Making the most of cheap flights

Share This:

• 

Text size: A A A

By Luke Jovetic
Know Your Money Editor

Budget airlines have been a subject of contention in recent times, they have a number of loyal followers and just as many people that cannot stand them.

Those of you yet to make your mind up and considering giving them a try could be keen to know that a budget flight does not always end up being cheaper. Infact, in certain circumstances it could cost you more and be more of a hassle.

However, money-savvy travellers could choose to weigh up whether they are able to travel for a lower than normal price with the budget airlines or if they would be better off going elsewhere.

Check in

People who have booked a flight with Ryanair are no longer able to check-in at the airport, instead they will need to go online to do so.

This will cost £5 per person per flight, £10 return.

Another way to keep your money in your pocket and away from the airline is to ensure you print out your boarding pass and take it with you on the day - if you forget you will be charged an extra £40 per person per flight. Forget twice and £80 will be added to your overall costs.

Baggage

Baggage has been another issue that has provoked much debate, with Ryanair seemingly more in favour of those who board with their flight with the minimum amount of bags.

People who do like to travel light could find it is an option that saves money, but this may not be the case for those wanting to take more with them, such as families.

A charge of £15 per bag per flight, or £30 return could add to the costs of travelling.

There's worse news for families as in the school holiday time of July and August the return charges will be increased to £40.

Those needing a little more luggage will be charged £70 return, £35 per flight and this increases to £40 per flight in July and August.

Ryanair does allow one pushchair to be carried free of charge but extra items will be charged at £10 each.

Charges of £18 per bag per flight are due for those flying with easyJet. Food and drink

Perhaps the best advice for those wanting to eat and drink during their flight is to take their own supplies with them in their hand luggage.

Of course, those wanting a drink could buy one in the departure lounge rather than onboard as this is also likely to save them money.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that more charges could be faced ...

Toilets

Ryanair plans to introduce a fee of £1 or ?1 every time a passenger needs to use the toilet, and all toilets will work on a coin-operated system.

Speculation suggests that Ryanair will also reduce the number of toilets, which could cause problematic queues on flights.

Perhaps it's best to avoid drinking too much before or during the flight.

Administration fees

Fees are also due when booking so unless you have a Mastercard Prepaid debit card, a £5 per passenger per flight admin fee will be due. For a family this could prove expensive.

Important Notice
This guide is intended for general information only and is not intended as, and does not constitute, any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us of any particular product(s) or services and you should rely on your own further research and professional advice in relation to your specific requirements and circumstances before purchasing any products or services. Use of this guide is subject to the Terms of Use of the KnowYourMoney site.