bmi exposes loophole

Passengers on bmi will pay the lower rate of Air Passenger Duty, thanks to a loophole discovered by the airline.

By taking out cabin dividers between business and economy class, the airline has been able to provide one cabin, thereby circumventing new regulations in the industry, reports TravelMole.

Although travellers in business class will still receive the benefits traditionally afforded them, they will now pay the same duty as their economy class counterparts.

However, this will not affect passengers on two or three-class airlines.

The airline said: "[Reservation systems] have been informed about this change and it will change in the system asap."

A spokesman for British Airways said that it will be "interesting to see what happens" following these developments.

bmi claims to be the second largest airline in the UK and responsible for many industry innovations, such as being the first to offer bookings online and the first to take part in the Pet Travel Scheme.

Posted by Kate, 21 February 2007 18:30

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