A recent survey suggests that many holidaymakers, packing to go abroad, are confused by the new rules on how much luggage can be taken onto an aircraft before hefty extra fees are incurred. The survey, by lastminute.com, revealed that nearly three-quarters of travellers would be happy to pack a smaller bag or just travel with hand luggage if it meant avoiding the hidden fines and extra charges.

The survey revealed that 40 percent of travellers are still unsure about the amount of luggage they are allowed to take onto an airplane. Of all the respondents, 20 per cent said that they had already been given an additional charge or fine by an airline after turning up with too much luggage.

In April, moneysupermarket.com decided to have a look at the prices airlines were charging for taking baggage onto their aircraft. Ryanair may be selling its tickets at budget prices, but it was found to be the most expensive when it came to baggage fees. Following closely was bmibaby.

Analysis of the data collected by moneysupermarket.com revealed that on average passengers are paying £11.27 for the privilege of taking a single bag in the hold of the plane on a one-way flight. For a return journey the price went up to an average of £22.55.

The trend for ancillary charges was initially started by the budget airlines to make up for the massive drop in ticket prices they were making to help maintain capacity. However, added fees for placing luggage onto aircraft are quickly becoming the industry norm.