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A new study has revealed that Opodo offers better levels of online usability than any other major travel agents or airlines.

Research by technology consultancy Webcredible rated Opodo the most user-friendly major travel agent website, with a 67% usability rating.

Overall, it was found that UK travel agent websites are offering their customers a higher standard of online usability than airlines, with agents achieving a 55% rate of usability, compared to 48% for air carriers.

One of the areas where airlines let themselves down was in failing to address issues such as transparency of pricing.

Webcredible director Ismail Ismail said: 'Users need to have clear and accurate pricing displayed throughout their journey through a site.

'It's not acceptable to add 'hidden' charges at the very end of a transaction process – this is something which a number of airline carriers are guilty of.'

The Webcredible study also concluded that, while some websites are performing well and offering a user-friendly online service to their customers, there is a lot of scope for agents and airlines to take more advantage of modern internet technology.

Mr Ismail explained: 'Booking a holiday is often a social experience and the ability to interact and share the booking process with friends and family is essential…Increasing the usability of a travel website will enhance the success users have in finding and booking flights – it's as simple as that.'

Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.