With regards to fees for checking-in, all of the airlines were found to not charge passengers for checking-in online however the cost for checking-in at the airport varied between airlines.
Research recently published by Amadeus Air Traffic Travel Intelligence has found that more than half of all flights from the UK are currently operated by low-cost carriers, a rise of 4% compared to 2011. Having previously compared charges for the larger, better known low-cost carriers, Airport Parking and Hotels is now helping travellers ensure they know the full facts by comparing the extra charges on some of the lesser-known airlines.
The comprehensive guide highlights the extra charges of 12 low-cost airlines flying from the UK, including Blue Air, Iceland Air, Norwegian Air and Wow Air, and compares the costs for checking-in, and excess baggage, as well as credit and debit card fees.
With regards to fees for checking-in, all of the airlines were found to not charge passengers for checking-in online however the cost for checking-in at the airport varied between airlines, with Wizz Air charging the most at £17.00 (the £17 GBP include a penalty charge for those passengers which incorrectly say they will NOT check in at the airport, bypassing the 9 GBP airport check in fee, and then show up at the airport without doing their online check in, causing constraints to the unprepared ground handling agents and risking to delay passengers who have booked correctly).
The difference between the airlines’ admin and booking fees was also found to vary greatly with some airlines offering no charge for online bookings, and yet charging over £18.00 for bookings made through a call centre or at the airport.
One area that travellers should be very wary of is the cost for checked-in baggage. Some airlines, such as Aegean Airlines and Iceland Air, offer this complimentary to passengers. Wizz Air is the only Low fare airline that does not charge extra for the carriage of 32kg when passengers book a checked bag. All checked bags (with fees from 13 GBP to 30 GBP) enjoy a 32kg allowance, which is a par with business class weight standards at legacy carriers. Passengers flying with excess baggage should also be careful; with Wow Air charging an additional £7 per kg over 20kg and Norwegian Air charging £30 for excess baggage checked-in at the airport on medium and long haul flights.
The research also found that holiday-makers can avoid substantial charges by booking their flights on a debit card, with all airlines charging no fee. However, bookings made on a credit card can incur additional fees with Aegean Airlines charging £6.00 per person, German Wings charging £8.00 per person and Condor charging up to £15.27 per person.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
