Airlines are hitting travellers with exorbitant excess baggage fees, sometimes as high as £65 for just 1kg over the allowed limit, according to recent revelations. A fresh survey discovered that one in three holidaymakers – a staggering 32 percent – have been blindsided by hidden and unexpected baggage charges.
Furthermore, one in five – 20 percent – claim these fees have forced them to reduce their travel spending upon reaching their destination. Half of all travellers – 51 percent – believe airlines charge too much, while an equivalent proportion demand clearer and more consistent information on baggage fees and allowances.
This warning about fees comes at a time when approximately five million Brits are expected to travel abroad during the December period, many with gifts for family and friends. Research conducted by Confused.com revealed that nearly nine out of 10 (89 percent) holidaymakers check baggage allowance and fees when booking a flight.
However, despite this, one in five (21 percent) admitted they had to buy an additional piece of luggage to redistribute weight at the airport. On average, people spent £55 for their overweight or oversized baggage, with 16 percent paying over £100.
Confused.com commented: “In the face of increasingly high living costs, the travel industry has become expensive, and holidaygoers feel stung by confusing policies and hidden costs. Echoing this sentiment, two in five (42 percent) passengers believe baggage fees should be included in the ticket price.
Travel expert, Simon Calder, commented: “Twenty years ago every plane ticket came with a generous luggage allowance – but now passengers on budget airlines have to pay extra for anything beyond one small cabin bag. “If you want the lowest price, you have to comply with the incredible shrinking free allowances. Anything bigger, and you will be paying a hefty fee if you book in advance – and even more if you leave it until the airport.”
In contrast, some airlines are very generous with the amount that you are allowed to take into the cabin.
He further added: “To clear up confusion, Confused.com has launched an airline baggage checker. This outlines the free and additional baggage allowances based on each airline flying out of the UK. While you’re packing your cabin luggage, remember those liquids rules apply. No snowdomes please, and don’t wrap presents beforehand because the security staff may need to check them.”
Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, remarked: “Holidays are an exciting time but there’s no doubt that the added costs can be a significant stress for travellers.”
“With so much confusion around airline policies, it’s no surprise that many feel caught off guard by unexpected costs and unclear rules when checking in luggage. Finding the right information can be surprisingly difficult – every airline has different policies, and knowing which sources to trust can feel overwhelming. It’s important to always check your ticket and if you’re still unsure, contact the airline to ensure you know exactly what’s included.”
“It’s crucial to always scrutinise your ticket and if you’re still uncertain, get in touch with the airline to ensure you know exactly what’s included. In the face of increasingly high living costs, the travel industry has become expensive, and holiday goers feel stung by confusing policies and hidden costs.”
“Establishing how much an airline could potentially charge you for any overweight or oversized baggage prior to your flight is equally important. Unexpectedly high costs can have a domino effect on customers’ holidays.
“By planning ahead, holidaymakers can purchase an additional bag or budget for the excess fees. Our airline baggage checker can streamline the process for passengers. Simply tell us the airline you’re flying with and the class. The checker will then provide a summary of allowances for both included and excess baggage. A swift glance at our baggage tool can help alleviate the uncertainty surrounding baggage limits. This way, people can feel prepared to jet off and relish their holiday.”
You can find the baggage checker here.