The headline price of a flight rarely tells the full story. What initially looks like a bargain can quickly become far more expensive once baggage, seat selection, meals and other extras are added. This pricing model is now common across low-cost airlines and increasingly used by long-haul carriers too, making it essential to understand what’s included before you book.
A flight that appears cheap at first glance may end up costing more than a higher-priced ticket once you’ve paid to check a bag, bring a larger cabin bag, or sit next to your travelling companions. In many cases, a fare that includes baggage and basic seat selection can actually offer better value overall.
Baggage: The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” Flights
Airline baggage policies vary widely. Many headline fares now include only a small under-seat bag, with anything larger — whether a cabin bag or checked luggage — charged separately. These fees vary not just by airline, but by fare type, route, and even when the baggage is added.
One of the most common mistakes travellers make is comparing flights without accounting for the baggage they actually need. A low-cost fare can quickly become more expensive than a full-service ticket once checked luggage is added, particularly for couples or families.
When comparing flights, it’s important to calculate the total cost based on your real requirements, not just the base fare. Baggage is almost always cheapest when added at the time of booking; adding it later — and especially at the airport — can multiply the cost.
For the particularly cost-conscious, it’s also worth noting that airlines often charge less for one heavier checked bag than for two lighter ones. If you’re travelling together, sharing a single checked suitcase can sometimes be the cheapest option.
Holiday Packages Often Include Luggage
Airline baggage policies vary widely. Many headline fares now include only a small under-seat bag, with anything larger — whether a cabin bag or checked luggage — charged separately. These fees vary not just by airline, but by fare type, route, and even when the baggage is added.
One of the most common mistakes travellers make is comparing flights without accounting for the baggage they actually need. A low-cost fare can quickly become more expensive than a full-service ticket once checked luggage is added, particularly for couples or families.
When comparing flights, it’s important to calculate the total cost based on your real requirements, not just the base fare. Baggage is almost always cheapest when added at the time of booking; adding it later — and especially at the airport — can multiply the cost.
For the particularly cost-conscious, it’s also worth noting that airlines often charge less for one heavier checked bag than for two lighter ones. If you’re travelling together, sharing a single checked suitcase can sometimes be the cheapest option.
Seat Selection: Free, Paid, or Assigned?
Seat selection has become one of the most emotionally charged airline extras. While many airlines advertise “free seat allocation”, this usually means seats are assigned automatically at check-in, with no guarantee that companions will be seated together.
Airlines rely heavily on this uncertainty to encourage passengers to pay in advance. However, outcomes vary significantly depending on the airline — and how early you check in.
Checking in as early as possible is one of the most important things you can do. When online check-in opens — typically 24 hours before departure — airline systems have the greatest flexibility to seat groups together. Leaving check-in until later greatly increases the likelihood of being split up.
Some airlines are far stricter than others. Ryanair, in particular, is well known for deliberately splitting groups across rows unless seat selection is paid for. The only guarantee Ryanair offers is that children will be seated with an accompanying adult — a policy that often still requires at least one adult to pay for seat selection.
British Airways operates very differently. While standard economy fares charge for seat selection in advance, BA will often seat groups together when checking in early, provided suitable seats are available. In addition, passengers with Executive Club status (Bronze, Silver or Gold) can usually select seats for free at various points before departure, depending on their tier.
Airline Seating Policies at a Glance
Below is a general comparison of how major UK airlines approach seating. Policies can change, but this reflects typical practice rather than marketing promises.
| Airline | Seat Allocation (if not paid for) | Likelihood of Being Seated Together |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | At check-in | Low unless someone pays (groups often split deliberately) |
| easyJet | At check-in | Moderate if checking in early |
| British Airways | At check-in (unless status held) | High if checking in early |
| Wizz Air | At check-in | Low to moderate |
Families, Children and Seating Rights
In the UK and EU, airlines are expected to seat children next to a parent or guardian, and parents should not be forced to pay simply to avoid separation. However, these are guidelines rather than rigid legal rules, and how they are applied varies by airline.
In practice, most airlines will seat children with at least one adult, but this doesn’t always mean the whole family will sit together. If sitting as a group is important, checking in early dramatically improves your chances without paying.
Disability and Reduced Mobility Passengers
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are entitled to additional support under UK and EU law. This includes assistance through the airport and, where necessary, appropriate seating arrangements.
Airlines should not charge disabled passengers to be seated next to a companion if that companion is required for assistance. If you need specific seating for medical or mobility reasons, it’s important to notify the airline in advance and request special assistance, rather than relying on standard seat allocation.
If you encounter issues, escalate early — airlines are far more responsive before travel than at the gate.
Solo Travellers and Seat Allocation
For solo travellers, seat selection is often less critical. Checking in early still gives you more choice, but waiting can occasionally work in your favour. Airlines sometimes allocate unsold extra-legroom or preferred seats close to departure, and solo travellers are more likely to benefit from this.
This is a calculated risk rather than a guarantee, but for flexible travellers, it can result in a better seat at no extra cost.
Comfort Upgrades and “Preferred” Seats
Not all paid seats are equal. Some extra-legroom rows lack under-seat storage, some window seats have misaligned windows, and some aisle seats are positioned near toilets or galleys.
Before paying, it’s worth checking the aircraft seat map and understanding what you’re actually buying. On longer flights, paying for comfort may be worthwhile; on short hops, it often isn’t.
Before paying, it’s worth checking the aircraft seat map to understand what you’re actually buying. Dedicated tools such as SeatMaps, ExpertFlyer , AeroLopa and SeatCompare.ai can help identify genuinely good seats — and avoid disappointing ones.
On longer flights, paying for comfort may be worthwhile; on short hops, it often isn’t.
A Final Thought
Airline pricing is designed to look simple while being anything but. The cheapest fare is rarely the cheapest journey once baggage, seating and comfort are taken into account.
Before booking, take a few minutes to review what’s included, what’s optional, and what you’ll realistically need. Comparing total costs — not just headline prices — helps avoid surprises and ensures the flight you choose truly fits both your budget and your expectations.
A little upfront scrutiny can turn a frustrating booking experience into a far better value trip overall.
Holiday Nerd 