CMA Probes 3 Firms Over Drip Pricing, With Fees Reaching Hundreds of Pounds
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
CMA Probes 3 Firms Over Drip Pricing, With Fees Reaching Hundreds of Pounds
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
Summary
Trainline, Virgin Atlantic Holidays and RED Driving School are under CMA investigation over whether they hid mandatory charges from headline prices shown to customers.
The watchdog said Trainline added booking fees of up to £2.79 on train fares and £1.50 on coach tickets, while Virgin holiday charges can run to hundreds of pounds and RED fees exceed £7 per lesson.
If the CMA finds breaches, it can fine the companies or order customer compensation; Trainline and Virgin said they support transparent pricing and will cooperate fully.
The probe follows earlier action against hidden lesson fees: the CMA this year secured refunds for more than 80,000 driving-school customers, and Trainline was also criticised by the rail regulator in 2023 over fee disclosure.