, air traffic control charges, as well as duties and fees benefiting both the companies and airports. The measures were first proposed by the European Commission a year ago. (theage.com.au)

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