Travellers preparing to fly from UK airports are being urged to carry out a simple check that could save them significant money. Consumer experts at Which? have warned that failing to review baggage policies thoroughly before booking can lead to unexpected costs that dramatically increase the final price of a trip.
Hidden Costs of Comparison Websites
According to Which?, flights that initially appear cheap on comparison websites often end up costing much more than the advertised headline price. This is because many low-cost airlines charge extra for luggage that does not meet specific size or weight restrictions, particularly cabin bags that cannot fit under the seat.
Which? stated: "Sometimes the airlines that appear cheapest on a flight comparison site are much more expensive than the initial price suggests. Ryanair, Wizz and easyJet will charge you for any luggage that won't fit under your seat."
Airlines' Stance on Baggage
WizzAir warns: "All baggage options have size and weight limitations. Exceeding these limits will incur additional fees." Ryanair adds: "You must adhere strictly to the baggage allowance on your booking. If your small bag or 10kg cabin bag does not fit in the baggage sizers, it will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee." EasyJet similarly states: "We check cabin bag sizes before you board. If your cabin bag is larger than the maximum allowed size... it won't be able to go in the cabin. We'll have to check it into the aircraft hold and charges will apply."
Which? found in 2024 that such fees could quadruple the cost of the cheapest Wizz flights and more than double the cost of the cheapest easyJet and Ryanair flights. For hold luggage, charges are even higher.
Additional Travel Tips from Which?
To avoid unexpected costs, Which? recommends several other tips: don't pay extra to sit together, consider booking a package holiday, check school holiday dates and consider alternative airports, fly out on Saturday rather than Friday for short-haul trips, choose January for the cheapest fares, and set up flight price alerts.
By taking these simple steps, passengers can ensure they are not caught out by hidden fees and can enjoy their holiday with more money in their pocket.
