Easyjet 'broke rules' on advert

Easyjet broke advertising rules by exaggerating the cost of its fares compared with British Airways, a watchdog has ruled.

A newspaper advert claimed the budget airline's fares were up to 65% cheaper than BA to seven destinations.

But BA complained that prices listed for its flights to Faro and Alicante were incorrect and that none of the quoted savings amounted to 65%.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld BA's complaint.

EasyJet admitted to the ASA that it was unable to substantiate the advert, and said it would take steps to prevent the error from happening again.

But it disagreed that the claim "up to 65% cheaper than BA" was misleading, pointing out prices on each company's website showed even greater savings were typically available.

'Factually accurate'

While the examples provided in the advert did not amount to a 65% saving, Easyjet maintained their flights were 65% cheaper than BA in many instances, therefore making the claim "factually accurate".

The ASA said: "We considered that consumers were likely to be disappointed to find that that was the case.

"We noted Easyjet believed the claim was factually accurate but had not substantiated their belief with documentary evidence."

The ASA reminded Easyjet to keep proof to back up any future price comparisons and said it was "concerned to note" that none of the savings listed in the advert amounted to 65%.

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