SKY-HIGH COSTS: MILLIONS OF BRITS STUNG BY HEFTY ‘HIDDEN’ AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES

ALMOST 1 IN 3 (32%) BRITS HIT WITH EXCESS WEIGHT FEES AT THE AIRPORT, PAYING OUT £55 ON AVERAGE, NEW RESEARCH FINDS  

• 2 in 5 (40%) who had been charged for excess baggage admitted it was because they’d been given gifts by family or friends.
• 42% said airlines catch passengers off guard with hidden or unexpected baggage fees – which could be as much as £65 if overweight by one kg. 
• 1 in 5 (20%) said that excess fees meant they had to cut costs elsewhere during their trip.
• To clear up confusion, Confused.com has launched an airline baggage checker. It’s a simple tool that outlines included and additional baggage allowances for airlines operating out of the UK. 
• Alvaro Iturmendi, Confused.com’s travel insurance expert, shares advice on how to avoid unexpected extra costs at the airport.

Almost a third (32%) of holiday makers have been charged for overweight baggage, forking out £55 on top of the cost they’ve already paid. That’s according to new data from Confused.com which unpacks how much UK holiday makers are spending on baggage.

The research comes as the festive season approaches and around 5 million Brits are expected to travel abroad over the December period.^[1] With gifts being exchanged, Confused.com is warning holidaymakers about the  excess costs of overweight baggage. That’s as the research found 2 in 5 (40%) of those who’ve been hit with overweight baggage fees were carrying extra weight due to gifts.

To help people prepare ahead of their trips, Confused.com has researched the baggage allowances of each airline flying out of the UK. With the costly Christmas season in full swing, many will be doing all they can to avoid excess costs.

Nearly 9 in 10 (89%) holidaymakers said they check baggage allowance and fees when booking a flight. But despite this, 1 in 5 (21%) said they had to purchase an additional piece of luggage to redistribute weight at the airport. On average, people spent £55 for their overweight or oversized baggage, with 16% ending up paying over £100. 

With excess baggage fees differing between airlines, it can often be confusing knowing how much you need to pay. Over half (51%) think airlines charge too much for baggage fees. And, at the same time, 55% said airlines should offer clearer and more consistent information on baggage fees and allowances.

More than two in five travellers (42%) said that they feel airlines catch passengers off guard with hidden or unexpected baggage fees. And, with airlines having a wide range of costs, customers can often be stung at the airport. Overweight baggage fees range from £10 per kg to a flat fee of £65, even if they’re over by just one kilo. This is on top of the cost they’ve potentially already paid for luggage. Depending on the airline and allowances, this can be as much as £69 per bag. And according to the research, more than 1 in 8 (13%) holidaymakers typically take two hold cases with them on their trip. Because of this, unexpected baggage costs could increase their holiday fees significantly.

Excess baggage fees for the leading airlines serving the UK:

When it comes to buying additional baggage, the financial impact is affecting people’s trips. That’s as 1 in 5 (20%) said that excess fees meant that they had to cut costs elsewhere during their trip. A third (33%) said they limited the number of gifts or items they brought back. 

In the face of increasingly high living costs, the travel industry has become expensive, and holiday goers feel stung by confusing policies and hidden costs. Echoing this, 2 in 5 (42%) passengers think baggage fees should be included in the ticket price. This has even led to almost 1 in 3 (30%) becoming more selective about airlines based on their baggage policies.

To clear up confusion, Confused.com has launched an airline baggage checker. This outlines the free and additional baggage allowances based on each airline flying out of the UK.

Comparisons for leading airlines serving the UK (Standard allowance – other class options available):

Simon Calder, Travel Journalist and broadcaster, has been watching the airlines’ frequently changing baggage practices for years. He says:

“Twenty years ago every plane ticket came with a generous luggage allowance – but now passengers on budget airlines have to pay extra for anything beyond one small cabin bag.

“If you want the lowest price, you have to comply with the incredible shrinking free allowances. Anything bigger, and you will be paying a hefty fee if you book in advance – and even more if you leave it until the airport.

“In contrast, some airlines are very generous with the amount that you are allowed to take into the cabin. I welcome this new baggage checker – which is especially important ahead of Christmas.”

Simon used to be a security officer at Gatwick airport, and also warns:
“While you’re packing your cabin luggage, remember those liquids rules apply. No snowdomes please, and don’t wrap presents beforehand because the security staff may need to check them.”

Going away is an exciting time but that doesn’t mean it comes without its stresses. That’s as 31% admit to feeling anxious about the luggage weight at check in. More than 1 in 2 (51%) say they weigh their luggage at home before travelling to the airport. But there’s always a risk that the scales at check in might be different to the ones at home.

So, to try and avoid any extra costs many travellers resort to simple packing hacks to make their allowance go further. Almost three quarters of people (74%) have done so to reduce luggage size or weight. While 1 in 4 (25%) roll clothes instead of folding them to save space, others (23%) try their luck by wearing their heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane. A further 16% pack heavier items in their hand luggage.

For those traveling during the festive season, it’s essential to check your allowance before setting off. This simple step can help you avoid unexpected costs or stress, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable holiday.

Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, comments: 

“Holidays are an exciting time but there’s no doubt that the added costs can be a significant stress for travellers. With so much confusion around airline policies, it’s no surprise that many feel caught off guard by unexpected costs and unclear rules when checking in luggage. Finding the right information can be surprisingly difficult – every airline has different policies, and knowing which sources to trust can feel overwhelming. It’s important to always check your ticket and if you’re still unsure, contact the airline to ensure you know exactly what’s included.”

“Finding out how much an airline could charge you for any overweight or oversized baggage before you fly is just as important. High and surprising costs can have a knock-on effect for customers’ holidays. Forward planning means holidaymakers can buy an additional bag or budget for the excess fees. Our airline baggage checker can simplify the process for  passengers. All you need to do is tell us the  airline you’re flying with and what class.  The checker will then share an overview of allowances of both  included and excess baggage. Just a quick check of our baggage tool can  help reduce the uncertainty of baggage limits. That way, people can feel ready to get away and enjoy their holiday.”