Emirates is known for its world-class services and exceptional flying experience. With many people often choosing this airline over other competitors, the airline is now also planning to expand its operations on several routes. However, recently, the airline was asked to pay a hefty fine to a flyer from New Zealand! Here’s why this happened.
Emirates Asked To Pay A Fine?
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According to a news report by Stuff, a New Zealand-based media organisation, Emirates has to pay a Tauranga man NZ$13,555 (or AED30,898.30) as directed by the Disputes Tribunal. The reason behind this was over misleading advertisements that promoted comfortable business-class features, which were apparently not available in New Zealand. Mark Morgan, the complainant, accused the airlines of not meeting his and his wife’s expectations during their flight and business class. Yet to get a better look at what happened here is the series of events that lead to this verdict.
What Really Happened With The New Zealand Flyer?
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The flyer and his wife purchased a business-class ticket to London with the airline. However, upon boarding, they discovered that the cabin product was not similar to the products used in the advertisement. They claimed that there was no mini bar beneath the seat and the seats weren’t fully flat. The reason why this problem arose was that the airline was using Boeing 777-300 on this route, which is not equipped with the more modish interiors as the other aircraft of the airline. So in order to make use of all these amenities, the couple upgraded to first-class tickets, during the return journey.
Moreover, the flyer even claimed that his ticket receipt showed a photo of the new business class seat rather than the outdated one!
Arguing this, the airline stated that its terms and conditions of the tickets permit them to change the type of aircraft based on operational needs. So, the Dispute Tribunal argued they were advertising a service that was rarely available in the region. Thereby, the airline misrepresented the business class service available to New Zealand customers and to the said passenger. So citing the Fair Trading Act 1986, which prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct in trade, Emirates was asked to pay a fine by March 27.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/emirates