Europe's 'budget' airlines taking passengers for a ride

By Ashley Boyd

ROME, Dec. 3 – With the holidays approaching, travelers are making flight arrangements, turning to the Internet for the best deal. One thing is certain: flying a budget airline may not be the cheapest way.

Ryanair, one of Europe’s oldest budget airlines and one with an extensive route network across the continent, is often the place to start the search. However, as The Matthew Online discovers, thanks to many hidden fees, traveling with Ryanair may not be such a bargain.

Here's a rundown of those fees: a 3-euro airport check-in charge, a 6 euros charge for checked baggage online for a single bag bag and 12 euros for additional bags; checking luggage spontaneously at the airport costs 12 euros per bag. Also, Ryanair packs an 8-euro charge per kilo when a passenger exceeds the baggage weight limit of 15kg (33 lbs.) -- not too handy when lugging Christmas gifts.

Food on the airline ranges from 2 to 14 euros.

Meanwhile, a quick search of the Net reveals British Airways charges 206.09 euros to fly to London for a five-day stay in December. Flying from Rome Ciampino to London Standsted, Ryanair charges 123.87 euros.

However, after a baggage fee, airport check-in fee, and priority-boarding fee, the total is increases to a minimum of 147.87 euros. Including purchasing food at the airport and on the flight, possibly exceeding the baggage weight limit and traveling to the airport, a Ryanair flight would reach close to the cost of a British Airways flight.

Are all these hidden fees misleading customers? Some Ryanair regulars grumble "yes".

“Two of the three times I’ve flown with Ryanair, my plane was late and customers complained of the fee they had to pay due to their overweight luggage and Ryanair’s unreasonable baggage restrictions,” said Angela Guinness, a Ryanair customer.

Still, Ryanair is growing.

Between April of 2006 and April of 2007, Ryanair increased  passengers by roughly 500,000 (or 19 percent), thanks to its image as a cost-cutter.

Choosing a carrier is a choice of preference, but in the end, you pay for what you get.