# Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and Red Driving School investigated over pricing

By Dan Coatsworth — 2026-08-19

With the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launching investigations into the Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and Red Driving School over concerns customers were not shown full prices upfront, Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, has outlined that even small fees can add up to costly sums for consumers, which can have a negative effect overall for businesses.

He said: “There’s nothing worse than ordering something and seeing extra charges added to each stage of the booking process. Most people would simply like to see one figure upfront so they know from the start what the total cost will be.

“Unfortunately, plenty of companies are still playing tricks on users as they sneak in extra charges each time you click the ‘next’ button as the order progresses. It’s no wonder the Competition \& Markets Authority is fighting a lengthy battle against so-called ‘drip pricing’.

“Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School are the latest targets for the CMA’s clampdown on misleading pricing practices.

“Trainline’s fees are relatively small, but they can add up for frequent travellers. The company says it will take steps to ‘enhance’ how certain fees are presented, but it could face potential fines and forced customer refunds if the CMA finds that consumer law has been broken.

“Investors were shocked at the news, sending the shares down 15 per cent. Trainline is already facing enough headwinds with increased competition and potential regulatory changes in Europe that investors can’t stand the thought of another headache on top.

“Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School are in the same boat with regards to a potential slap on the wrist from the regulator. Airlines are notorious for imposing extra charges at any given chance. As for RED Driving, the idea of a ‘digital charge’ separate to a booking fee seems cheeky, and it’s no wonder people have been moaning on social media about the company layering extra costs on top of the actual driving lesson.”

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