Consumer group EKPOIZO accused airlines yesterday of misleading passengers by advertising cheap air fares that did not correspond to actual ticket prices, with Olympic Airlines (OA) being among the worst offenders.

In a survey of 10 airlines, EKPOIZO compared advertised fares to different destinations around the world with actual ticket costs, including airport taxes and fuel surcharges.

An OA flight from Athens to New York between August and October, advertised at 450 euros, turned out to cost 620.34 euros.

“Olympic Airlines is one of the companies that advertise ticket prices without including airport taxes, security and fuel costs,” said EKPOIZO in a statement.

Other airlines are believed to be attracting customers by continuing to run promotional campaigns with special offers long after the tickets had been sold out.

Adria, Air Baltic, Clickair and Scandinavian Airlines were also among the companies found to be selling air tickets above advertised rates, EKPOIZO added.