• Nomad Deals
  • Posts
  • Best and Worst Airlines for Hidden Fees

Best and Worst Airlines for Hidden Fees

New analysis uncovers how much you will pay in extra charges

So-called “drip pricing” by airlines is so damn annoying. Governments in both the U.S. and the U.K are looking into banning the practice. But for now, you can avoid the worst offenders by checking out the analysis below.

Flight prices are falling — just don’t get fooled by these new tactics.

This Week in Nomad Deals

  • Hidden Airline Fees: New analysis shows which airlines charge fees far above their base fare.

  • Nomad Cost of Living: This dataset shows how much you could save by moving to nomad hotspots.

Hall of Shame: Worst Airlines for Hidden Fees

Here’s the scenario: you find a flight for $22. What a steal! But then you learn that you need to pay $57 for your carry-on. Plus $55 for your checked bag. Then another $3 so you don’t get stuck in the crappy middle seat.

If that experience seems more common nowadays, that’s because it is. UK coupon website NetVoucherCodes recently searched dozens of airlines worldwide for hidden fees. The results are eye-opening.

North American airlines ranked

The Rise of “Gotcha” Fees

  • 100% of U.S. airlines and 97% of European carriers charge hidden fees; airlines in the rest of the world are better, but 74% still follow this new pricing model.

  • The average fee comes out to $51.

  • Spirit Airlines stands out as one of the worst in the world for hidden fees, with average extra charges adding up to 736% of the advertised ticket price.

  • In Europe, Ryanair flights can cost 344% more if you add all the hidden fees.

Airlines With Least Hidden Fees

  • Among North American airlines, Southwest wins for the least hidden fees ($23), while American Airlines comes out as the best legacy carrier ($52).

  • In Western Europe, Czech airline Smartwings charges $33.64 on average; UK airline Loganair charges $30.35, and British Airways also scores pretty well with $40.45 in hidden fees.

  • A few international carriers in Asia, such as Air China, Vietnam Airlines, and Japan’s ANA, charge no hidden fees at all…the base fare is what it is.

Subscribe to keep reading

This content is free, but you must be subscribed to Nomad Deals to continue reading.

Already a subscriber?Sign In.Not now