James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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119. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on fluctuation in prices for the purchase of seats with an airline (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31823/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under European Union Regulation 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, airlines have pricing freedom in relation to setting air fares for intra-Community air services and other related services such as baggage.

The Regulation requires that air fares be transparent i.e. that passengers booking a flight must be aware of the final price of a flight including any supplemental elements selected by the passenger, at all times during the booking process.

Within this framework airlines regularly take into account various operational realities in setting these fares and charges over time, for example flights at peak times or with short advance bookings may attract higher prices which is an industry norm.

Anyone who feels that the final price of an air fare was not displayed transparently in the booking process may refer the matter to the Commission for Aviation Regulation.