He said most consumers ended up paying more than the advertised airfare, as most airlines “pre-select” optional extras, such as travel insurance and seat selection.
Idris said these pre-ticked boxes or words with links were often buried in a wordy page and was easy to miss out.
When one realises the extras that have been added into the ticket price, it might be impossible to go back and uncheck the boxes, he said.
Idris said those who went back and unchecked these extras might lose the low airfare offered earlier, which leaves the consumers at the losing end.
“This is an obvious catch, because what you see is probably not what you get.
“Some airlines state the initial fares are merely indicators to help you make your choice, without showing miscellaneous fees — and a fare higher than what you had bargained for.
“This statement attempts to exonerate the airline for springing last minute surprises, which is unfair to the customer,” he said.
Idris added that the fares displayed “timed-out” so fast that customers did not have time to compare prices with other airlines for the best deal. Those who were not tech-savvy, he said, were the biggest losers in the end.
Meanwhile, Idris said the Transport Ministry ought to emulate the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, where consumers could only be charged for items they choose.
“The legislators must do something to protect consumers. The nonchalance of the Transport Ministry on this issue is sad and worrying,” Idris said.