Hidden costs of Ryanair flight
Customers looking for a holiday in Barcelona might be tempted by an offer running on Ryanair's website last night.
A flight from Bristol International Airport to Girona, 50 miles from Barcelona, leaving at 6.55am on Thursday, May 28, was £0.00 – with a "free" return journey on June 4.
But a family-of-five, including one toddler, would find taxes, fees and surcharges adding up to £405.
That is more than £65 cheaper than rival Easyjet, but Easyjet flies direct to Barcelona's main airport at 10.30am on a Thursday.
How does the Ryanair bill go from 0 to £405?
The adults and older children are not charged, but it costs £20 each way for an infant aged under two.
Taxes and fees from Bristol cost £108.12, while the flight from Girona with taxes and fees is £86.88.
Customers with an infant can't use online booking so must check in at the airport, and four pieces of luggage will add an extra £160.
Paying with a card other than a Visa electron costs an extra £5 per person, per direction, totalling £50.
Easyjet charge £43.49 per flight for adults and older children, plus £11 for the infant – £471.48 including luggage.
6 Comments
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by Simon B, Severn Beach
Thursday, May 14 2009, 4:55PM
“I think this article should read 'COULD' add up to £405, as not all these costs are compulsory.
Taking two pieces of hold luggage and paying by Visa electron would knock £130 off this for instance, meaning that the cost for a family of five (even one with an infant) would drop to £275.
I hope Ryanair aren't feeling litigious!”
by Sarah, Bristol
Thursday, May 14 2009, 12:09PM
“It's a rip off but why compare this flight with a direct flight to Barcelona?? It doesn't make sense!”
by Steven, North Bristol
Thursday, May 14 2009, 10:49AM
“The main thing is that this is NOT a flight to Barcelona but to somewhere about 50 miles away form it. It's like expecting to come to Bristol but being dropped off in Hereford.”
by prefer easyjet, Hengrove
Thursday, May 14 2009, 10:29AM
“try booking 3 flight to Reus (Barcelona) in July, as the price drops from £ 15,00 to £ 5.00, the taxes go from £ 9.00 to £ 98.00.”
by Vic, Bristol
Thursday, May 14 2009, 9:21AM
“Caveat emptor. If you don't like the cost, then do the other thing.
I've heard that Weston-super-Mare is great family resort.”