Booking a flight is often just the start of the cost. That “cheap” fare you see on Skyscanner might not be the total price you pay.
I ran a real-world test to track hidden fees across three routes from India to Europe and Southeast Asia. Here’s what I discovered — and how you can avoid overpaying.
Experiment Setup
Routes Tested:
- Delhi (DEL) → London (LHR)
- Mumbai (BOM) → Paris (CDG)
- Bengaluru (BLR) → Bangkok (BKK)
Booking Platform: Skyscanner (via OTA) + direct airline website
Passenger: 1 Adult, Economy
Filters: 1 stop max, layovers <3 hours
I compared base fare vs final total cost, including every hidden fee.
Step 1: Base Fare vs Final Payable
| Route | Base Fare (₹) | Final Payable (₹) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi → London | 48,500 | 51,300 | +2,800 |
| Mumbai → Paris | 45,200 | 47,950 | +2,750 |
| Bengaluru → Bangkok | 15,900 | 17,200 | +1,300 |
💡 Observation: Hidden costs added ₹1,300–₹2,800 per ticket.
Step 2: Breaking Down Hidden Costs
Here’s what contributed to the extra charges:
- Baggage Fees
- Some OTAs and budget airlines exclude checked baggage in base fare.
- Example: ₹1,500 for 20kg checked bag.
- Seat Selection Fees
- Premium seats cost extra.
- Example: ₹600–₹900 per leg.
- Payment Gateway / Processing Fees
- Some OTAs charge 1–2% extra for credit card payments.
- Example: ₹300–₹500.
- Airport/Service Fees
- Taxes and airport surcharges sometimes appear late in checkout.
- Example: ₹400–₹600.
- Optional Insurance / Add-ons
- Travel insurance upsell or flexible ticket options.
- Example: ₹200–₹500.
Step 3: Observations from Real Flights
- Hidden costs represent 5–10% of ticket price on international routes.
- OTAs often display lower base fares than airlines, but final costs sometimes catch up.
- Budget airlines are most prone to extra fees.
Step 4: How to Avoid Hidden Costs
- Always check the final price before payment.
- Compare Skyscanner OTA vs direct airline total cost.
- Use filters: Include baggage + seat fees in price comparison.
- Plan seat selection smartly: Only pay for extra comfort if needed.
- Check credit card fees: Some banks refund foreign transaction fees or use airline co-branded cards.
Step 5: Real-Life Example
Delhi → London flight on Skyscanner (OTA):
| Component | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Base Fare | 48,500 |
| Baggage | 1,500 |
| Seat Selection | 900 |
| Payment Fee | 300 |
| Total | 51,300 |
Without checking fees, many travelers think they saved ₹2,000 but end up paying the same or more than airline direct booking.
