The true cost of airline extras: Unpacking the £225 million annual expenditure by Brits and tips for minimising expenses
Travelling is an integral part of life for many Brits, with around 44.1 million jetting off on at least one trip each year. From picking the perfect location to planning activities and choosing the best accommodation, extensive research is required.
However, the costs associated with air travel often extend far beyond just the initial ticket price. Such add-ons include baggage fees, seat selection, and in-flight amenities, all of which have become a substantial expense for holidaygoers – around £225 million to be exact.
In this article, we take a look at what Brits are spending their money on and whether there are cheaper alternatives to optimise your travel budget while still enjoying the perks of flying.
What are the most common airline extras?
It’s been reported that around two-thirds of Brits typically pay for at least one airline extra for their flight, with seat reservations taking centre stage. It appears that we place importance on the ability to sit next to our loved ones during a flight or get a window seat, which is understandable.
Following on from this, it seems Brits also like to pack more for their trip, with one in six paying for an additional 10kg of luggage. Other favoured extras include travel insurance, airport parking, and a pre-booked flight meal.
Why do we feel the need to buy airline extras?
In truth, not everyone does, and it’s those under 45 who are most likely to purchase these add-ons. The biggest factor influencing people’s decision is convenience, with around 48% booking the extras to make the flying experience easier.
A large number of individuals also do this for peace of mind, especially those who are over the age of 55, or to save themselves time. Another interesting finding is that approximately one in five people believe that it is cheaper to book directly through the airline rather than looking elsewhere; however, this is not always the case.
How can Brits ensure they are getting the best price for these extras?
Before increasing the overall cost of your journey by adding on optional extras, it’s vital that you explore other options. This will enable you to find potentially better prices and make an informed decision.
Airport Parking
Some airlines will offer airport parking as an additional extra. Alongside travel insurance and fast-track security, it can triple the original price of your ticket. It’s therefore important to first do your research before paying an extortionate amount for parking.
Turning up on the day without booking however is an expensive mistake, so it’s important to enquire early on. For example, booking your parking in advance at Manchester can save you around four times less. Third-party companies are often the cheapest and some are located directly outside the airport, like the parking at Manchester Airport Terminal 1.
Seat Reservation
If you’re set on reserving your seats, particularly if you are travelling with a young family, there are some ways to help you save on these costs. It depends on what airline you choose, with easyJet (£0.99-£30), Ryanair (£2-£30), and TUI Airways (£0.99-£19) offering the cheapest options when it comes to seat allocation.
Still, it’s worth noting that airlines will often assign seats based on the booking, meaning you may get to sit together without paying anything. British Airways is the company most likely to automatically sit you next to your loved ones (94%), closely followed by easyJet (93%). Just remember to check in as early as possible.
Additional baggage
While we try to pack as lightly as possible sometimes this isn’t possible, particularly for longer trips. It’s almost always cheaper to book extra hold luggage ahead of time rather than waiting until the airport but some airlines charge less than you might think.
There are only two major airlines that charge for 10kg of luggage and these are easyJet and Ryanair, both costing around the £30 mark. With Jet2, TIU Airways, and British Airways, this 10kg is included in the ticket price.
Most airlines will charge for taking 20kg of luggage on short-haul flights. The cheapest of the airlines for this service are TUI Airways (£46) and Ryanair (£57), followed by Jet2 (£68) and easyJet (£71.48).
