Fees guide will help air passengers

01/02/12

By Natalie Thomas

A guide has been launched by aviation regulators to help consumers gain an understanding of the optional extra fees which airlines charge.

Published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the comparison document includes details of seat reservation charges and the costs of in-flight meals.

Small charges can add up when booking a holiday, but travel insurance is a necessity which every person going abroad must invest in.

Andrew Haines, CAA's chief executive, said the diverse UK aviation industry offers choice and value to consumers, and said airlines work to different business models.

"To really benefit from that choice consumers want to know the full price picture," he said.

"For some passengers and airlines the headline ticket price will be the most expensive part of the booking, whilst for others the impact of optional fees and charges can change their view of the best overall price.

"Our table allows passengers to easily compare the optional fees that airlines charge and it's important to consider those charges alongside the ticket price and the extra charges that could be applied before making their booking."

CAA's comparison data is available on their "passenger portal", along with other information.