Read small print to avoid extra costs, says expert

People should read the small print when booking flights with budget airlines to avoid paying extra, hidden costs, advises Holiday Which?.

Research by the travel advice magazine showed that on average people are paying £28 more than the advertised price.

Clare Lilley, head of research at the Holiday Which?, said that sometimes the airline will have ticked boxes for the customer, for example to purchase travel insurance through them.

To avoid these costs people should check the wording carefully and un-tick the box, she said.

Ms Lilley also warned that customers should have a clear idea of what they want before purchasing the ticket, so that they don't get talked into buying extras with "smooth marketing spiel".

Credit card fees are another area for holidaymakers to watch out for, which can be as much as £4.90 when booking flights.

The worst offender found by the magazine was Ryanair, which charged customers £20 for checking a bag and £4 to use the check-in desk.

Recent changes to the law have meant that airlines have to include taxes and charges into the advertised flight price, says Holiday Which?.

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