Major Low-Cost Airlines Are More Expensive in 2014

WhichAirline compared the prices that were available for booking in 2013 and 2014 and found out that the difference can be surprisingly high. The most significant increase can be seen on easyJet - from 72.97 euros to 87.44 euros, the change makes 14.47 euros.

Wizz Air’s average price per route changed from 60.74 euros to 70.62 euros which makes the difference of 9.88 euros. The lowest price increase can be seen at Ryanair - 7.22 euros (from 58.45 euros to 65.67 euros).

“The most significant increase can be seen on easyJet, on the other hand in long term period, this airline is trying to get better service than just low-cost service to its customer,” marketing manager of WhichAirline Petra Vaskovych said. The lowest price change was recorded on Ryanair which also still stays the cheapest airline when it comes to airline tickets price without checked baggage.

Most of low-cost travellers take hand baggage only to prevent extra charges for checked baggage. Ryanair, well-known for its fees for every single extra and very strict baggage allowance, decided to change its policy and it is friendlier now. Comparing to past years, travellers can take a second small hand baggage (max dimensions 35x20x20 cm). Ryanair is trying to be generally friendlier - it also brings some new discounts for families and tries to have better services onboard.

Wizz Air has not announced any changes in its cabin bag policy yet - it is the only European airline that charges its customers for hand baggage. Travellers can take only one small cabin bag for free (max dimensions 42x32x25 cm).

easyJet has a bit different rules - it will carry one free hand baggage with max dimensions 56x45x25 cm for free, however, if your bag has dimensions up to 50x40x20 cm, easyJet guarantees and your baggage flies with you in the cabin. Otherwise, it can be placed to the checked baggage space and you will not have access to it during the flight.

Average ticket price is based on one-way flights operated by stated airlines. The average prices were calculated from prices of flights with departure in the future searched by WhichAirline.com users in 2013 and 2014.

Source: Travel Daily News