These reports are case summaries of complaints which appeared to raise issues of substance in relation to the interpretation of the ITC Advertising Standards Code. Summary statistics of non-substantive complaints can be found in the full reports which are obtainable from the ITC.
Eurostar - Reunited
Complaint from: 1 viewer
Background
An advertisement for Eurostar stated in the final frames: "Paris return £59". Onscreen text at the start of the commercial explained the fare was "Subject to availability and conditions apply".
Issue
A viewer complained that she tried to book return tickets for £59 but was quoted £109. She felt the advertisement was misleading.
Assessment
The BACC said that any advertisers were entitled to promote any fare as a stand-alone fare as long as the conditions attached were made clear. In this case it believed that they were.
Although the ITC acknowledged that advertisers could promote individual fares, it considered the unqualified price of £59 quoted at the end of the advertisement suggested that £59 was the prevailing price. The onscreen text, "subject to availability", by appearing only at the start of the advertisement, failed to make clear to viewers that there was a limited number of tickets at the advertised price. It judged that the advertisement was misleading and required that it should not be shown again in its current form.
Conclusion
Complaint upheld. Breach of ITC Code Rule 5.2.3.
|