The rise in charging for flight add-ons has reached new heights, with nearly 90% of airlines now charging extra fees on top of the initial ticket price, according to a report. Ryanair stands out as the airline with the highest additional charges for services like seat selection, baggage check-in, and insurance, making it increasingly rare to find an airline that offers a comprehensive package upfront. A study by NetVoucherCodes, a money-saving voucher website, found that 89% of airlines charge for at least one additional service, rising to 97% among European carriers.
The issue of add-on fees gained attention when an elderly couple was charged £110 by Ryanair for new boarding passes after checking into the wrong leg of their flight. Following this incident, others took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Ryanair’s fees. In response to the growing concerns, the UK government launched a review of “drip pricing,” a practice in which companies hide the true cost of products and services by charging extra fees.
NetVoucherCodes conducted an analysis of similar routes offered by top airlines worldwide, calculating the costs of add-ons such as carry-on baggage, checked bags, seat selection, fast tracking, insurance, and onboard wifi. For a Ryanair flight to Ireland, the initial cost of £18.39 surged to over £80 after the inclusion of optional extras, including £22.49 for baggage check-in, £14.50 for carry-on luggage, £8 for seat selection, and £18.39 for insurance.
Ryanair defended its practices, stating that there were no hidden fees and emphasizing the exceptional value of the quoted flight price from the UK to Ireland. According to Ryanair, all mentioned products are optional, giving consumers the choice to add or forgo them. The airline argued that even without any additional products, passengers could still travel with a carry-on bag for £18.39.
On average, European airlines charged an extra £45.43, while international airlines averaged £26.09 and US airlines averaged £61.20 for add-ons. Wizz Air ranked second in terms of additional charges after Ryanair, with a flight to Hungary costing £34.29 and add-ons totaling £93.56. The airline justified its fees by stating that they were transparently outlined on its website and app, emphasizing its low-cost model and the choice it provided to customers.
Consumer rights expert Martyn James noted the significant increase in the add-on culture, revealing that airlines have consistently sought new revenue streams once previous ones were closed off. James suggested that comparison websites include all extra costs upfront to provide a more accurate representation of total prices. He advocated for empowering the Civil Aviation Authority to enforce upfront charging by airlines. Passengers were advised to be skeptical, read terms and conditions carefully, and consider whether more expensive flights with inclusive services might actually be a better option.
In conclusion, with airlines continuing to adopt the strategy of charging extra fees, passengers need to stay informed about these charges. The industry has witnessed flagship carriers, such as Lufthansa and British Airways, transition from including checked bags to implementing charges on them. Only a few, like Emirates, still maintain the all-inclusive pricing. Additional support for passengers, especially vulnerable or elderly individuals, is necessary to ensure a smoother experience. Passengers should be mindful of their luggage needs, review cabin bag policies, and carefully assess all potential fees when planning their trips.
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