Recent findings from Which? reveal potential pricing discrepancies between desktop and mobile bookings on major OTAs, raising consumer protection concerns.
- Expedia and Hotels.com have been highlighted for potentially misleading ‘mobile exclusive’ offers, prompting Which? to involve regulatory bodies.
- Previous enforcement actions against OTAs for alleged misleading discounts in 2019 suggest ongoing scrutiny of industry practices.
- Which? advises consumers to cross-check prices across devices to ensure they are not overpaying due to booking platform differences.
- Neither Expedia nor Hotels.com have commented on the allegations, but discussions with Which? are anticipated to address the findings.
Potentially deceptive pricing strategies by leading online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Hotels.com have been brought to the fore by consumer watchdog, Which?. This scrutiny follows the organisation’s investigation into ‘mobile exclusive’ accommodation promotions, where they uncovered possible discrepancies in pricing between laptop and mobile platforms. Such practices could contravene consumer protection laws against unfair trading.
The 2019 enforcement actions against some OTAs for similar misleading discount claims underscore a persistent concern regarding transparency in travel deal promotions. The ongoing investigation by Which? aims to ensure that consumers are safeguarded against unjust pricing tactics that could unduly inflate costs.
Which? revealed the potential for consumers to make meaningful savings through mobile bookings if they navigate these exclusive offers judiciously. However, they raised an alarm that these deals might still mislead customers. Remarkably, the organisation stressed that regardless of device differences, consumers should always verify rates directly with properties for the most competitive pricing.
In light of these revelations, Rory Boland of Which? urges travellers to diligently cross-verify accommodation prices on both their mobile and desktop devices. According to Boland, ‘significant savings can occasionally be achieved by taking the additional step of cross-checking various platforms…’ An Expedia Group representative expressed an intent to engage with Which? to explore the concerns raised, although specific comments were not offered at the time.
The ongoing discourse highlights the importance of transparent pricing strategies within the travel industry, ensuring fair consumer practices.
