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Wed, 19 Aug 2026

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School investigated over 'drip pricing'

The consumer watchdog said they were trying to find out if the three companies were not showing full prices upfront to customers.

* Trainline is accused of adding up to £2.79 to train fares and up to £1.50 to coach bookings.
* Virgin Atlantic may have failed to include resort fees and local taxes in the upfront price shown to customers buying package holidays.
* RED Driving School could have added mandatory booking fees and digital fees to driving lesson prices, which can exceed £7 per lesson. The CMA has warned companies that they must clearly display all costs from the start of the booking process. If found guilty, Trainline, Virgin Atlantic, and RED Driving School may face fines or be ordered to compensate customers. This investigation comes after the CMA gained new powers last year to rule on consumer law breaches without taking businesses to court. Consumer rights group Which? is urging the CMA to use these powers if necessary.