a day ago
Italy urges EU crackdown on opaque airline ticket pricing
ROME – Italy's competition authority has asked the European Commission to increase transparency over the pricing algorithms used by airlines, especially on routes serving Sicily and Sardinia.
The move follows an investigation by the Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM), which earlier this year flagged concerns about opaque pricing. After receiving airline responses, the AGCM is now urging the Commission to coordinate EU-level action to improve fare transparency and boost competition.
Rising ticket prices are limiting mobility for Sicilians and Sardinians living elsewhere in Italy, with many abandoning trips home due to high costs. The trend is also hurting the islands' tourism economies.
AGCM argues that dynamic pricing algorithms – systems that adjust fares based on consumer behavior – combined with add-on fees for services like baggage or seat selection, are making it nearly impossible for passengers to compare offers. These surcharges, used by nearly half of all travelers, can inflate final ticket prices by up to 400% over the advertised base fare.
The call comes as the European Parliament moves to strengthen passenger rights. Last week, MEPs on the transport committee overwhelmingly backed reforms guaranteeing passengers the right to bring a small personal bag and cabin luggage of up to 7 kilograms on board at no extra cost.
