Travel search engine KAYAK.com.hk reveals how low-cost carriers are marking up snack prices and charging fees for baggage and seat selection

In-flight snacks and refreshments on low-cost carriers are marked up by more than 7 times their market prices
Checked baggage fees up to HK$570 on low-cost carriers
KAYAK.com.hk’s Fee Calculator shows extra charges for more transparent travel planning

Hong Kong, 23 June 2016: Low-cost carriers (“LCCs”) such as HK Express, Jetstar, and Tigerair have become increasingly popular among Hong Kong travellers. While these carriers provide amazing savings on airfares, some fliers are unaware of what other fees and markups can apply. To help travellers budget more accurately, KAYAK.com.hk reveals LCCs’ snack markups and other extra fees.

Pack some snacks or pay sky-high prices on board
Travellers often expect to pay more for snacks and drinks while travelling on LCCs. But research has revealed that some are charging prices for snacks and drinks that are just ‘plane’ crazy.  For example, a beer costs, on average, 360% more up in the air than at a supermarket. Bottled soda was revealed to be the worst offender. A 250ml can of soda costs HK$22.60 (S$4.00) on Tigerair, and just HK$5.60 for 500ml on the ground (a 707% markup). Sky-high prices were also uncovered on everyday snack items; HK Express charges as much as HK$25.00 for 40g of potato crisps (HK$68.75 per 110g) while the supermarket price is only HK$12.50 for 110g – a three figure increase of 450%. To avoid high markups, have something to eat prior to flying, or pack some snacks to bring on board.

Pack light and nice or pay a heavy charge
LCC tickets normally allow travellers to bring hand luggage with a weight of 7-10kg onboard. However, if travellers wish to check baggage in the hold, extra fees apply. HK Express, Jetstar, and Tigerair charge HK$150-260 for a 20kg baggage allowance during the initial booking process; note that this is per short-haul flight. At the airport, if travellers wish to purchase the equivalent baggage allowance, this cost can increase up to HK$570 (a 280% increase). Avoid these hefty fees by planning ahead or simply by packing light.

Nicer seats come with a price tag
When booking flights with LCCs, travellers will often have pre-assigned seats. Additional charges will be incurred should travellers wish to change their seats. Among the same 3 popular LCCs in Hong Kong, the option to reserve a specific seat online is available with varying price tags. A standard seat costs HK$34, HK$35, and HK$45 for Tigerair, Jetstar, and HK Express, respectively.  Seats near the front or seats with extra legroom range from HK$73 to HK$200. To avoid extra costs, travellers should arrive at the airport a little early to request a seat change, at the check-in desk.

All of these extra fees add up and need to be taken into consideration when travel planning. Debby Soo, Vice President APAC at KAYAK reminds travellers to be mindful of the airlines’ terms of use and all extra costs before booking tickets to find the most suitable travel product. “KAYAK.com.hk strives to be Hong Kongers’ best travel companion, providing the best tools for travel and planning. To help budget efficiently, our Fee Calculator allows travellers to select a preferred payment method, the number of checked bags, and includes any extra fees in the total price when searching for flights.”

ABOUT KAYAK
KAYAK is the world’s leading travel search engine. KAYAK searches other travel sites and shows travellers the information they need to find the right flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages. The company’s website and apps also offer tools to help travellers plan and manage their trip, including price alerts, price forecasts and free itinerary management. Each year, KAYAK processes more than one billion searches for travel information and has local sites in more than 30 countries and 20 languages. KAYAK is an independently managed subsidiary of The Priceline Group.

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