Budget airlines 'beaten' on some prices by BA when extras factored in

21 April 2024 , 17:18

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Baggage and seat selection fees on budget airlines can add up compared to other carriers (Image: PA)

British Airways are taking on the budget airlines on price, with some of its flights working out cheaper when extras are factored in, a study has revealed.

Analysis of return fares on three routes found that with a cabin bag and seat selection included, BA was highly competitive. The Which? study found return flights from London to Malaga were £96 cheaper with BA than with Wizz Air.

While the budget airlines often had the cheapest headline fares, once the cost of a cabin bag and seat selection, were added, Ryanair and Wizz Air failed to be cheapest on any of the routes. Baggage and seat selection fees made up 49% of the total ticket price with Wizz Air when averaged across the three routes, 27% with easyJet and 20% on Ryanair.

Prices compared

The research included the price of a cabin bag, which BA and Jet2 include in headline fares, and seat selection for Ryanair and Wizz Air, the least likely to seat companions together.

The government plans to clamp down on “drip pricing” by requiring mandatory fees to be in the headline price.

BA trainee claims they're 'jobless and miles from home' due to 'shambles'

Which? wants the legislation to cover seat selection fees, where they are not really optional for passengers such as parents who want to guarantee that they will be sitting with their children.

Malaga is a popular destination (AFP via Getty Images)

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: “It’s easy to assume budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air are always the cheapest. But if you want to sit next to your kids or take more than a few items of clothes you’ll increasingly find better prices elsewhere. Next time you’re booking a flight, look beyond the headline fare and factor in the cost of extras you need, before you book.”

Ryanair branded the study “fake news”. A statement said: “Ryanair has the lowest fares of any airline in Europe and additional ancillary products, such as extra luggage, are entirely optional.”

Wizz Air said: “We allow passengers to choose which services they wish to purchase.” EasyJet said: “Our customers only pay for the extras they choose.”

Natasha Wynarczyk