Book online or pay £10 more say BA

By Graeme Wilson, Daily Mail

Last updated at 08:50 22 April 2003


British Airways has slapped a £10-a-ticket surcharge on customers who do not book their flights online. Those who phone the airline or visit one of its travel shops have to pay the supplement, which applies to flights within the UK and Europe.

Last night, the supplement provoked protests from campaigners for the elderly.

They pointed out that four out of five older people do not own computers or have access to the Internet.

Help the Aged called on BA to rethink its policy. A spokesman said the charge discriminated against pensioners, many of whom liked the reassurance of speaking to someone when they were making a significant purchase such as air tickets.

'If someone has saved up for a one-off holiday, the last thing they want to do is to get the flights wrong because they press the wrong button.'

BA last night defended the supplement, which was introduced last year with little fanfare. It replaced the previous policy of offering online customers a £5 discount.

A spokesman said: 'I would concede that not everyone has access to the Internet. But by reducing our selling costs, that enables us to offer more competitive fares.' He added: 'We're a PLC with shareholders to think about.'

Tom Brake, a member of the all-party Commons transport select committee, said: 'British Airways need to be aware that senior citizens have a significant degree of spending power. They may start voting with their feet and go elsewhere.'

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