As the festive season approaches, around five million Brits are expected to travel abroad over the December period. Now, travel experts have warned that passenger on every airline, including Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways and more, should be aware of the “hidden fees” that they might pick up at the airport if they fail to plan properly.
With passengers flying to and from the UK to celebrate with their families, research by Confused.com has found that almost a third (32%) of holidaymakers have been charged for overweight baggage, forking out around £55 on top of the cost they’ve already paid.
What’s more, two in five (40%) of those who’ve been hit with these fees were carrying extra weight due to gifts. This is not helped by the fact that excess baggage fees differ between airlines, meaning it can often be confusing knowing how much you need to pay.
To clear up confusion, Confused.com has launched an airline baggage checker, a tool that outlines included and additional baggage allowances for airlines operating out of the UK.
For example, easyJet and Jet2 charge £12 per kilo in excess baggage fees, while Ryanair charges 12 euros (£9.90). Meanwhile, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic charge a flat fee of £65 for an overweight bag.
According to the research, more than one in eight (13%) holidaymakers typically take two hold cases with them on their trip. Because of this, unexpected baggage costs could increase their holiday fees significantly.
As a result, the research revealed that 20% of travellers said that excess fees meant that they had to cut costs elsewhere during their trip, while a third said they limited the number of gifts or items they brought home.
Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster, has been watching airlines all around the world frequently changing baggage practices for years.
He said: “Twenty years ago every plane ticket came with a generous luggage allowance – but now passengers on budget airlines have to pay extra for anything beyond one small cabin bag.
“If you want the lowest price, you have to comply with the incredible shrinking free allowances. Anything bigger, and you will be paying a hefty fee if you book in advance – and even more if you leave it until the airport.
“In contrast, some airlines are very generous with the amount that you are allowed to take into the cabin. I welcome this new baggage checker – which is especially important ahead of Christmas.”
With the costly Christmas season in full swing, many will be doing all they can to avoid excess costs.
According to Confused.com’s research which unpacks how much UK holidaymakers are spending on baggage, 89% said they check baggage allowance and fees when booking a flight.
But despite this, one in five (21%) said they had to purchase an additional piece of luggage to redistribute weight at the airport. On average, people spent £55 for their overweight or oversized baggage, with 16% ending up paying over £100.
Over half (51%) think airlines charge too much for baggage fees. And, at the same time, 55% said airlines should offer clearer and more consistent information on baggage fees and allowances.
For example, Ryanair allows for one under seat bag (40 x 30 x 15 cm) with no hold luggage included, while British Airways is much more generous, allowing not just a 23kg under seat bag, but also one 23kg hold luggage and a further cabin bag.
Overweight baggage fees range from £10 per kilogram to a flat fee of £65, even if they are over by just one kilo. This is on top of the cost they’ve potentially already paid for luggage. Depending on the airline and allowances, this can be as much as £69 per bag.
