“If you want the lowest price, you have to comply with the incredible shrinking free allowances.”
As Christmas gets closer, millions of Brits are packing their bags with sunny skies in mind. A festive trip swapping roast turkey for a barbecue and cocktails on the beach is likely to set holidaymakers back a hefty sum – but unprepared travellers could find themselves hit with surprise costs before even stepping onto the plane.
New figures from financial services comparison platform Confused.com reveals almost one in three (32%) of Brits face excess weight fees at the airport, paying out £55 on average as a result. Two in five (40%) who had been charged for excess baggage admitted it was because they’d been given gifts by family or friends.
Some 42% of passengers who had to pay the fee said airlines caught them off guard with hidden or unexpected baggage costs. 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. And with one in eight holidaymakers typically taking two cases with them on their trip, these costs can quickly mount up.
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Simon Calder, travel journalist former security officer at Gatwick airport, said: “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.
“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.”
The risk of being “caught out” at the airport takes its toll on passengers, as 31% admit to feeling anxious about the luggage weight at check in. 51% say they weigh their luggage at home before travelling to the airport, while others resort to strategic packing to make their allowance go further. Almost three quarters of people (74%) have made attempts to reduce luggage size or weight, and 23% try their luck by wearing their heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane. A further 16% pack heavier items in their hand luggage.
Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “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.”
