TUI and Sunweb Introduce Hidden Baggage Fees

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Travelers booking package holidays with TUI and Sunweb may now face unexpected baggage fees, mirroring the pricing tactics of low-cost carriers like Ryanair. Despite advertising all-inclusive holiday packages, these tour operators have introduced extra charges for checked luggage, significantly increasing overall travel costs.

According to the European Consumer Centre, while these baggage fees are not illegal, they contribute to a misleading perception of all-inclusive pricing, leaving travelers with limited options but to pay the added costs.

New Baggage Charges for Package Holidays

Under the new pricing model, TUI and Sunweb passengers must now pay separately for checked luggage, a service that was previously included in holiday package prices.

TUI’s Baggage Fees:

• €27+ one-way for a 20kg suitcase on European/Mediterranean flights.
• €32+ one-way for a 20kg suitcase on long-haul flights.
• Deluxe package customers still receive free baggage allowance.

Sunweb’s Baggage Fees:

• Free checked baggage is available only for non-flexible flights.
• Passengers booking flexible flights pay €28-39 per flight for a 20kg suitcase.

For instance, a return flight for two passengers to Mexico now adds €140 in baggage fees, reducing the value of early booking discounts.

The Rise of Hidden Travel Costs

According to the European Commission’s Consumer Protection Agency, hidden travel fees have become a growing concern, making it harder for consumers to compare actual costs between airlines and tour operators.

This pricing strategy follows low-cost airline models, where airlines attract customers with low base fares but profit from add-ons such as:

• Baggage fees
• Seat selection
• Extra legroom

These charges can increase ticket prices by 25-30%, significantly impacting travelers who expect all-inclusive pricing.

Industry Trend: Low-Cost vs. Traditional Airlines

This business model was pioneered by Ryanair, where in 2024, 30% of its revenue (€4.3 billion) came from extra fees.

By contrast, traditional carriers like Lufthansa make only 10% of their revenue from add-ons, while premium airlines like Singapore Airlines continue to include baggage, meals, and seat selection in ticket prices.

Consumer Impact & Transparency Concerns

According to UK Civil Aviation Authority, airlines and holiday operators must ensure transparency in pricing, preventing misleading advertising of all-inclusive travel deals.

While baggage fees are not prohibited, regulators emphasize that consumers should have clear, upfront pricing information to make informed travel decisions.

As major tour operators shift toward low-cost pricing structures, travelers are urged to carefully review package details, compare costs, and factor in extra fees before booking.