Brits are being urged not to judge holidays by flight prices alone as hidden fees can quickly send costs soaring. From paying to sit with your own family to baggage and transfer costs, a travel expert reveals the sneaky extras that can turn a cheap flight into a much more expensive trip.
Hidden Flight Fees
Families have been left furious after certain airlines have been under scrutiny over charges that can force parents to pay extra to sit with their children. The row has thrown hidden flight fees back into the spotlight at the peak of summer, with travel experts warning that bargain fares can quickly shoot up once extras like seat selection, cabin bags, hold luggage and airport transfers are added.
In some cases, airline add-ons alone can exceed £150 per person, meaning a “cheap-looking” European flight could end up costing close to double the original fare once the most common extras are factored in. Jane Bolton, travel expert at Erna Low, has said the key is knowing where these extra costs appear and what to watch out for before booking.
Extra Costs to Watch Out For
Paying to sit together, even as a family, is one of the biggest frustrations for travellers, particularly families. Ms Bolton notes that travellers often feel forced to pay these fees when flying with children, causing the final total to diverge sharply from the advertised price.
However, she advises checking the airline’s seating policy prior to booking, pointing out that “in some cases, families will be seated together automatically, so paying upfront isn’t always necessary”. This is especially relevant following Ryanair‘s recent policy change, which dropped its requirement for at least one adult to pay for a reserved seat when travelling with children aged two to 11.
Cabin bags that aren’t included in the base fare can also add up quickly. Ms Bolton explained that for most trips, luggage is something travellers need, so the cost can add up quickly, making the initial price an unrealistic benchmark for how people actually travel.
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Airport check-in fees and admin charges continue to catch travellers by surprise, especially on budget carriers. Ms Bolton warned that travellers should take their time during the final payment screens, as small admin fees, payment charges or optional extras can be added quickly.
Avoiding Hidden Travel Fees
Ground transportation between the airport and your hotel is easily forgotten, yet it remains one of the largest hidden travel expenses. Ms Bolton highlights that private transfers, taxis, and train tickets can rapidly inflate group budgets.
Looking at this early in the planning process can make a big difference, she stressed, warning that once local transport is tallied up, a seemingly cheap flight may lose its financial edge.
Ms Bolton stresses checking local payment requirements before departing “rather than assuming everything is included” in the upfront booking.
On their own, add-ons may seem small, but combined, they can significantly increase the total price. Ms Bolton cautions that airlines design these options as tempting micro-upgrades, and to keep spending under control, passengers are encouraged to step back and critically evaluate which extras are genuinely essential for their trip.
Once luggage and group transport are included, the budget option rarely stays cheap. What we’re seeing is that travellers are increasingly weighing up cost against convenience, according to Ms Bolton. While most people naturally prefer a seamless journey, many will accept extra hassle to save money.
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The catch, however, is that once luggage, seating and ground transport are included, the “budget” option rarely stays cheap. To avoid surprises, Ms Bolton concludes that “looking at the full journey, from departure through to arrival at your accommodation, gives a much more accurate idea of the overall cost”.
The best way to avoid unexpected costs is to step back and look at the full journey before booking, rather than focusing on the initial price alone. A few simple checks can make a big difference, including checking exactly what is included in your fare or booking upfront, factoring in luggage, seating transfers and local costs early, avoiding rushing through the final checkout stage where extras can be added quickly and reviewing booking terms and flexibility before confirming.
Taking a few extra minutes at the start can help avoid much bigger costs later on, Ms Bolton added. By doing so, travellers can ensure a more realistic understanding of the total cost of their trip and make more informed decisions when booking their holidays.
Travellers should research local costs.
They should also consider the cost of ground transportation, such as private transfers or train tickets, when planning their trip to a beautiful UK town.
