Cross-channel rail operator Eurostar has been called out for its misleading advertising by the industry’s watchdog.
The Advertising Standards Authority said the company exaggerated the number of £39 seats on sale in a series of social media ads.
The Eurostar ads were posted across Instagram and Facebook offering £39 tickets from London to Amsterdam and Brussels.
The ASA has censured the company for misleading advertising – the second time this year.
“The only data they had provided showed that 4.2% of the total number of tickets for London to Brussels and 1.6% of the total for London to Amsterdam were priced at £39,” the ASA said.
“The responsibility was on Eurostar to demonstrate that the ‘from’ price did not exaggerate the availability or number of benefits likely to be obtained by the consumer.”
The ASA was responding to complaints.
Eurostar must ensure that a significant proportion of fares at the advertised price are available for future campaigns.
Eurostar said: “We take great care in the way that we word our advertising.”
“We understand and take on board the ASA’s latest ruling and are committed to ensuring that this does not occur again.”