Growing hidden costs of budget airlines

LONDON - Tourists to Britain looking for cheap internal or European flights, beware. Budget airlines are sneaking in more hidden costs, jacking up the prices to a near double.

The list of must-pay fees is getting longer for most of these airlines. And even these costs are to go up from next month.

Those using Ryanair, easyJet and Flybe are already aware of the charge of up to 30 pounds to put a standard 20 kg bag in the hold. Now travellers are also having to pay an increased charge for paying by credit card.

From July, Ryanair is also increasing its luggage costs by 10 pounds if passengers do not check-in online.

Bob Atkinson, from travelsuper market.com, told The News of the World which compiled figures of the hidden costs: “Making a simple mistake on your luggage allowance, forgetting your boarding card or choosing the wrong way to pay will cost you hundreds in unexpected charges.”