Travel experts reveal flight booking 'hack' can actually cost you more
Budget-savvy Brits will know that when it comes to saving money on a getaway, it's not just all about finding the best holiday deals.
Whether it's swerving cabin bag fees with clever packing tricks or unearthing cheap underrated destinations, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget that little bit further. However, there's one common 'hack' that most Brits do thinking it will save them money, but in reality it could actually cost you more.
Travel experts have spoken out and revealed that you should always think twice before going for the cheapest flight option when booking your holidays.
The insiders have debunked the myth that "flying into the budget airport saves loads". When it comes to the major holiday destinations, there usually is one main international airport where most airlines fly. However, budget carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair often offer alternative flights to the same destination, such as a regional airport or another travel hub close by.
If you've got a choice of two, it can be tempting to book the airport with the cheapest fares, but this doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get the best deal. In fact, if you don't do your research, it could cost you a lot more overall.
The HelloTickets team warned that in reality, opting for a budget airport can actually mean "longer transfers, pricey shuttles, extra fatigue (amplified with kids)".
That's not to say you shouldn't go for the cheaper airport; just work out the costs before you part with your cash. They explained: "Once you add transfer time and fares, the main airport is cheaper or equal almost one trip in two—and you're downtown faster."
For example, Milan has three airports; Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), and Milan Bergamo (BGY). Malpensa is the main airport, but Linate is closer to the city centre. As for Milan Bergamo, this is about an hour's drive away from the city centre, and therefore you can often find cheaper fares. If you fly to the latter, you'll need to pay for train tickets or a cab fare, which could cost you more than the ticket price difference if you'd gone for one of the other two airports.
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It's not the first time that UK holidaymakers have been warned that a cost-cutting trick could actually end up making a bigger dent in their holiday budget. While airlines' hand luggage rules can be a nightmare to navigate, in recent years people have been using the 'pillow hack' to get around those strict allowances.
This trick involves packing some of your clothes into a pillow that you bring on the flight, so it doesn't technically count towards your allowance and you can get extra items onboard with you. It's worth noting that a lot of airport staff have wised up to the trick, but if you're lucky they will be kind and turn a blind eye.
However if you're unlucky, then staff may decide your pillowcase is an extra bag, and charge you accordingly; often, this turns out to be more than if you'd paid for a second bag in the first place. But that's not the only risk; it could also mean you're denied boarding and unable to enjoy your holiday at all!
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