Ryanair, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Aer Lingus, Eastern Airways, easyJet, Flybe, German Wings, Jet2, Lufthansa, BMI Baby, and Wizz Air have agreed to include debit card surcharges in the headline price.

The airlines agreed to the change after an OFT investigation which followed a 'super complaint' by consumer rights magazine Which? about airlines which spring debit card charges on customers towards the end of the booking process.

Most of the airlines, including Eastern Airways, easyJet, Flybe, German Wings, Lufthansa, Thomas Cook, Thomson (TUI) and Wizz Air, have already made changes to their pricing. The rest have got until August 1 to comply with regards to advertising and fully complete further changes over the coming months.

OFT chief executive Clive Maxwell said: "This is a great outcome for the millions of people who buy flights online. It is important that the cost presented when they search for a flight is realistic and that they are not surprised by extra charges. Otherwise it is harder for them to shop around for the best deal."

Following OFT recommendations last year, the Government has announced plans to bring forward legislation to ban excessive debit and credit card surcharges across the economy.