admin
FlySafair’s calls last week for the National Consumer Council (NCC) to investigate all airlines operating in SA for overbooking has sparked a war of words in the aviation sector.
Last week the NCC announced it was investigating local and regional airline FlySafair for the practice of overbooking.
This, it said, was after complaints were lodged by passengers who had fallen victim to the practice by the airline.
In response, FlySafair claimed the practice was normal and in use worldwide. It said if fairness was to be achieved, the NCC should broaden its investigation to include all airlines in the country. Yesterday two airlines, CemAir and Airlink, distanced themselves from the practice. CemAir, a major player in the local aviation sector, on Wednesday said the practice was “unethical”.
“CemAir wishes to reassure its customers that we do not engage in and never have engaged in the practice of overbooking. Flights are sold only to the seating capacity of the aircraft and it is our view that overselling flights amounts to unethical business practice,” it said.
After FlySafair admitted to engaging in flight overbooking practices to maintain affordable ticket prices, another SA airline, Airlink, also denied it overbooked.
“Airlink would like to inform all its customers, and future travellers, that we do not overbook our flights. Contrary to what has been said publicly by FlySafair, not all SA airlines partake in the practice,” Airlink said.
CemAir criticised FlySafair’s justification for overbooking, which it claims is rooted in financial reasoning.
“We note the recent confirmation by competitor airline FlySafair that passenger overbooking is part of its standard business model as well as its assertion that it is a ‘globally accepted’ practice. — TimesLIVE.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter