'Hidden' airline fees that could see you charged £200 extra for your holiday

Holidaymakers hoping for a budget getaway this summer could be hit with eye-watering hidden charges of up to £200, a damning new report has revealed.

Airlines are accused of advertising "cheap" fares that mask dozens of extra fees - many of which are presented as optional, but in reality, are almost unavoidable.

Topping the table is Wizz Air, where passengers face a staggering £207.93 in hidden charges on top of the basic ticket price - covering everything from seat selection to baggage and even the "privilege" of checking in online.

Close behind is Ryanair, long criticised for its confusing pricing model, which was found to load an extra £198.58 onto fares when common add-ons are included. EasyJet came third with £180.48 in extra costs.

These so-called "optional extras" include essentials for most travellers - such as a seat next to family members, hand luggage, or even paying to rectify a missed departure.

Consumer experts at are warning that many of these charges are all but mandatory, effectively turning rock-bottom fares into a costly illusion.

One of the most shocking findings is the so-called "rescue fee", charged if a traveller misses their flight. Ryanair and easyJet both slap on a £25 penalty, while Spanish carrier Vueling demands up to £137.

Even flying with an infant isn't free from surcharges. Passengers travelling with babies can expect to be billed, with fees creeping into the double and even triple digits depending on the airline.

The investigation looked at seven major European airlines - including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Norwegian, Ryanair, Vueling and Wizz Air - using data from official websites. Flights departing from London to European cities such as Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam and Athens were analysed for the high-demand travel period of late July.

It revealed a stark contrast between airlines. British Airways emerged as the most transparent, with the lowest average additional charges at £64, followed by Norwegian (£71.53) and Jet2 (£91.50).

The findings will likely fuel fresh calls for greater transparency in airline pricing, amid accusations that families are being misled into believing they've bagged a bargain - only to be stung at checkout.