Transporting gifts by plane this Christmas? Watch out for excess baggage fees

If you're one of the five million Brits flying abroad this December, be aware of potentially high baggage fees.  

Airlines will charge you for any extra weight beyond the allowance, so if you're bringing gifts for loved ones, make sure to check your bag's weight before you travel. 

Simon Calder, travel journalist and former airport security officer, warns that some baggage fees are now so high, they can match the cost of your flight.  

"I'm seeing increasingly that charges for baggage are often as much as the original fare, which is frankly absurd,” he says.  

What’s changed?  

Gone are the days when airlines included 15kg of luggage in the price of your ticket.  

20 years ago, you could easily pack enough for a long holiday without worrying about extra fees.  

Now, with shrinking free baggage allowances, the cost of packing for your trip could be a lot higher than you expect. 

Airlines ‘catching you off-guard’  

Research by Confused.com found that one-third of holidaymakers have been hit with charges for overweight baggage, paying an average of £55 on top of their ticket price.  

Just over one in seven (16%) ended up paying more than £100 in excess fees.  

And 42% of passengers feel that airlines catch them off guard with hidden or unexpected charges. 

Excess baggage fees by airline  

Here’s a breakdown of the excess baggage fees each airline is charging, depending on how much you’re over by:  

• Ryanair: £12 per kg 

• easyJet: £12 per kg 

• Jet2: £12 per kg 

• TUI Airways: £14 - £18 per kg 

• Wizz Air: £13 per kg 

• British Airways: £65 for an overweight bag (flat rate) 

• Virgin Atlantic: £65 for an overweight bag (flat rate) 

• Eastern Airways: £10 per kg (up to 32kg) 

As you can see, these fees can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with extra gifts or bulky items.  

And don’t forget – these charges are often not included in the price of your ticket, meaning the total cost of your trip could soar. 

How to avoid unexpected fees 

As baggage costs aren’t always included in the flight ticket price, Confused.com has created an airline baggage checker that shows the free and additional baggage allowances of all the airline flying out of the UK. 

Always weigh your packed bags before you travel to make sure you’re within the limits.  

Packing tips for Christmas travellers  

Simon Calder also shares a few packing tips, including being mindful of liquid restrictions and avoiding snow globes.  

He also advises against wrapping gifts before your flight, as security may need to inspect them.  

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind: 

• Avoid packing expensive or fragile items: If these gifts are lost, stolen, or damaged, it may be difficult to get compensation. 

• Keep valuables close: Carry valuable items in your smaller carry-on luggage, which you can keep with you at all times. 

• Don’t pack toys that look like weapons: Avoid any items that could raise concerns during security checks. 

• Leave explosives at home: Steer clear of party poppers, Christmas crackers and fireworks, as they’re prohibited on flights. 

• Consider gift bags over wrapping: Instead of wrapping your gifts, use a gift bag that can be folded flat and tucked into your luggage. 

• Save room for return presents: Don’t forget to leave space for the gifts you might bring back home. 

Happy festive travels!