New Zealand

Jetstar ticks get Consumer cross

13:38 pm on 20 May 2015

Consumer New Zealand is urging Jetstar to ditch the use of pre-ticked boxes in its online booking.

The consumer group said the airline's pre-selected sections were confusing and could result in people paying for services they did not want.

Photo: 123rf

Chief executive Sue Chetwin said it would take a truly canny consumer to make their way through a Jetstar booking without adding extra charges to the fare.

She said pre-selected services, including travel insurance, seats and baggage, could add $42.95 to the cost of a Wellington to Auckland airfare.

Air New Zealand has removed pre-selected travel insurance after a warning from the Commerce Commission, which is investigating Jetstar's use of ticked boxes.

Jetstar defended the boxes, saying they were legal, clearly displayed and easy to deselect.

Consumer has put a letter on its website asking the company to ditch the ticks; people can download it and send to Jetstar.