Island-based air ticketing firm Manx2.com is abolishing all booking and credit card charges from today (Thursday).

Surcharges have proved unpopular with air travellers, who can face a final charge more than double the original fare, once transaction and credit or debit card fees are added-on.

Manx2's move follows measures by the UK Office of Fair Trading aimed at banning credit card surcharges.

Until now the company has levied an average ?5 fee per ticket, plus a credit card charge.

The move has been welcomed by Infrastructure Minister David Cretney.

Manx2 chairman Noel Hayes says although card sales incur extra costs, the firm's prepared to take a hit to win more business in the long run: