Avoid Hidden Airline Fees
Seat selection, priority boarding, baggage, printed boarding pass. The extras that turn a 39 euro fare into a 149 one.
Low cost carriers unbundle almost everything and legacy carriers are following. The advertised fare is now the starting point, not the total. Knowing which extras matter helps you keep costs down.
The classic add-ons
Baggage is the biggest. Adding a checked bag at booking on Ryanair is 25 euros. At the airport, it's 65. Seat selection ranges from 4 to 20 euros - free if you accept a random seat.
Priority boarding, extra legroom, meals, and speedy security are all separate on low cost carriers. On Wizz, priority is 25 to 50 euros round trip - often not worth it if the flight is short.
The airport-only fees
Ryanair charges 55 euros for printing a boarding pass at the airport if you didn't check in online. Wizz is similar. These fees are almost pure profit.
Always check in online 24 to 48 hours before departure, download the airline app, and have a data connection at the airport as backup.
Bundle carefully
Airline fare bundles - Ryanair Regular, Wizz WIZZ Plus, easyJet FLEXI - can be cheaper than adding items one by one, if you actually use everything included.
If you only need a checked bag and priority, the bundle is often the wrong choice - buying the two items individually is usually cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Are surcharges the same as fees?
Fuel and carrier surcharges are part of the base fare. Add-on fees are optional extras chosen by you.
Do full service carriers charge for seats now too?
Yes, most now charge for advance seat selection in economy. Selection at check-in is still free.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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