Case study: Cheap airlines have become less budget, more rip-off

SUZANNE Mackie, 25, a PR manager from Broughton, Edinburgh, says: "The charges some airlines try to impose are absolutely ridiculous."

"What annoys me is that, despite charging you to carry luggage they have more than enough room and fuel for, certain airlines will do anything to try and squeeze an extra 10, 20 out of you.

"I was recently flying with Ryanair on holiday and had done everything I could beforehand to prepare for the trip and avoid their charges.

"Just before boarding, I nipped into WH Smith to get a few wee things and dashed back into the queue. I was told to empty the carrier bag, give it to the woman at the gate and carry all these wee things in my hands to board, despite them being in a tiny see-through carrier bag.

"I know you get what you pay for with budget airlines and they're all desperately trying to cut back everywhere they can.

"One thing they've certainly cut back on is customer service.

"One inch or one kilo oversize and you can face a penalty of 20 or have to buy one of their 'approved' cases for about 70 - it becomes less budget and more rip-off if you're not careful.

"Younger people and those who travel regularly are getting used to all the extra charges and ways you can get caught out but it's a real shame for older people and those who don't travel that often who have saved hard for their holiday to be ripped off in this way."