logo
Five sneaky fees to avoid while going on holiday this summer – from car rental rip-offs to paying for seats

Five sneaky fees to avoid while going on holiday this summer – from car rental rip-offs to paying for seats

Scottish Sun19-07-2025
The cost of parking at the airport can easily wipe hundreds of pounds from your holiday budget
FLY AWAY Five sneaky fees to avoid while going on holiday this summer – from car rental rip-offs to paying for seats
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SNEAKY charges from airlines, hotels and car rental firms could catch you out this summer.
From unnecessary car insurance add-ons to paying for seats when you don't have to, you could end up forking out hundreds of pounds needlessly.
5
Sneaky charges from airlines, hotels and car rental firms could catch you out this summer
Credit: Getty
Which? travel expert Jo Rhodes warns: 'It's easy to get stung by lots of extra fees, all of which can really push up the cost of your holiday.'
Blathnaid Corless explains how to avoid five common holiday bill cash traps.
PREPARE FOR AIRPORT PARKING
THE cost of parking at the airport can easily wipe hundreds of pounds from your holiday budget.
Book your space in advance to save money.
It costs up to £416 a week if you pay on arrival, but you can save up to £362 if you book in advance at Britain's biggest five airports, according to moneysavingexpert.com.
Finding a car park nearby could be even cheaper — and you could be even closer to the terminal.
You can save up to £60 by choosing an off-site car park compared to one on the airport grounds, according to Holiday Extras, based on two weeks' parking at Heathrow in September.
Beware of being charged an overstay fee if you pick up your car late.
Stansted, the most expensive, charges up to £67 per day, followed by Liverpool which costs up to £35, and Bristol Airport which will set you back up to £30.
If you are late because of a delayed or cancelled flight, you may be able to claim the charge from your airline or travel insurer.
Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival
It was revealed by the RAC this week that 11 of the UK's busiest airports have hiked the prices of their 'kiss and fly' parking, with drivers being charged up to £7 just to drop off their loved ones.
If you want to avoid the fee, some airports have free park-and-ride options — but give yourself extra time to get to the terminal.
SIT TOGETHER…FOR FREE
MANY airlines will charge you if you want to select your own seats and sit next to your loved ones.
WizzAir's website says it can cost up to £147.74 per person, per flight to sit together.
Ryanair passengers can reserve seats for an added fee of up to £38 per flight, while easyJet charges customers up to £29.99.
But if you book tickets together, most airlines - except Ryanair - will usually sit you next to each other anyway.
The trick is to not pay for seats when booking a flight, and check in online as early as you can to boost chances of sitting together.
'If you're travelling as a family, airlines typically seat young children next to at least one parent,' said Hannah Mayfield from travel insurance site PayingTooMuch.
5
Many airlines will charge you if you want to select your own seats and sit next to your loved ones
Credit: Getty
WIPE HUNDREDS FROM CAR HIRE
CAR rental companies often try to catch you out with extra fees for services you may not need.
These last-minute add-ons can add as much as £452 to the cost of a week-long rental, according to icarhireinsurance.com.
Excess protection, which protects drivers from large excess fees if the car is damaged or stolen, is the most expensive add-on.
Rental companies charge an average of £189 for this, but it can be bought from specialist providers for as little as £3.49 a day.
Some firms also allow for free cancellations, so you can make your booking and then rebook at a later date if the price has fallen.
Ben Wooltorton from icarhireinsurance.com said: 'Arranging standalone excess reimbursement before travel could save you hundreds.'
Beware of charges for sat navs — which can add £72 — by bringing your own or using a free map app on your phone.
If you're taking the kids, bring a car seat, as hiring them from a car rental company can cost from £7 per day.
AVOID OVERWEIGHT BAG FEES
IF your suitcase is too heavy but you need all you have packed, don't wait to get hit with overweight baggage fees at the airport.
Some airlines let you add on extra kilos to hold luggage up until hours before your flight — which is far cheaper than charges at the kiosk.
You pay overweight fees separately for flights there and back.
For example, easyJet allows passengers to add additional weight in increments of up to £15 per 3kg to their hold luggage up to two hours before their flight, even after they've checked in.
At the airport, you will have to pay £12 for every kilogram overweight.
So if your suitcase is 3kg over, you will end up paying £72 at the airport for both trips, but if you paid online, it would cost you a maximum of £30 — saving you £42.
5
If your suitcase is too heavy but you need all you have packed, don't wait to get hit with overweight baggage fees at the airport
Credit: Getty
REMEMBER TOURIST TAX
DON'T be caught out by tourist tax, which many countries now charge.
This is normally added to hotel bills.
Countries that charge visitors the fee include Spain, Greece, Italy, France and Thailand.
How much you will pay varies on where you are holidaying.
For example, if travelling to Greece for a week over the summer, you'll pay €8 (£6.94) extra per night, which works out at almost £50.
These cover the cost of amenities such as pools, gyms and wi-fi.
Which? warns they could add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a stay.
Factor them into your budget so you don't get a surprise bill you may not be able to afford.
RISE OF THE JOB SCAMMER
LLOYDS has warned of a huge rise in job scams that could see you lose thousands of pounds.
The banking giant has reported a 237 per cent increase in incidents where criminals pretended to be recruiters to trick victims into handing over money, since the start of the year.
5
Lloyds has warned of a huge rise in job scams that could see you lose thousands of pounds
Credit: Getty
Those targeted have lost an average of £1,420, but seven per cent of victims have lost over £5,000 in the past six months.
And 53 per cent of all victims were aged 18 to 34.
Fraudsters contact victims on WhatsApp posing as recruiters, or post fake job listings on social media sites.
They will offer commissions and high pay for easy tasks you can often do from home, such as liking TikTok videos or reviewing hotels online.
Victims are then told to pay upfront fees, for training or DBS checks, for example.
Scams will ramp up when crooks ask you pay for upgrades so you can earn more money, or a payment that needs to be made in order to get a commission.
Some victims are even manipulated into forwarding money on to other accounts, unwittingly becoming a money mule.
Liz Ziegler from Lloyds said these scams are 'evolving rapidly' and victims are left 'financially and emotionally drained'.
If a job ad lists easy roles for high pay, it could be too good to be true.
No legitimate company would ask for payments when you apply for a job.
Avoid 'opportunities' where you are added to unknown apps or group chats.
LUCY ANDREWS
LITES OUT AT SANTANDER
SANTANDER is pulling the plug on its 123 Lite current account, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers in the lurch.
The account, which stopped accepting new applicants in 2022, has been a lifeline for bill payers, offering up to £15 monthly cashback for a £2 fee.
5
Santander is pulling the plug on its 123 Lite current account, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers in the lurch
Credit: Getty
But from August 21, customers will be switched automatically to Santander's Everyday Current Account, which has no fee but lacks cashback perks.
A Santander spokesperson said the decision was part of a wider effort to simplify the bank's product range.
If you want cashback perks, Santander's Edge account could be an option.
It offers one per cent cashback on certain household bills and debit card spending at supermarkets, petrol stations and on travel, capped at £10 per month with a £3 monthly fee.
For a higher cashback limit the Santander Edge Up account costs £5 and allows you to earn up to £15 per month on both bills and debit card spending.
To keep these accounts active, Edge customers must deposit at least £500 per month, while Edge Up users need to pay in £1,500 a month.
But from September 9, both accounts will no longer offer cashback on supermarket, fuel, and travel spending.
If you are chasing higher rewards, American Express's fee-free Cashback Everyday Credit Card gives five per cent cashback on purchases for the first five months (up to £125).
JAMES FLANDERS
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'
Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'

Scottish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the shocking moment a female Ryanair passenger is left sobbing on her knees after being banned from boarding her flight. The tearful woman was left hitting a door in an emotional outburst as airport staff reportedly told her that her hand luggage was too big. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A female Ryanair passenger was filmed crying and begging on her knees to be allowed to board a plane after staff banned her over her luggage Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 She was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in after being told she had to pay extra Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov Chaos unfolded at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria when the woman was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy. A packed flight was due to board a bus to their plane when the female passenger was stopped in the queue. Nikolay Stefanov, a witness to the shocking ordeal, said the woman was told she had to pay for extra baggage because her luggage didn't fit in the holdall. The woman refused to pay as she explained her bag could in fact fit. Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in. The bag does eventually fit but the staff still refuse to let her board. She then breaks down in tears as she pleads with a member of the border police and takes a video of the bag which is now wedged inside the rack. Dozens of the passengers were seen watching on from behind a glass door which was all that separated them from the weeping woman. Determined to board, she then starts to bang on the door and ask for help as Nikolay films the sad ordeal. More staff quickly surround the woman as her begging grows louder. Moment Brit woman is dragged off Ryanair flight & thrown to floor after 'assaulting passengers and making bomb threat' At one point she even drops to her knees before placing her hand on the door as tears roll down her face. Nikolay said the whole situation "escalated quickly". He added: "She was pleading with us not to leave, but we were threatened that the entire flight would be cancelled if we didn't get on the bus, so passengers became frightened and left." Nikolay said many onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion. It has also been claimed that another passenger stood behind the woman in line was removed from the flight. A Ryanair staff member allegedly said that they couldn't let him on because "reopening the gate risked the woman trying to get on the bus". The viral footage soon caught the eye of Bulgaria's parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov has reportedly ordered an inspection of the airport's security cameras. Mr Karadjov is even said to have described the behaviour of employees in the video as "outrageous", reports. He has assured people that the main ground operator will be found and given the "highest fine" and a verbal warning. In response, Goldair Handling Bulgaria insisted their employees acted "professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger". The handling company released a statement to BNT News that read: "All rules regarding passengers' baggage, its permissible size and the fees payable for baggage are determined solely, entirely and unilaterally by the airlines. "Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is solely obliged to monitor compliance with these rules by the airlines. "This also applies to hand luggage, as Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is obliged to monitor the dimensions of this baggage and collect excess baggage fees. "[Staff] acted professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger." It comes as Ryanair's CEO is considering increasing bonuses paid to staff for spotting oversized luggage. The budget airline currently pays staff approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for stopping passengers with oversized bags from boarding the aircraft. Currently, staff bonuses for doing this are capped at €80 (£70) a month. Passengers who are unlucky enough to get caught out by the airline's staff are charged a fee of up to €75 (£65) for bringing luggage that is larger than they paid for while booking their journey. 6 The passenger was left hitting the door where the other passengers were waiting to board Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov

Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained
Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained

Scottish Sun

timea day ago

  • Scottish Sun

Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained

Airlines are incentivising employees to clamp down on carry-ons Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RYANAIR boss Michael O'Leary said this week he was considering bigger bonuses for staff who identify passengers with oversized bags. And earlier this month, a leaked email showed that staff across major airports in the UK would also receive payments for every bag confiscated from easyJet passengers ahead of boarding. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up So, how much can you really get away with? Sophie Swiethowski shares everything you need to know about hand-luggage restrictions for Brits' favourite airlines. EASYJET Every passenger is entitled to one free, small carry-on bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. The bag cannot exceed 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels, and it must weigh no more than 15kg. EasyJet Plus members and those who have booked an Inclusive Plus fare (which also includes a 23kg checked bag) will be able to take a larger hand luggage bag with them, measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm. Anyone else wanting to take a larger carry-on will have to pay £5.99 (or more) in advance of flying. RYANAIR Ryanair has one of the smallest hand luggage allowances on this list. Like easyJet, every passenger is allowed one small, under-the-seat bag for free, measuring no greater than 40 x 20 x 25cm, although there is no specific weight limit. Larger carry-ons, to be stored in overhead lockers, cost from £6 and must not exceed 10kg. The maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20cm. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival BRITISH AIRWAYS The UK's flag carrier has the most generous allowance of all the airlines listed here. All passengers are entitled to bring a free 'hand bag' to go under the seat. This can measure up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and has a large weight limit of 23kg, the same as checked baggage. Larger carry-ons are also included in the price of your ticket. Overhead bags can measure up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles, with a weight limit of 23kg. JET2 When it comes to carry-on allowances, Jet2 is undoubtedly the winner of the low-cost airlines. Much like British Airways, customers can bring both a small and large bag on board for free. An under-the-seat bag must not exceed the limit of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, although there are no weight restrictions. Larger bags can measure up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and must weigh no more than 10kg. WIZZ AIR On a par with Ryanair, the maximum dimensions for a free and smaller carry-on bag are 40 x 30 x 20cm and this bag can weigh up to 10kg. Passengers with a larger bag will have to purchase a Wizz Priority ticket if they do not want to incur a charge at the gate. The priority ticket costs from €5 (£4.33) and also includes priority boarding. These overhead-locker bags cannot exceed the weight limit of 10kg and must comply with the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23cm.

Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained
Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

Full list of UK airline hand luggage rules explained

RYANAIR boss Michael O'Leary said this week he was considering bigger bonuses for staff who identify passengers with oversized bags. And earlier this month, a leaked email showed that staff across major airports in the UK would also receive payments for every bag confiscated from easyJet passengers ahead of boarding. So, how much can you really get away with? Sophie Swiethowski shares everything you need to know about hand-luggage restrictions for Brits' favourite airlines. EASYJET Every passenger is entitled to one free, small carry-on bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. The bag cannot exceed 45 x 36 x 20cm, including handles and wheels, and it must weigh no more than 15kg. EasyJet Plus members and those who have booked an Inclusive Plus fare (which also includes a 23kg checked bag) will be able to take a larger hand luggage bag with them, measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm. Anyone else wanting to take a larger carry-on will have to pay £5.99 (or more) in advance of flying. RYANAIR Ryanair has one of the smallest hand luggage allowances on this list. Like easyJet, every passenger is allowed one small, under-the-seat bag for free, measuring no greater than 40 x 20 x 25cm, although there is no specific weight limit. Larger carry-ons, to be stored in overhead lockers, cost from £6 and must not exceed 10kg. The maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 20cm. BRITISH AIRWAYS The UK's flag carrier has the most generous allowance of all the airlines listed here. All passengers are entitled to bring a free 'hand bag' to go under the seat. This can measure up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and has a large weight limit of 23kg, the same as checked baggage. Larger carry-ons are also included in the price of your ticket. Overhead bags can measure up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles, with a weight limit of 23kg. JET2 When it comes to carry-on allowances, Jet2 is undoubtedly the winner of the low-cost airlines. Much like British Airways, customers can bring both a small and large bag on board for free. An under-the-seat bag must not exceed the limit of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, although there are no weight restrictions. Larger bags can measure up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and must weigh no more than 10kg. WIZZ AIR On a par with Ryanair, the maximum dimensions for a free and smaller carry-on bag are 40 x 30 x 20cm and this bag can weigh up to 10kg. Passengers with a larger bag will have to purchase a Wizz Priority ticket if they do not want to incur a charge at the gate. The priority ticket costs from €5 (£4.33) and also includes priority boarding. These overhead-locker bags cannot exceed the weight limit of 10kg and must comply with the maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23cm. 1

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store