PIAC and Option consommateurs call for end to misleading airline advertising.

EMBARGOED to Monday 8 December 2003 at 10:30 a.m.
MEDIA RELEASE
MISLEADING AIRLINE ADVERTISING
Contact: John Lawford, PIAC
(613) 562-4002×25
jlawford@piac.ca
OTTAWA, December 8, 2003: The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, supported by Transport 2000 Canada, today joined in a call by Option consommateurs for better consumer protection in relation to airline advertising. Option consommateurs is holding a press conference on the issue at their Montreal headquarters today at 10:30 a.m. The text of this press conference, translated from the French by PIAC, will be provided after the press conference. PIAC is available to answer any questions from the press regarding the press conference or this media release.
PRESS CONFERENCE
Date: Monday, 8 December 2003
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Subject: Airline Advertising – Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Every day, in newspapers across the country, airlines advertise flights at attractive and competitive prices. And every day, when consumers actually buy these tickets, they are surprised to discover the hidden fees that raise the price by up to 79%!
During this press conference, Option consommateurs, in conjunction with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, will explain why this state of affairs is illegal, make recommendations to airlines and the government and invite ordinary consumers to complain. The Air Travel Complaints Commissioner, Ms. Liette Lacroix Kenniff, will also be present.
For more information: Option consommateurs: Louise Rozon, Stéphanie Poulin and Marie-Hélène Beaulieu, (514) 598-7288 Public Interest Advocacy Centre: John Lawford (613) 562-4002×25 Transport 2000 Canada: John Pearce (902) 469-3474, Ottawa office: 594-3290