Budget airlines are a great low-cost way to fly, but hidden charges can soon bring you back down to earth with a bump. Airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet advertise flights costing just a few pence, but once you add in their extra fees the final bill can soar.
Which? has filed a super-complaint with the Office of Fair Trading against "rip-off" surcharges on debit or credit card purchases and names low-cost airlines as among the worst offenders.
However, there are plenty more charges to watch out for.
Online check-in fees
Budget airlines' amazingly low fares are designed to catch the eye but blink and you might miss other fees lurking on their websites.
Ryanair's online check-in fee will cost another £6 each way, adding £12 to the cost of each return trip and up to a whopping £48 for a family of four.
Other budget airlines charge check-in fees, too, bmibaby.com, for example, charges £7 per passenger if you book online then check-in or drop your bags at the airport (£10 if you booked through its call centre).
How to pay less: Know the airline's rules before you book. Ryanair offers free online check-in on some flights so keep your eyes peeled. Avoid bmibaby.com's airport service fees by taking hand luggage only.
Taxes and fees
That headline fare won't include fees and taxes which often cost more than the flight. These charges, on a Ryanair flight to Alicante costing £21.99 one way, will add another £31.07. Airport fees and government taxes aren't the airline's fault but they can use them to their advantage.
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