Which? responds to Rishi Sunak's action to crack down on hidden online charges

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

“Drip pricing is an underhanded way of squeezing extra cash out of consumers and is particularly concerning during a cost of living crisis, when it’s more important than ever for shoppers to be able to stick to a budget.

“We’ve found it is a big problem with airline bookings where consumers are charged hefty fees for basic extras, such as reserving seats.

“Drip pricing happens in a variety of sectors, from train bookings to food delivery apps and concert tickets. Fees can be added late into the buying process, making it more likely that consumers will accept them and harder to compare prices. 

“It is positive that the government is reviewing these misleading practices but it must go further by explicitly banning drip pricing in its Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to put a stop to this behaviour.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Digital Markets, Competition & Consumers Bill is going to be scrutinised by MPs next week. 

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