The airlines charging up to 66% extra in hidden fees

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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.

Australian travellers are being hit with steep hidden airline fees, with some carriers charging up to 66 per cent more than the original ticket price for basic add-ons like baggage and seat selection , a new study has revealed.

The research, conducted by Australian-based luggage brand Kadi Luggage , found that Malaysia Airlines topped the list for the highest additional charges, significantly inflating the cost of flights for unsuspecting travellers. In contrast, Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand emerged as the most transparent.

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.

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AI Prompt

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

Airline Fees Table
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.

Explore the real reason you need aeroplane mode on while flying here.

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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8 experiences to restart and inspire your senses for 2026

    Katie Dundas Katie Dundas
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    Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.

    If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.

    As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.

    1. Under a Desert Moon dinner

    Under a Desert Moon dinner in northern territory
    Watch the stars come out over five courses.

    Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.

    It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.

    Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.

    2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

    Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
    Learn stories of the Red Centre at Karrke. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ 75vibes)

    The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.

    On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.

    3. Kungkas Can Cook

    Kungkas Can Cook set up at Simpson's Gap
    Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)

    The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.

    Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.

    4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

    woman walking by Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
    See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.

    Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.

    5. Pudakul

    Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours
    Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)

    Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.

    This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.

    6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise

    Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
    Spot the wildlife of the billabong. (Image: Tourism & Events NT)

    Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.

    Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.

    7. Aboriginal Bush Traders

    artist at Aboriginal Bush Traders in darwin
    Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)

    A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.

    Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.

    8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

    woman swimming in Leliyn (Edith Falls)
    Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.

    On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.

    Make 2026 the year to discover the flavours, culture and beauty of the Northern Territory at aatkings.com.