Taken from www.moneysavingexpert.com by Martin Lewis
The Budget Airline Charges Quiz...
How much could a £1 each way flight cost?
Budget airlines' supposed 'extra' charges are nearly obscene. This week we've a new guide (see below) to beat them, inc anonymous tips from an Easyjet air steward. To prove the point...
Quick quiz. How much could a £1 flight cost?
A family of three get Ryanair £1 each way return tickets to Europe. If they were to pay on a debit card, take a suitcase each (not pre-booked) and check-in at the airport, guesstimate the total 'additional' charges.
Take a pause and answer aloud before reading on...
The answer...
The actual total is a shocking £396, that's £6 return for flights and £390 for ‘added-extras’. This includes £10 return each for debit card payment (£30 total), £40 return (£120) per suitcase, and airport check-in’s £80 return (£240).
The system’s a farce...
Airlines are playing fast and loose. The example above is extreme, but the injustice isn't about the cost, but that some charges that are practically compulsory are excluded from the advertised price. How can checking-in or paying by card be 'added' extras when they’re unavoidable?
It's time for legislation that the advertised price MUST include paying and online check-in; other main extras like baggage should be listed alongside in the same font. New Guide: Beat Airline Charges Discuss this: Airline Charges Rip Off