Are Budget Airlines Really Cheaper? The Surprising Truth Unveiled
When it comes to booking flights, everyone is looking for a good deal. But are budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet truly the cheapest options out there? A recent study by consumer watchdog Which? compared the costs of flying with different airlines on various routes in April, and the results may surprise you.
The Cost Comparison Analysis
The study compared return fares from London airports to popular destinations like Malaga, Athens, and Naples. British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and Wizz Air were the airlines under scrutiny, with factors like headline fares, cabin bag costs, and seat reservation fees taken into account.
Headline Fares vs. Hidden Costs
It’s a common belief that budget airlines offer the lowest headline fares, and the study confirmed this. Ryanair and Wizz Air often advertised the cheapest basic fares. However, when the costs of cabin bags and seat reservations were factored in, the picture changed.
Which? discovered that adding these extras could significantly increase the total ticket price. For Wizz Air, these additional fees accounted for a whopping 49% of the total cost, compared to 27% for easyJet and 20% for Ryanair across the analyzed routes.
The Impact of Additional Fees
The study revealed that Wizz Air imposed some of the highest extra charges, with a cabin bag and seat reservation costing an extra £89 for a return flight. In contrast, British Airways emerged as the most cost-effective option on two out of the three routes studied.
On the London to Naples route, for example, British Airways offered the best value once the costs of a cabin bag and seat were included. Flights with British Airways cost £120, making them £65 cheaper than Wizz Air and £12 cheaper than Ryanair.
Comparing Costs Across Routes
On a return flight between London and Malaga, the initial basic fare with Ryanair appeared cheaper at £232.19, but this changed once cabin bags and seat reservations were added. British Airways ended up being £25 cheaper in this scenario.
Similarly, Wizz Air’s basic price on the same route was £252, but the total cost rose to £364 when extra fees were included. In contrast, easyJet offered the best price at £257, saving passengers more than £100 compared to Wizz Air and Jet2.
Choosing the Best Value
Jet2 turned out to be the best choice for flights between London and Athens, despite Ryanair and Wizz Air initially offering lower headline fares. Adding extra costs saw the prices bloated, making Jet2 the more cost-effective option.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, emphasized the importance of looking beyond headline fares and considering the total cost when booking flights. He advised travelers to factor in the cost of necessary extras before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
While budget airlines may seem like a wallet-friendly option at first glance, the study’s findings suggest that additional fees could actually make them more expensive in the long run. Next time you’re booking a flight, remember to consider all costs involved to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.