Which slams extra charges on cheap flights

The extra charges employed by no frills airlines have come in for heavy criticism from the UK's leading consumer magazine.

According to a new study of the low cost carrier sector, once charges have been factored in they can add as much as £28 to the price of an ostensibly cheap flight.

Among the charges is the £20 that Ryanair, Monarch and bmibaby flyers must pay to check in luggage, with Flybe travellers paying £18.

Meanwhile seemingly minor charges such as the £4 fee for using Ryanair's check-in facilities and the £4.99 easyJet passengers must pay to use a credit card all add up, Lorna Cowan of Holiday Which? said.

She said: We're disappointed to see the major budget airlines are introducing charges for services that were once included in the full cost of the ticket. Ryanair's charge to use its check-in desk is especially unfair. The only way to avoid this is not to check any luggage into the hold.

"Although the airlines view these services as optional, who would go on a week's holiday without checking a bag into the hold?"

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