Two-thirds of price comparison sites misleading consumers, EU report says

The European Commission has found that 67% of price comparison and travel booking websites are misleading users with unreliable price figures.

A report from the EU’s executive branch researched 352 price comparison websites in 28 different countries, finding a range of misdemeanours which were used to squeeze extra money from consumers.

As many as 235 of the sites were found to have displayed prices which were "not reliable". This included tactics such as imposing additional tariffs towards the end of the booking process, or showcasing promotional offers which did not exist.

"The Internet provides consumers with plenty of information to prepare, compare and book their holidays. However, if the reviews on comparison websites are biased or prices are not transparent, these websites are misleading consumers," said Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality.

As many as 235 of the sites were found to have displayed prices which were "not reliable"

Websites such as Opodo and eDreams offer attractive prices on hotels, flights and car rentals, but the research found that such sites are not clear enough with statements related to scarcity and promotions. One-quarter of sites were found to have claimed things such as "only 2 seats left", but did not specify whether that is related to the site’s supply or for the flight itself.

Irish airline Ryanair has welcomed the report, which will now be followed up by the EU. Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Jacobs said that it was obvious that customers are being misled.

"It's patently obvious that consumers across Europe are being misled and overcharged by some of these websites. We welcome this report, which exposes these anti-consumer practices and we hope its findings will lead to greater protection for consumers," Jacobs said.