Holidaymakers can expect to see clearer pricing on travel and airline websites following a landmark court ruling against the no-frills carrier Ryanair.

A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found the airline guilty in 2003 of six cases of breaching the Consumer Protection Act of 1987, which "prohibits a business giving a misleading price indication". Ryanair had failed to state that the prices advertised on the internet excluded tax and charges. It was fined £24,000.

Ryanair welcomed the decision, saying the verdict vindicated its current pricing policy as the airline has for the past two years clearly stated on its website that prices do not include charges. Currently its website is advertising a "summer seat sale" with prices from 99p, excluding taxes, fees and charges.

To demonstrate the real cost of tickets, Telegraph Travel searched for one-way flights from Stansted to Eindhoven and Stansted to Milan on March 15. The flight to Eindhoven cost £14.92, including £13.93 in additional charges. The cheapest price available on the flight to Milan was £16.99 and the total price charged, including extras of £13.93, was £30.92.

The court case, brought by the Trading Standards Institute, sets a precedent that airline and travel websites must follow or face prosecution.

Ryanair fined for 'misleading' pricing, continued