Budget airlines can look unbelievably cheap at first glance. £9.99 flights, £19 returns, “too good to miss” deals — but once you go through the full booking process (and the airport itself), the real price can be very different.
This guide breaks down the hidden costs of budget airlines in the UK, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
1. Baggage Fees (The Biggest Extra)
The headline price usually only includes a small personal bag.
Everything else costs extra:
- Cabin suitcase: £15 – £40 each way
- Checked baggage: £25 – £60+ each way
- Overweight luggage: £10 – £20 per kg
👉 A “£20 flight” can quickly turn into £80–£120 return just from luggage alone.
2. Seat Selection Charges
Want to sit next to your partner, family, or kids?
You’ll likely need to pay:
- Standard seat: £5 – £15
- Extra legroom/front row: £15 – £40+
If you don’t pay, seats are randomly allocated — which often separates groups.
3. Airport Check-In Fees
Most budget airlines expect you to check in online.
If you don’t:
- Airport check-in fee: £20 – £50 per passenger
This catches a lot of people out, especially less frequent travellers.
4. Priority Boarding & Boarding Groups
You’ll often see “Priority Boarding” upsells:
- Priority boarding: £5 – £25
This is usually tied to bringing a larger cabin bag onboard. Without it, your bag may be placed in the hold unexpectedly.
5. Payment & Admin Fees
While less common than before, some airlines still add:
- Card fees (depending on payment method)
- Booking/admin charges
- Currency conversion fees
These are small individually but add up.
6. Food & Drinks Onboard
Nothing is included on most budget airlines:
- Drinks: £2 – £5
- Snacks/meals: £5 – £10+
For a family or group, this can easily add another £20–£50 to your trip.
7. Airport Choice (The Big Hidden Cost)
Budget airlines often fly from secondary airports:
- Further from city centres
- More expensive or longer transfers
- Limited public transport options
Example:
- A cheaper flight from Stansted instead of Heathrow might save £30
- But add £50+ in train/taxi costs and extra travel time
8. Strict Rules & Penalties
Budget airlines make money from strict enforcement:
- Boarding pass mistakes
- Incorrect baggage size
- Late arrival at gate
Fees can include:
- Reprinting boarding pass: £15 – £30
- Oversized bag at gate: £50 – £80+
9. Flight Changes & Flexibility
Changing a budget airline ticket can be expensive:
- Change fees: £30 – £100+
- Plus fare difference
In many cases, it’s cheaper to book a new flight than change one.
10. Airport Drop-Off & Pickup Charges
Not directly from the airline — but still part of the real cost:
- Express drop-off zones: £5 – £10+ for a few minutes
- Parking charges if delayed
- Pick-up waiting fees
These are often overlooked when comparing flight prices.
Real Example: “Cheap Flight” Breakdown
Advertised flight: £25 return
After extras:
- Cabin bag: £30
- Seat selection: £12
- Airport transfer: £40
- Snacks & extras: £15
👉 Total real cost: £122
How to Avoid Hidden Costs
If you still want to fly budget (and many people do), here’s how to keep costs down:
- Travel light (stick to one small bag if possible)
- Check in online early
- Measure your luggage properly
- Compare total cost, not just ticket price
- Factor in airport transfers before booking
- Bring your own snacks
Budget Airlines vs Full-Service Airlines
Sometimes, a “more expensive” airline is actually better value.
Full-service airlines often include:
- Cabin baggage
- Seat selection
- Food & drink (on some routes)
- Better airport locations
When you add everything up, the price difference can be smaller than you think.
Final Thoughts
Budget airlines are not necessarily “cheap” — they are low base fare, high add-on cost.
For some travellers, they’re still great value. But if you don’t understand the extras, you can easily end up paying far more than expected.
The key is simple:
👉 Always calculate the full journey cost before booking
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