Ryanair customers have to pay the most amount of hidden fees, a new study has found.
Airlines add new charges on top of the fare at every step of the online booking, starting with the seat selection fee, which, when paid, is the only guarantee you will be seated next to your friend, spouse or travel companion. Ryanair charges passengers nearly €250 extra if you are hit with every possible charge, according to figures from a report examining various costs to find out whether low-cost airlines are indeed budget-friendly.
The research looked at seven other airlines and compared the fees for several services, including seat selection, luggage, and check-in. The airlines analyzed in this comparison are Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Norwegian, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
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The TradingPedia study listed the costs in British Pound Sterling which we have converted into Euros. At the top of the list was Ryanair with the following charges:
- Checked Baggage Cost: £31
- Carry-on Baggage: £18
- Seat Selection: £15.5
- Online Booking: £0
- Airport or Online Check-in: £55
- Rescue Fee: £100
- Total Hidden Costs: £220 (€249.33)
Here is a full list of hidden fees for other airlines:
The report found that some airlines charged so-called "administration fees" right before completing the booking. Another hidden fee may be charged when paying with a credit or debit card - on top of the card or bank fees.
Typically, check-in fees are charged at the airport but some airlines add a fee even for online check-in. A spokesman for TradingPedia said: "The only way to avoid paying extra is to be prepared to travel uncomfortably - carrying only a small bag, receiving a random seat, away from travel companions and possibly at the back of the plane."
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