Travel researchers have identified the low-cost airline with the highest hidden fees in a new report. With the summer well underway, tens of thousands of Brits will be heading abroad to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Many will have scoured the internet for cheap flights to the continent well in advance of their departure date, hoping to bag a bargain. However, new data show that not all low-cost airlines are as good value for money as they may at first appear to be. Budget airlines have become notorious for charging extra fees for a wide variety of items, including cabin and hold luggage.
A team of researchers from the travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk has sifted through the extra costs across eighteen European budget airlines to reveal which carriers hit passengers hardest with add-on charges.
They analysed fees for additional leg room, standard seat selection, cabin bags, luggage costs and late airport check-in fees to determine the true cost of flying with each airline.
Spanish airline Vueling, which offers cheap flights to major European cities, came top of the pops for charging the most extra fees. The airline charges over £90 for a 20kg hold bag, and when other optional add-ons like seat selection, cabin bag and extra leg room are added, then the fees can reach a whopping £163.36.
Ryanair comes in second place, hitting its passengers with add-ons totalling £152.99, according to the researchers. Passengers flying with the Irish airline should remember to check-in online before they depart.
Failure to do so can lead to a hefty airport check-in fee of £55 per person, leaving unaware travellers even more out of pocket.
Dan Air comes in third place, with extra costs potentially rising to as high as £117.33 for optional add-ons. The airline, which began operating regular flights under its own brand in June 2023, also charges an airport check-in fee of £12.62.
Commenting on the research, Helen Rolph travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Budget airlines can offer incredibly low ticket fares to popular European destinations, making them an attractive option for summer holidays.
“However, often the ticket price doesn’t reflect the true cost passengers will end up paying, as it doesn’t factor in essential extras like baggage or seat selection, and a flight that looks cheap at first glance might end up being more expensive than other options once all the hidden charges are included.
“We recommend taking the time to compare not only the ticket price but these essential extra fees, especially if travelling with a family, going away for a longer time or if additional space is needed.”