Crackdown on hidden air ticket charges

There are few things as annoying as hidden charges when you try to book a flight - charges like those imposed by Jetstar in Australia when you book online.

Airlines add charges for several extra services, including priority boarding, checked bags, in-flight meals and seat selection, even for paying with a credit card.

These charges are often initially hidden and make comparison shopping on flight prices problematic.

In the UK, airlines could face a crackdown on hidden fees, as part of a new government plan to improve transparency for people shopping online.

A public consultation will look at ways to end the "drip pricing". Travel Mole reports.

Government officials say the practice is ‘widespread’ and spans beyond the airline industry to many other sectors.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake says the new proposals would make sure consumers have "the clearest and most accurate information upfront" before making a purchase.

“Fake reviews and hidden fees can make choices increasingly confusing and leaves customers unsure about what product is right for them.

“We’ll be listening to industry to ensure these new regulations work for businesses too and don’t generate unnecessary burdens.”

Airlines have argued that ‘unbundling’ extra services gives consumers more choice.

Industry body Airlines UK said: “Delivering value for consumers is at the heart of an airline business.

“UK airlines look forward to responding to the consultation.”

Time for similar action in Australia? 

How to avoid doing your dough at Boxing Day sales

Boxing Day sales are just around the corner and shoppers have been warned to be smart, or pay the price, by non-for-profit consumer organisation CHOICE.

A CHOICE survey has found shoppers are likely to be most interested in buying clothes, small kitchen appliances, price-reduced Christmas groceries or decorations, phones and white goods.

“The Boxing Day sales can be a good time to grab a product that you’ve had your eye on for a while at a cheaper price, if you do your research,” says CHOICE editorial director Marg Rafferty (above).

“We found nearly half of shoppers intending to buy at the end of year sales had been delaying the purchase in the hopes of getting a better price. Preparation, however, is still key when it comes to getting a good deal - and to avoid walking away with products you don’t need.” .

Here are CHOICE’s top tips to get the most out of the end of year sales:

1. Do your research

“Before you buy in the sales, make sure you’ve done some research on the product you’re planning to buy - particularly if it’s an expensive one.

“Every year our testing team uncover a range of cheaper products that can outperform more expensive alternatives, so it’s worth taking the time to assess your options.”

2. Compare prices across different stores

“Don’t just buy a particular item at the first store you walk into or visit online. With so many retailers offering discounts, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to buy it cheaper elsewhere.

“Many retailers also offer price matching, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping the sales.”

3. Be wary of extended warranties

“You might be offered an extended warranty with new purchases this Boxing Day, but often these are pretty poor value. Under existing consumer protections, you have rights if something major breaks or goes wrong within a reasonable period.

“Retailers may sometimes try to sell you an extended warranty, claiming it’s necessary for extra protection. Our tip is: 'don’t pay for rights you already have'.”

4. Plan ahead for what you need

“With many of us feeling cost-of-living pressures, it can be tempting to feel the need to grab a good deal while you feel you can. Planning ahead for what you need can help avoid unnecessary purchases. Keep an eye out for high-pressure sales tactics in-store or online.”

5. Be wary of Buy Now, Pay Later deals

“Buy Now, Pay Later might seem a tempting way to fund Boxing Day spending, but we’ve seen first hand how these schemes can be potential debt traps for people who are already struggling financially.

"If you’re struggling with debt or your finances this Christmas, CHOICE recommend calling the National Debt Helpline, which offers free, confidential financial counselling. You can contact them by calling 1800 007 007."

Supermarket giants shine in Product of the Year voting

There are dozens of wine shows around Australia - sometimes several in a week. 

But who knew there are also competitions for everyday supermarket items like soups, hot drinks and cookies? 

Supermarkets are not everyone's best friend right now; rising prices and the insistence of self check-out counters have left many shoppers incensed.

But the results of the 2022 Product of the Year voting suggests that consumers still find plenty to enjoy at their local Woolworths and Coles stores.

Coles collected 11 awards and Woolworths five of the 33 gongs.

Now in it’s 14th year in Australia, Product of the Year (POY) is promoted as the world’s largest consumer-voted awards program in which over 5,000 Aussie shoppers have their say and vote for their favourite supermarket and grocery products. 

"The rising cost of living has definitely changed the FMCG landscape, with affordability now the most important consideration for Australians making their weekly grocery trip," says Product of the Year director Sarah Connelly. 

POY winners trend show a consumer focus on health and wellbeing in 2022. 

You can check out the winners at the website. They include Coles Brand soup and extra virgin olive oil, Lyre's Pink London Spirit (non alcoholic) and Moccona Mochas. 

Most absurd premise winner: Birds Eye "Plant Based Greek Lamb style strips".

 Unfortunately, we do not know how many entries there were in each category. 

Deal of a lifetime? Wine every month for the rest of your life?

Would you pay US$6,000 up front to ensure you got the equivalent of four cases of wine delivered to your door each year for the rest of your life? 

I wouldn't, but a Californian wine company is offering members four bottles of wine per month for the entire duration of their lives, Drinks Business reports. 

It is an impressive way of getting an instant cash injection but would appear to be fraught with potential danger for wine lovers. 

What if the company goes belly up? What if it gets bought out? What if you die suddenly? 

And it is certainly a better deal for someone aged 21 than 65. Get your grandkids to sign up for you should you be seduced by the idea. 

California-based Obvious Wines has launched the ‘lifelong wine membership" deal for 2022. 

For US$6,000, members can order any four bottles of wine from the company’s website per month, every month, for the rest of their life.

Any wine currently listed on the Obvious Wines website is eligible for order and shipping and taxes within the US are covered. Limited-edition wines are also eligible.

Calling it “an excellent deal when considering rising inflation rates”, Jake Ralph from Obvious Wines says members will see a “return on their investment in just seven years”. If they live that long. 

“We’ve done the math and is is a really bad deal for us, but hey, you only live once,” says a statement on the company's website.

Obvious Wines describes itself as an eco-friendly, vegan wine collection that collaborates with family-owned, boutique wineries dedicated to sustainable practices ranging from solar-powered energy to organic farming.

Its wines include Bright & Crisp, a sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley; Rich & Oaky, a Californian chardonnay; and Dark & Bold, a red blend made of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, tannat and malbec.

I can see the appeal but would not be tempted even if I lived in the US. Which I wouldn't. Make your own decision. But I’m sure someone in Australia will come up with a similar scheme.