EasyJet flexible fares – are they worth it?
In a complete reversal of the low cost airlines policy of encouraging you to book direct and online, easyJet has introduced a range of higher priced “flexible fares” starting at £99.99 which are only available via travel agents.
Stated Benefits:
- Unlimited free date changes with a 4 week period (1 week and 3 weeks after departure)
- 1 piece of hand baggage (unlimited weight)
- 1 piece of hold baggage (20Kg)
- Free speedy boarding
- No extra booking fees
Consider the following:
- The change fee on normal cheap tickets is just £30
- Hand baggage is already free on all fare types, unlimited weight, dimensions: 56 x 45 x 25cm
- Hold baggage would cost £18 extra but how many business travellers require check-in luggage when flying short haul with easyJet?
- The travel agent may charge between £10 and £25 to make the booking (and maybe mark-up), and a fee to change.
- easyJet already allow you to board an earlier flight on the return, for free.
- The “flexible fares” are not refundable, whilst full service airlines flexible fares usually are.
- How often does Speedy Boarding work in practise? Is it worth the extra?
Booking Business Travel suggests that to buy the cheapest fare on the day is the best policy.
This entry was posted on Sunday, May 1st, 2011 at 8:18 am and is filed under Booking Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
