The airlines charging up to 66% extra in hidden fees

Airlines with the biggest extra charges

A Jetstar Airbus A321-251NX plane, registration VH-OYP, taxiing at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport for departure as flight JQ37 to Denpasar. She is passing a Scoot Boeing B787-9 plane, registration 9V-OJC

Scoot and Jetstar ranked high on the list of fee-heavy airlines. (Image: Getty Images/SCM Jeans)

The study examined flight prices for round trips on similar routes between 6000 and 8000 kilometres by Australia’s 10 most popular airlines, assessing how much passengers were charged for a standard 20-kilogram checked bag, a seven-kilogram cabin bag and seat selection. The research revealed that Malaysia Airlines charged up to 66 per cent more than the initial flight price once these extras were added, making it the most expensive airline for additional fees.

Low-cost carriers Scoot and Jetstar also ranked high on the list of fee-heavy airlines, with extra baggage and seat selection pushing total costs more than 30 per cent higher than the advertised ticket price.

Checked baggage or checked wallet?

Malaysian Airlines A330-200 rolling out at runway 25R, Soekarno Hatta International Airport

Malaysia Airlines baggage fees are the highest by far. (Image: Getty Images/Rizky Aditya Ramadhan)

Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Emirates all have checked luggage included in the standard fare. By comparison, Malaysia Airlines checked baggage allowance was 10 kilograms, but to receive a standard 20-kilogram checked baggage allowance, travellers would need to fork out a whopping 60 per cent of the flight cost for the extra 10 kilograms.

Scoot includes no checked baggage in its economy tickets unless passengers pay extra or upgrade to the premium ScootPlus fare, and for a 20-kilogram checked bag on Jetstar, you’ll need to add 25 per cent onto the ticket price.

The price of picking your perch

A Qantas Airbus A330-303 plane, registration VH-QPB, coming into land from the south on the main runway of Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport as flight QF128 from Hong Kong. In the foreground is a Virgin Australia Boeing B737-8FE plane, registration VH-YFZ, taxiing before departure as flight VA1528 to Hobart.

Qantas seat selection was the second most expensive. (Image: Getty Images/SCM Jeans)

The study also found significant variations in seat selection charges across airlines. Cathay Pacific had the highest fees for choosing a seat, with an additional cost of nearly 12 per cent of the original ticket price. Qantas was the second highest, charging just under eight per cent of the fare for seat selection.

On the other end of the spectrum, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia did not charge extra for seat selection, offering a more budget-friendly experience for travellers.

Travellers are warned to watch for hidden costs

Australia’s 10 most popular airlines ranked by the cost of add-ons.

Kadi Luggage co-founder Harry Saunders cautioned travellers to be aware of these additional fees when booking flights, as the true cost of travel can rise substantially once add-ons are factored in.

“This data highlights that whilst airlines may present an initially great deal, once you factor in the additional charges for services like extra luggage allowance and seat selection, the cost of your ticket can substantially increase," Saunders said.

Travellers looking to avoid bill shock at checkout should consider airlines with minimal extra costs, such as Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand, which keep their pricing structures more straightforward. Meanwhile, those flying with Malaysia Airlines, Scoot or Jetstar should be prepared for a significantly higher total cost than the original fare suggests.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.