Hidden extras on excess baggage can be expensive

Most travellers have moaned angrily about the excess baggage charges which are being applied, that in some circumstances can cost more than the price of the flight. Budget airlines in particular are applying these charges to the letter and excess luggage can cost anything from £9 to £15 per kilo over the stated allowance. Before flying, you should visit the website of the airine to make sure you totally understand how the fees and charges are applied.

Another area to keep an eye out for is the make up of the luggage allowance although you may be well within the allowed weight limit, you could still be in touble with the spreading of that weight. Airlines differ with their charges for first, second and third bags. Some airlines also have different costing policies for hand luggage and cargo luggage. With some carriers a handbag is counted as a carry on item but with others it is not taken into account. The costs can differ depending if you pay online or via telephone. The budget airlines state that they are attempting to reduce their own costs by avoiding hold ups at check in desks and making the booking procedure cheaper..

In addition to all this additional charges will be made for sporting equipment, musical equipment, cots, bicycles, surfboards and almost everything that is extra to either cargo luggage or hand items. Once again some companies will apply a total weight allowance and single item limits. In general the schedule airlines have higher baggage allowoances and are more generous with the available breakdown. With regard to sporting equipment it is important to know that a number car parks or airport hotels are not willing to transfer over sized items, and prior to booking your Airport parking Gatwick or Gatwick hotel parking for instance make sure the car park is able to transport such things as surfboards and bicycles etc.