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.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

The airlines charging up to 66% extra in hidden fees

That ‘cheap’ airfare might not be so cheap after all. A new study exposes the airlines charging sky-high fees for baggage and seat selection.