Greedy carriers earn £7BILLION in extras

A QUARTER of the money we spend on budget airlines goes on so-called ‘ancillary revenue’ – extras on top of the price of the flight – according to independent researcher Idea Works Company.

It found these extras generate £7billion of revenue a year for low cost carriers – with baggage being the biggest money spinner, raking in 60 per cent of this revenue. The cabin baggage con is not the only way carriers fleece customers on luggage – suitcases in the hold are another great cash cow for the airlines.

For example, Wizz Air charges up to £62 for a 32kg suitcase carried in the hold in the high season – £124 return – if booked ahead online or through a call centre.

Wait until the airport and it will cost you £103.50 (or up to £207 return). Pack too much and a fee is imposed equivalent to £8.50 per extra kilo.

Also make sure you type in the correct spelling of a name on a ticket – otherwise an airline such as Ryanair can demand £160 to change the details. If you wish to change travel dates it can demand £95.

Airlines also line their pockets by forcing holidaymakers to pay more for better seats or if they want to sit together.

British Airways demands between £7 and £20 to reserve a seat on a journey – yet consumer group Which? has found nine out of ten families are automatically put together.

Extra legroom – sitting beside the emergency exit – can cost anything from £7 to in the region of £50 with British Airways.