Spain, Hungary, Norway, Greece, Italy, France, Indonesia: What Hidden Airline Fees Are Really Costing Tourists Heading to These Popular Locations

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Flying abroad may seem like an affordable experience, especially with low-cost carriers dominating the market. However, travelers are increasingly finding that budget airline often come with a slew of hidden charges that can quickly add up, making the trip much more expensive than originally anticipated. A recent study revealed that these airlines—long thought to be the economical choice—are charging passengers a variety of “optional” fees that aren’t always clearly disclosed at the time of booking.

From checked baggage to seat selection, and even charges for infants or group bookings, these additional costs are often only revealed later in the booking process. For some passengers, these fees can end up rivaling or even exceeding the cost of flying with a full-service carrier.

In this article, we will break down the most common hidden charges imposed by European budget airlines and offer some practical advice for managing these often unexpected costs. Whether you’re booking a quick trip or planning your next vacation, this guide will help you navigate the tricky world of air travel fees.

Why Budget Airlines Aren’t Always the Cheapest Option

Budget airlines are often seen as the go-to for travelers looking to save money. With the promise of low base fares, they have revolutionized air travel, offering a more affordable way to get from one city to another. However, many passengers overlook the significant extra costs these airlines charge on top of the basic fare.

Unlike traditional airlines, where additional services like checked baggage and seat selection are often included in the price, budget carriers tend to offer low fares with the understanding that many add-ons will be purchased during the booking process. This model can leave passengers feeling blindsided when they check out and find that their final cost is significantly higher than expected.

Common Hidden Airline Fees

Here’s a breakdown of the most common hidden fees that you might encounter when booking with a low-cost airline in Europe:

Hand Luggage Fees
While some budget carriers do not charge for small carry-on items, many, like Ryanair and Wizz Air, charge fees for even the most basic hand luggage. In some cases, the fee for a small bag can reach €25 or more, a stark contrast to the free allowance most full-service airlines offer.Checked Baggage Charges
Baggage fees can be one of the most expensive surcharges on budget airlines. Wizz Air charges up to €100 for checked bags, while other carriers like Ryanair can add €35 for a similar service. This can make it more expensive to check a bag than to actually purchase the base fare for the flight itself.Seat Selection Fees
If you want to guarantee a seat or have a say in where you sit, many airlines now charge a seat selection fee, with prices varying depending on the seat’s proximity to the front of the plane. Ryanair, for instance, charges €10 for specific seat choices. For a family or group of travelers, these fees can quickly add up.Booking Fees
Some airlines charge a fee for booking online, often called a “service charge”. This fee, which can be as much as €20, is rarely mentioned up front, only showing up later in the booking process.Card Payment Fees
Ryanair and EasyJet are known to charge passengers an additional fee when paying with a credit or debit card. This surcharge can be a percentage of your total cost, which means the more you pay for your flight, the more you’ll be charged.Which Airlines Charge the Most?

According to recent findings, Wizz Air comes out on top when it comes to additional fees, with passengers paying up to €245 in surcharges. These fees include charges for checked baggage, seat selection, online check-in, and booking services.

Here’s a quick look at the ranking of airlines based on hidden charges:

Wizz Air – €245Ryanair – €234EasyJet – €213Vueling – €179Jet2 – €107Norwegian – €84British Airways – €75

Despite their low advertised base fares, these airlines often end up costing passengers far more than initially expected.

Extra Fees You Might Not Expect

Apart from baggage and seat selection, there are several other unexpected charges that passengers need to be aware of:

Infant Charges
While children under two generally don’t require a seat, most budget airlines still charge an infant fee. Wizz Air charges €32 for infants, and EasyJet asks for €31. In contrast, Norwegian provides infant tickets for just 10% of the adult fare.Rescue Fees
If you miss your flight or are late to check-in, budget airlines offer a “rescue” service. This allows passengers to take the next available flight for a fee. EasyJet charges €130 for this service, and Ryanair asks for €100. While this fee can be a lifesaver for latecomers, it can also significantly add to the cost of your journey.Group Booking Fees
Planning a trip with a group? Be ready to pay extra for the group administration fee. Wizz Air charges €10.50 per person, while EasyJet charges €25. These fees are non-optional, and they can add hundreds of euros to your total trip cost.Is It Always Cheaper to Fly with a Budget Airline?

It’s a common belief that flying with budget airlines is the most cost-effective option, but that’s not always true once you factor in these hidden charges. In some cases, the total cost of flying with a full-service carrier, which includes checked baggage, seat selection, and even meals, can be comparable or cheaper than flying with a budget airline.

For instance, British Airways has the lowest additional fees at €75, which is significantly less than the surcharges imposed by many budget carriers. If you don’t mind sacrificing some frills like extra legroom or seat choice, you might find that booking with a traditional airline saves you money in the long run.

How to Avoid Hidden Airline Fees

There are a few strategies you can employ to minimize the impact of these additional charges:

Pack Light
If possible, avoid paying for checked baggage by packing all your belongings into a carry-on bag. Choose airlines that don’t charge for small hand luggage, or at least try to meet their carry-on requirements.Compare Total Costs
When comparing flight prices, always consider the total cost, including additional fees like checked baggage, seat selection, and any other potential charges. Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights often show the final price, helping you make a more informed decision.Join Loyalty Programs
Many full-service carriers offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points towards free checked bags, priority boarding, and other perks. Joining these programs could save you money on future flights.Conclusion: Are Low-Cost Airlines Worth It?

While budget airlines can seem like an affordable option, travelers need to be aware of the hidden fees that can quickly inflate the total cost of their flight. By understanding the additional charges that come with booking low-cost flights, passengers can make more informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises.