How budget airlines became more expensive than BA

When heading away on our summer holidays, most of us will always choose the ‘low-cost’ carrier option – especially if it’s a short-haul flight.

However, sometimes ‘low-cost’ doesn’t mean cheapest, and you may get better deals with more traditionally expensive airline options.

According to UK consumer champion Which?, extra charges for luggage and seat selection mean that the likes of Ryanair and other budget airlines may not have the cheapest tickets this summer.

The organisation compared the price of three popular April flights from London airports. The destinations were Malaga, Athens and Naples. At first, Ryanair’s initial fare was cheaper than British Airways and Jet2.

However, after the addition of bags and seat selection, British Airways came out on top in two of the three routes. Meanwhile, Jet2 was more affordable than Ryanair on the other route.

Ryanair’s basic fare only permits you to bring a backpack or handbag that fits under the seat in front of you, and parents have to pay to sit next to children as young as three years old.

Extra charges

For the return journey from London to Malaga chosen by Which? for the investigation, Ryanair’s base fare was initially £36 cheaper than British Airways. However, after adding a cabin bag for the overhead locker and selecting a seat with Ryanair, BA turned out to be £25 more affordable.

Then for a return trip from London to Athens, Ryanair seemed to offer a £32 saving compared to Jet2. Yet, upon adding a bag and selecting a seat, Jet2 became £29 cheaper than Ryanair.

Both British Airways and Jet2 allow for complimentary cabin luggage for the overhead compartment. Also, both airlines typically assign seats for travel companions together without extra charge.

Wizz Air is another airline often touted as cheaper and better value, but according to Which?, its extras are even more expensive. Placing a bag in the overhead compartment will set you back an eye-watering £89 for each return trip. Seat selection is also costly and will see travellers forking out £24 for a return booking.

So, what was the end result and what airline is the best option for your pocket this summer? Well, if you are travelling with a bag that fits under your seat, traditional budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air are still the cheapest. Yet, if you want to take enough luggage for a week’s holiday or wish to sit next to your child or companion, you are advised by Which? to look at British Airways instead.

The consumer champion noted that BA early morning flights from Gatwick can have low prices with generous luggage allowances.

And finally, of the two ‘low-cost’ carriers included in this test of price comparison, easyJet was cheaper and better value than Ryanair.

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