Ryanair Survey Exposes Hidden OTA Costs

By Ivan PetrenkoJan 10, 2025 15:31 PMNews
Share:
A smartphone displaying the Booking.com logo on a wooden surface
Booking.com criticized for hidden travel mark-ups. Source: unsplash

A Ryanair investigation has highlighted significant price hikes by certain online travel agencies (OTAs), including eDreams, Vola.ro, and Booking.com. The January survey reveals that these platforms impose steep mark-ups on travel essentials, such as baggage fees and seat reservations. For instance, eDreams charged twenty-seven euros and forty-nine cents for a ten-kilogram bag, more than double Ryanair’s direct price of eleven euros and ninety-nine cents, while Vola.ro listed reserved seats at sixteen euros and fifty cents compared to the airline’s eight euros.

Airfare prices were also found to be inflated when booked through OTAs. Booking.com showed increases ranging from seven percent to twenty-seven percent over direct airline rates, with examples including easyJet fares marked up to one hundred eighteen euros and seventy-two cents compared to ninety-three euros and forty-nine cents directly from the airline. These findings underline the financial impact travelers face when relying on intermediaries instead of booking directly with airlines. The data serves as a strong reminder for travelers to remain cautious and conduct thorough research before making travel arrangements.

For travelers, such pricing practices emphasize the importance of vigilance when planning trips. OTAs may present seemingly attractive offers, but hidden fees can lead to unnecessarily high expenses. Comparing multiple booking options, reading the fine print, and identifying where mark-ups occur are essential steps for anyone looking to save money. Cross-checking prices with airline websites can significantly reduce the risk of overpaying.

To protect against inflated charges, travelers are advised to use official airline websites for bookings whenever possible. Researching and comparing multiple platforms can also help identify discrepancies. Additionally, understanding what services are included in the fare and checking for hidden charges during checkout are crucial steps in avoiding unexpected costs. Being proactive in travel planning can ensure a more budget-friendly experience.

Ultimately, this trend highlights the need for greater transparency in the travel industry. For consumers, the takeaway is clear: taking the time to verify pricing can result in significant savings. Travelers can avoid unnecessary stress and financial strain by choosing direct booking channels. As competition in the travel market grows, ensuring that bookings are made directly through airlines can help travelers get the most value for their money.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
A panoramic view of Porto, Portugal, with the Douro River reflecting the city's historic architecture under a clear sky

New Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel Expands Travel Opportunities in Northern Portugal

Mar 13, 2025 19:29 PM
Emirates Boeing 777-300ER landing at an airport during golden hour

Emirates integrates Holi celebrations into in-flight experience

Mar 13, 2025 17:34 PM

New Travel Experiences Await in England for Spring 2025

Mar 13, 2025 15:42 PM

Neos to Launch First Direct Flights Between the US and Puglia

Mar 13, 2025 12:28 PM
Coastal cliffs with a lighthouse overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean under a partly cloudy sky

North Atlantic Oscillation Shifts Pose Risks for Travelers

Mar 13, 2025 10:36 AM
Traveler relaxing in an airport lounge while watching a plane take off

New Privium Lounge Enhances Travel at Eindhoven Airport

Mar 12, 2025 12:32 PM
Empty train platform with an RFI train in the background, marked with warning signs against crossing the tracks

Milan-Novara Train Suspensions Impact Travel Plans

Mar 12, 2025 10:46 AM
A misty hillside village with lush green vegetation and traditional houses in Madeira, Portugal

Best Destinations to Explore in July, August and September

Mar 12, 2025 08:29 AM
A modern passenger train at a station platform, preparing for departure

Enhanced Train Services for Wales v Kazakhstan Match

Mar 12, 2025 06:33 AM

Stuttgart Airport Expands Dining Options for Travelers

Mar 12, 2025 04:49 AM

Portugal Enhances Tourism with Accessibility Certification

Mar 12, 2025 02:27 AM
Three people pointing at a laptop screen while browsing online

Hidden Costs in Travel and How Booking Websites Charge You More

Mar 12, 2025 00:31 AM
A vintage steam locomotive emitting smoke while pulling historic green passenger carriages at Swanage Railway

Historic Steam Event to Feature Six Classic Locomotives

Mar 11, 2025 23:46 PM
Aer Lingus aircraft taxiing at Dublin Airport with multiple airline tails in the background

Passenger Traffic Shifts in Ireland’s Airports Amid St Patrick’s Festivities

Mar 11, 2025 21:23 PM
A white church partially buried in sand dunes under a vast blue sky in Jutland, Denmark

Unveiling Jutland as a Fresh Perspective on Scandinavian Travel

Mar 11, 2025 19:38 PM

Rotterdam The Hague Airport to See Big Renovation for Passenger Comfort

Mar 11, 2025 17:56 PM

Football Camp in the Maldives Offers a New Experience for Traveling Families

Mar 10, 2025 22:24 PM
American Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a gradient sky

American Airlines Enhances Dining for Travelers with Expanded Menu

Mar 10, 2025 20:49 PM
Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, featuring historic madrassahs with intricate tilework and turquoise domes

Uzbekistan Strengthens Legal Protections for Tourists

Mar 10, 2025 18:31 PM
Vietjet aircraft taking off from an international airport, showcasing its red and white livery

Vietjet’s Hanoi-Shanghai Route Expands Travel Opportunities

Mar 10, 2025 16:25 PM
A quiet rural train station with railway tracks leading into the distance, set against green hills under a cloudy sky

Travel Disruptions Ahead as Cambrian Line Undergoes Major Upgrades

Mar 10, 2025 14:48 PM
A parked AirAsia aircraft at the airport with ground support vehicles preparing for departure

AirAsia Announces Lower Fares for 2025 Travelers

Mar 10, 2025 12:32 PM

New Stargazing Destinations in Hawaii Transform Nighttime Travel

Mar 9, 2025 20:48 PM

AirAsia Philippines Expands Affordable Travel Options

Mar 9, 2025 16:36 PM
A group of racehorses and jockeys competing on a dirt track, kicking up dust as they round a bend

Cheltenham Festival 2025 Travel Guide for Adventurous Visitors

Mar 8, 2025 23:26 PM
A Delta Air Lines airplane taking off against a cloudy sky

Delta Expands Service to Green Bay with More Flights

Mar 8, 2025 21:32 PM