Fashion-obsessed Brits are forking out an eye-watering £225million per year so they can bring their bulging summer wardrobes on holiday with them. More than a quarter (28%) of holidaymakers splash out on additional luggage on short-haul flights - with 16% plumping for an additional 10kg while 12% opt for a hefty 20kg.
Women admitted they would be more likely to cough up for an extra 10kg of packing weight, with 93% admitting they 'needed it' compared to 82% of men. The research from Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) quizzed 2,004 jet-setting Brits and discovered that more than two-thirds (69%) paid for one or more airline extras on their last flight.
This includes add-ons such as a seat reservation, pre-booked meal, fast-track or priority boarding, extra luggage, travel insurance and airport parking. Seat reservation is the most popular extra, with nearly three in ten (27%) Brits, the equivalent to around 12million people, stumping up for a seat reservation on their last short-haul flight.
This airline extra costs a huge £154million per year, while extra luggage was the second most popular addition. The majority of Brits claim airline extras are often worth the added cost particularly 10kg of extra luggage, which nine in ten (89%) say is worth it.
While adding a seat reservation and 20kg extra luggage can nearly double the cost of the flight ticket for airlines Ryanair and easyJet, more than 80% are satisfied with paying more. Nearly half (48%) happy to spend money claim the main reason they do it is because it's considered 'easier'.
A third (33%) also do it for peace of mind, with those over 55 the most likely to invest in an extra for this reason. Meanwhile a quarter (24%) opt for it to 'save time'. On the flip side, more than a third (36%) of over-45s said they don't bother spending cash on airline extras.
Nick Caunter, managing director at Airport Parking and Hotels, said: "Booking added extras on flights will always be a personal preference, whether opting for a seat reservation or extra luggage. It's positive to see the majority find the extras worthwhile, making travelling as stress free as possible.
"The costs highlighted show it's worth being selective in which airline extra is the best option for you and those you travel with. In some cases, the cost of certain extras like seat reservation can be limited by getting to check-in early and it's worth shopping around for extras such as airport parking and travel insurance.
"It may be easiest to book through airlines but savings could be made."
TOP NINE AIRLINE EXTRAS BRITS THINK ARE WORTH THE COST
10kg of extra luggage (89% said it was worth it)
Airport transfers (88%)
Airport parking (87%)
Car hire at the destination (86%)
Seat reservations (85%)
Travel insurance (82%)
20kg+ of extra luggage (83%)
Fast-track (78%)
A pre-booked meal (76%)
For more information visit: https://www.aph.com/community/holidays/how-much-airline-extras-can-impact-the-price-of-your-flight/
