| Bulletin | 09/6 |
| Batch No. | 189 |
| Ref | 12485 |
| Product | Travel/Holidays |
| Advertiser | Aereps.ie |
| Agency | |
| Medium | Press |
| Complaint Advertisement: A Las Vegas travel supplement in the Irish Times stated on the cover “Win a luxury trip to Las Vegas”. The competition details on the second page outlined the full details stating “Win a trip to Las Vegas. Join the jet set by winning a fantastic 3 night stay in Las Vegas. Prize includes: Continental Airlines – Two return economy class seats from Dublin, Shannon or Belfast to Newark Liberty International Airport and on to Las Vegas. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – Live like a celebrity, 3 night stay in a Hollywood Hip Room, VIP check in, VIP airport transfers and two tickets to the hit new Peepshow. Maverick Helicopters – Take a trip of a lifetime to the fabulous Grand Canyon and see its breathtaking views and then top that off with a Vegas night flight. Chelsea Premium Outlets - $250 Gift Card redeemable at all stores at Las Vegas Outlet Centre and Las Vegas Premium Outlets”. The footnote at the bottom of the advertisement included the wording “The prize includes return economy class flights with Continental Airlines and three nights accommodation for two people in The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino with VIP airport transfers…..The prize winner is liable for all air taxes and fees.” Complaint: The complainant stated that on reading the details of the competition he noted that the flights to Las Vegas were economy and did not include taxes and fees or travel insurance. He questioned how travelling economy class and paying for taxes and fees was a luxury trip. |
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| 2006 Code | |
| 2002 Code |
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| Response The advertisers detailed the elements of the trip which included: • Two return flights from Dublin, Shannon or Belfast to Las Vegas with Continental Airlines. They stated that Continental Airlines offer audio video on demand in every seat in economy including movies and TV shows and offer complimentary meals and drinks throughout the transatlantic flight. • A three night stay in Planet Hollywood in a ‘Hip Room’. They submitted details on this class of room which they felt demonstrated beyond doubt that the hotel is in the luxury category. • Two tickets to see one of the top Las Vegas shows – ‘Peep Show’. • A helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon including landing in the Canyon valued at just under $900.00. • A shopping voucher to the value of $250.00. They stated that the terms and conditions were laid out clearly. Air taxes and fees amounted to €65.00 per person which Continental Airlines collect directly from the winner and was standard promotional procedures for participating airlines. They stated that travel insurance was mandatory which they believed was good practice in ensuring all travellers are protected in the rare event of personal illness or accident. |
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| Conclusion Complaint Not Upheld The Complaints Committee considered the detail of the complaint and the advertisers’ response. They considered that when account was taken of the overall package, the term ‘luxury’ was not likely to mislead. They did not uphold the complaint. Action Required: No further action required. |
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