So-called budget airlines are failing to earn their name, as research has found that many are boosting their profits with add-on charges.
While low-cost carriers may offer travellers value for money in terms of flights, additional charges can bring them back in line with standard flight prices.
Holidaymakers who regularly use budget airlines may be surprised to learn that they could incur a charge of up to £120 for a bag that is just 3kg over the weight limit. This is in addition to other pricey charges, such as £110 to change the name on a ticket and £30 for extra leg room.
Ryanair appears to be the worst culprit when it comes to add-ons, with the news that passengers will be charged £70 for checking in a 20kg bag from June until October. This figure rises by an extra £10 for those planning a break in the sun in Cyprus, the Canary Islands or Greece.
Budget airline easyJet is also set to increase its add-on charges for passengers flying this summer. In a year-on-year comparison, the price for taking a 20kg suitcase on a return flight will be £32 this year, compared to a figure of £28 last summer. Aer Lingus has also increased its bag charge on a return flight, from £24 to £36.
The research, carried out by the Guardian, also compared the add-on costs with several airlines for one person, with a 20kg bag, booking a week’s return flight and paying by credit card.
With £82 in add-on costs, Ryanair took leading position – closely followed by Jet2 at £58. Flybe came in at third place with charges of £37, followed by Aer Lingus and Thomson, at £34 and £35 respectively.
These charges are all the more surprising when you consider that, using the same criteria, British Airways would only add £4.50 to the cost of a flight.
(Images: davidnilsson)
