Air Canada on Wednesday introduced an all-inclusive price advertising policy that the company says will make it easier for flyers to determine the final cost of air travel.
In December the federal government announced that Canadian airlines will be required to advertise the full price of airfares by next Christmas.
For consumers, it means online promotions and print advertisements of seat sales will have to list the final cost of a ticket, including all taxes and surcharges. Today, the total cost can typically be 50 per cent more than the advertised base fare.
Get daily National news
“With these special fares, Air Canada is introducing a new, all-in approach to advertising fares that will prominently display a final price accompanied by a breakdown of the base fare plus the total cost of additional charges, such as taxes, fees and surcharges,” said Craig Landry, vice president of marketing at Air Canada.
“Our all-in price advertising initiative is a response to our customers’ increased desire for transparency and simplicity when shopping for air fares, whether they do so through print advertising, online searches or by signing up for our websaver email specials.”
The announcement came more than four years after a law received royal assent, requiring airlines to include all the extra fees and taxes in airfare ads, so consumers aren’t shocked when they see a total tally for their travel plans that exceeds the advertised price.
WestJet is also in favour of all-in pricing.
“We look forward to working with the government during the consultation process in order to effect this change as quickly as possible,” Robert Palmer, a WestJet spokesman, said late last year.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.