The controversial extra charges that are imposed on passengers by budget airlines are resulting in travellers still paying more for the price of their ticket than originally advertised, according to new research.
A new report by Holiday Which? magazine has found that the extras involved in booking a cheap flight can cost up to £28 more than the advertised ticket cost for a return flight .
Holiday Which? found Ryanair to be the worst airline for advertising flights at a cheaper price than their actual cost, charging passengers £20 at the airport to check a bag into the hold and £4 to simply use the check-in desk.
The report also found both Monarch Airlines and Bmibaby to be just as expensive, while Flybe charge £18 for such extras and Easyjet half the price at £10.
However, Easyjet's priority boarding service costs considerably more than its rivals at £15, compared with an extra cost of £4 from Ryanair .
The consumer watchdog points out the extras are in addition to credit card fees airlines charge at the time of booking, which can range from £3.50 to £4.90.
Lorna Cowan, editor of Holiday Which? said: "We're disappointed to see the major budget airlines are introducing charges for services that were once included in the full cost of the ticket ."
"Ryanair's charge to use its check-in desk is especially unfair. The only way to avoid this is not to check any luggage into the hold."
"Although the airlines view these services as optional, who would go on a week's holiday without checking a bag into the hold?
Cowan added: "Holiday Which? would like to see airlines put a halt to these extra charges - who knows what they'll be charging us for next!"
However, Ryanair has insisted that it’s under fire charging regime is the whole point of "no frills" flying.
The airline’s chief executive Michael O'Leary said his customers must learn to travel light or pay for the privilege of packing a suitcase.
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Hidden Flight Charges Can Cost Passengers GBP28 Extra Tue, 08 Jan 2008      Recommended linksUk Travel Agents PortalPre-travelling tips Travel agents quick enquiry Holiday safety guide Skin Cancer May Be Triggered By Cheap Flights Ryanair Service Hides Charges Cheap flight deals |
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