Research recently published by Amadeus Air Traffic Travel Intelligence* has found that more than half of all flights from the UK are currently operated by low-cost carriers, a rise of 4% compared to 2011. Having previously compared charges for the larger, better known low-cost carriers, Airport Parking and Hotels is now helping travellers ensure they know the full facts by comparing the extra charges on some of the lesser-known airlines. The research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the website at www.aph.com/lowcostairlines.

The comprehensive guide highlights the extra charges of 12 low-cost airlines flying from the UK, including Blue Air, Iceland Air, Norwegian Air and Wow Air, and compares the costs for checking-in, and excess baggage, as well as credit and debit card fees.

With regards to fees for checking-in, all of the airlines were found to not charge passengers for checking-in online however the cost for checking-in at the airport varied between airlines, with Wizz Air charging the most at £17.00. The difference between the airlines’ admin and booking fees was also found to vary greatly with some airlines offering no charge for online bookings, and yet charging over £18.00 for bookings made through a call centre or at the airport. 

One area that travellers should be very wary of is the cost for checked-in baggage. Some airlines, such as Aegean Airlines and Iceland Air, offer this complimentary to passengers however customers flying with airlines such as Wizz Air and Air Berlin will be charged up to £38.00 per bag at the airport and £101.92 when paying for 32kg of luggage at the airport respectively. Passengers flying with excess baggage should also be careful; with Wow Air charging an additional £7 per kg over 20kg and Norwegian Air charging £30 for excess baggage checked-in at the airport on medium and long haul flights.

The research also found that holiday-makers can avoid substantial charges by booking their flights on a debit card, with all airlines charging no fee. However, bookings made on a credit card can incur additional fees with Aegean Airlines charging £6.00 per person, German Wings charging £8.00 per person and Condor charging up to £15.27 per person.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH),

visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

ENDS

Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK’s award winning long stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a third year running at British Travel Awards 2012. This year APH also celebrates its 33rd year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.

Notes to Editors

*Research published on 16 April 2013

Media Enquiries

Sarah Salord / Jessica Meins / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 / aph@mccluskey.co.uk