Complaints continue about dodgy advertising

AirAsia, General news, Tiger Airways

VietNamNetBridge carries a story regarding the growing levels of disenchantment regarding less-than-upfront advertising by budget carriers. While the current investigations in Vietnam are being driven by “old school” airlines like the national carrier, the story nevertheless reports also on unhappy customer experiences. Tiger Airways gets a pretty good flogging, as does AirAsia with the following typical example:

For example, Air Asia advertises a Hanoi to Bangkok flight for only $15. However, $15 is only for airfare. In reality, there are other costs for which passengers must foot the bill, including a $14 petroleum surcharge, $2.50 in aviation insurance fees and $1.50 in security fees, as well as other costs. A ticket advertised at $15 will actually cost closer to $86 for a roundtrip flight. On top of that, there are airport fees.

So once I’m allowed to board without paying the above-mentioned petroleum surcharge, aviation insurance fees and security fees, I have no problem with AirAsia advertsising a fare for $15, but until then this is akin to running an advertisement for a car where the engine is extra…

Prahok @ December 28, 2005