Travel Agency Ads Confusing...

I was browsing the newspaper's travel classified ads.. and this is what i saw.. One of the agent advertise: 3D2N Hong Kong fr$599 + Tax $59.. I just can't believe the tax amount of $59.. I called up and check, then i realised that $59 is only for Singapore and Hong Kong airport tax.. Excluding fuel tax & war risk tax.. and then i do a further enquiry, then i understand that the fuel tax & war risk tax is included in the fare fr $599...


Next i came across another advertisement.. 3D2N Hong Kong fr $555 + Tax $98.. then i compare to the earlier ads (above)..

(the above ads) $599 + $59 = $658

(the below ads) $555 + $98 = $653

There is a difference of $5..

BUT don't get carried away, this advertisements are on 29 Dec08.. and if you are to travel from 1 Jan 09 onwards, there is an increase of $7 for Singapore airport tax.. from 30Dec08 till 1Jan09 air seats are fully book.. so definitely you have to travel in Jan09.. thus another $7 more.. which is not stated in the advertisements..

The advertising ruling for travel agency is creating more confusion to the public and the travel agent themselves. At the end of the day, some travel agency have to make a small print "Taxes & Fuel Surcharges correct at the time of print & subject to change due to currency fluctuations" to protect themselves.. thus more words = more advertising cost...