Gordon C

Court: Ryanair Misled Customers on Prices

March 2nd, 2005

LONDON (AP) - A British court ruled Wednesday that budget airline Ryanair misled customers about the price of some flights.

A Chelmsford Crown Court jury found the Dublin-based Ryanair Holdings PLC guilty of six breaches of the Consumer Protection Act.

The prosecution, led by Trading Standards officers, argued that Ryanair had failed to spell out the full cost of seats. They said the cost of insurance and tax was not included in the initially advertised price on the company's Web site.

"This was an unnecessary action against Ryanair," the company said in a statement. "This case was brought on the basis of no complaint by a member of the public. Our Web site page clearly shows consumers that prices quoted are exclusive of taxes and charges. The Web site also includes details of the taxes and charges to be paid by the consumer."

The allegations related to the cost of flights from London Stansted airport to various European destinations.

The court did not immediately say whether it would fine the airline.