Brits are being urged not to judge holidays by flight prices alone as hidden fees can quickly send costs soaring. Travel expert Jane Bolton from Erna Low has revealed the sneaky extras that can turn a cheap flight into a much more expensive trip.
Paying to sit together, even as a family
“One of the biggest frustrations for travellers, particularly families, is being charged extra just to sit together,” notes Ms Bolton. What starts as an enticing, low-cost fare often quickly escalates once seat selection fees are added for multiple passengers.
Ms Bolton highlights that travellers often feel forced to pay these fees when flying with children, causing the final total to diverge sharply from the advertised price. However, she advises checking the airline's seating policy prior to booking, pointing out that “in some cases, families will be seated together automatically, so paying upfront isn’t always necessary.”
This is especially relevant following Ryanair's recent policy change. Under pressure from a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into mandatory seating fees, the budget airline dropped its requirement for at least one adult to pay for a reserved seat when travelling with children aged two to 11. Families can now opt for free random seat allocation at check-in, with Ryanair guaranteeing that younger children will be seated next to at least one accompanying adult, though usually towards the rear of the cabin.
Cabin bags that aren’t included
Many base fares now only cover a tiny personal item, treating standard carry-ons and checked bags as add-ons. “For most trips, luggage is something travellers need, so the cost can add up quickly,” Ms Bolton explained, making the initial price an unrealistic benchmark for how people actually travel.
She suggests comparing total fare structures rather than assuming the cheapest initial option will remain the best deal, noting that “a slightly more expensive fare that includes luggage can often work out better value than a cheaper ticket once all the extras are added.”
Airport check-in fees and admin charges
Ms Bolton warned that travellers continue to be surprised by steep airport check-in penalties, especially on budget carriers. While online check-in is a quick task, overlooking it can trigger substantial, unnecessary costs right at the desk. Additionally, she urged buyers to take their time during the final payment screens. “Small admin fees, payment charges or optional extras can be added quickly,” Ms Bolton cautioned, pointing out that these last-minute additions are often where total trip costs creep up unnoticed.
Airport transfers that cost more than expected
Ground transportation between the airport and your hotel is easily forgotten, yet it remains one of the largest hidden travel expenses - particularly in major European hubs or ski resorts. Ms Bolton highlights that private transfers, taxis, and train tickets can rapidly inflate group budgets. “Looking at this early in the planning process can make a big difference,” she stressed, warning that once local transport is tallied up, a seemingly cheap flight may lose its financial edge.
Accommodation, tourist taxes and ‘on arrival’ costs
Hidden charges aren't limited to air travel. Ms Bolton notes that many destinations now mandate tourist taxes, resort fees, or local service charges that must be paid at check-in, easily catching unprepared tourists off guard. Because these local levies vary significantly by region, she stresses checking local payment requirements before departing “rather than assuming everything is included” in the upfront booking.
Boarding and ‘extras’ at every stage
Add-ons such as priority queueing or specific seat assignments carry individual price tags that mount up fast. “On their own, they may seem small, but combined, they can significantly increase the total price,” Ms Bolton highlighted. She cautions that airlines design these options as tempting micro-upgrades. To keep spending under control, passengers are encouraged to step back and critically evaluate which extras are genuinely essential for their trip.
Why the lowest price isn’t always best
“What we’re seeing is that travellers are increasingly weighing up cost against convenience,” according to Ms Bolton. While most people naturally prefer a seamless journey, many will accept extra hassle to save money. The catch, however, is that once luggage, seating and ground transport are included, the "budget" option rarely stays cheap. To avoid surprises, Ms Bolton concludes that “looking at the full journey, from departure through to arrival at your accommodation, gives a much more accurate idea of the overall cost.”
Ms Bolton added: “The best way to avoid unexpected costs is to step back and look at the full journey before booking, rather than focusing on the initial price alone. A few simple checks can make a big difference.” This includes checking exactly what is included in your fare or booking upfront, factoring in luggage, seating transfers and local costs early, avoiding rushing through the final checkout stage where extras can be added quickly and review booking terms and flexibility before confirming. “Taking a few extra minutes at the start can help avoid much bigger costs later on.”
