If there is something some airlines should win awards for, it’s charging you for the simple pleasures, and here are the most deceitful things they do.
Nothing gets us more excited than finding a cheap flight and planning a trip to some far-flung destination at the spur of the moment, and while travelling can be fun, it is only fun when you follow the rules.
Nothing is worse than being unexpectedly ripped off by an airline, especially when they decide to charge for things that should be free. We’ve all been there, right?
So, for laughs and giggles, here are the top ten deceitful things airlines do to get your money
10. Rip-off add-ons – convenience will cost you
When booking you’ll be shown numerous add-ons like car rentals and hotels. You should know that these add-ons are generally inferior and more expensive than they would be if booked elsewhere.
Airlines know that customers like convenience, but it will cost you, so always shop around and don’t assume it is the best deal.
9. Priority boarding – it’s worth the wait
Airlines know how to read a room, and they know that people hate waiting. They also know that there are people who love to look smug when skipping the queue.
So, of course, they offer a priority boarding option to ensure you don’t have to wait, and while some customers will fall for this, others won’t.
8. Cancelled flight – voucher or refund?
We’ve all been in that situation when we have been looking forward to a flight, and then all of a sudden, it’s cancelled.
Tricky airlines will try to get out of this by offering you a voucher to use for another flight, but what they don’t tell you upfront is that you can opt for the better option of a refund.
7. Overweight luggage – pack with care
One of the most deceitful things airlines do to get your money is to charge you a FORTUNE for any extra kilos in your checked baggage.
While some airlines and staff can be forgiving and turn a blind eye, others will squirm by charging you a substantial on-the-spot fee for allowing your bag in the hold. Or you forfeit leaving all your clothes behind.
6. Insurance – always read carefully
Airlines will do their best to take your money, and one of the most deceitful things they do is to offer you a host of options before you have even reached the booking page.
The worst thing is, sometimes it is so confusing that the chances of ticking the wrong box are high. Worse still, some airlines have them pre-selected.
5. Amending your flight – it’s not that easy
We have all found that cheap flight, which we are so proud of. But when worst comes to worst, and we need to change the details, whether the name or the date, this is when airlines will rip you off.
While we should be specific when booking, it is worth knowing that if we need to change it, we can run the risk of needing to take out a bank loan.
4. Food onboard – starve or pay
Not only is food on board rather expensive, but some airlines even stop you from taking your own food onboard. This is a simple necessity – we all need to eat, right?
Airlines will take full advantage of this and allow you to starve or fork out an unreasonable amount of tasteless food.
3. Cabin baggage – they are very tricky
Every airline has a different allowance for cabin baggage. While you may spend days packing and weighing your bag to ensure you follow the rules, you need to make sure that your ‘personal item’ is included in your total allowance.
If you are caught, you will be charged for excess baggage.
2. Sitting next to a friend – it comes with a price
One of the most deceitful things airlines do to get your money is to charge you to sit next to your friends.
Whether you have booked together or not, airlines will simply decide to sit one of you at the front of the plane and one at the back in the hopes that you will give up and pay to sit together. Why?
1. Extra legroom – a very deceitful move
While short people can benefit from not having to sit uncomfortably on small planes, tall people are the ones who have the option to either arrive at their destination in agony or pay a fee to stretch their legs out. This is a basic necessity if you ask us.
So, now that you have seen the top ten deceitful things airlines do to get your money, which one gets under your skin the most?
Disclaimer
This article is satire. Articles in this section are spoof articles which should not be taken as the truth, nor are they are intended to offend. However, if you are offended, please inform us formally via a letter. You can ensure it gets to us by placing it in the nearest recycling bin.
