Brits looking to save on holiday travel are being urged to reconsider the common trick of booking the cheapest flight to a secondary airport. Travel experts say that what appears to be a bargain can often end up costing more once transfer fees and extra travel time are factored in.
The team at HelloTickets warns that budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair frequently offer flights to regional airports or travel hubs near popular destinations. While these tickets may be cheaper upfront, travellers often face longer transfers, pricey shuttles, and additional fatigue—especially with children. The experts note that for about half of all trips, the main airport ends up being cheaper or equal in total cost, and gets you to the city centre faster.
Milan provides a clear example: it has three airports—Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo (BGY). Malpensa is the main hub, Linate is close to the city centre, and Bergamo is about an hour's drive away. Cheaper fares to Bergamo can be tempting, but after paying for train or taxi fares, the overall expense may exceed flying into Malpensa or Linate.
This is not the first time UK holidaymakers have been warned that a perceived cost-cutting trick can backfire. Another popular hack—packing clothes in a pillow to bypass hand luggage rules—can also lead to unexpected charges or even denied boarding if staff consider the pillowcase an extra bag.
Travel insiders advise always calculating total journey costs before booking, ensuring that the 'bargain' flight doesn't eat into your holiday budget.
