- New EU rules set to eliminate surprise fees for small cabin bags
- Travel experts warn of other hidden charges awaiting British holidaymakers
As new EU rules are set to clamp down on sneaky cabin bag fees, a fresh spotlight is being thrown on other hidden travel charges catching out British holidaymakers, from surprise hotel taxes to additional hire car fees.
EU lawmakers have recently proposed new rules that would scrap unexpected fees for small cabin bags, making allowances more transparent across airlines. If member states approve, each traveller can bring one small cabin bag and one personal item (like a handbag) for no extra charge. Cabin bags will have standardised size limits across all providers – so no more checking different rules for each airline.
While this development promises to make air travel more straightforward, travel experts at eShores highlight the many other surprise charges that can still push up the cost of a holiday (and make that last-minute bargain not quite as cheap as expected!).
The six surprise costs that still catch out British holidaymakers
- Tourist and city taxes: up to £119
City taxes can hit tourists in many popular European destinations, including Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Paris. These additional fees are based on hotel star rating and are rarely included in the initial booking price. Instead, they’re charged per person or per room, per night, at your destination, typically at hotel check-in or check-out. In Rome, this charge can reach €10pp, adding up to £119 on a week-long break for two. Most holiday providers aren’t able to incorporate this fee into their upfront cost, so factor it into your budget to pay at your destination.
- Resort fees: up to £304
Particularly prevalent in US destinations like Las Vegas, New York, and Florida, these mandatory charges cover amenities such as pool access and Wi-Fi, regardless of whether guests actually use these facilities. In Las Vegas, these fees can range from around $26 to $55 a night, adding anything from £143 to £304 to a 7-night stay.
- Car hire insurance: up to £179
Hiring a car on holiday? Double-check the small print. The advertised rate for rental cars often excludes essential insurance coverage, leading to nasty surprises when paying at the desk. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) can cost up to £179 a week, based on a maximum of €30 per day. This insurance isn’t always mandatory but skipping it could leave you on the hook for thousands if anything goes wrong, even just a minor dent.
- Air conditioning charges: up to £59
In warmer destinations, keeping your room cool might cost up to £59 more over a week. Air conditioning charges are often an additional expense at independent European hotels, averaging up to €10 per night per room. Some travellers even report being charged extra for A/C when it’s listed as an amenity. Always double-check the fine print and look out for phrases like ‘amenity fee applies’.
- Seat selection: up to £86
Want to sit together on the flight? Standard seat selection fees on budget carriers average £21.50 per person, which can add up to £86 for two people flying return – and that’s without choosing front row or extra legroom options, which cost even more. Couples or families who want to sit together should factor these costs into their budgets from the outset.
- Visa and EU entry requirements (and Brexit impact): £12
Destinations including Turkey, Egypt, and the US already require visas or ESTA applications, but British travellers can expect to see more of these charges from 2026. Post-Brexit changes mean Brits must obtain authorisation for travel to EU and Schengen+ countries, adding €7 per person per trip, equating to £12 for two travellers. While the upfront cost is modest, it represents yet another administrative and financial consideration for tourists.
Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores, comments:
“The proposed changes to cabin bag allowances are a great step forward for travellers, making it clearer what’s actually included and helping avoid stressful airport surprises. But, for many holidaymakers, baggage is just the beginning.
“From city taxes to car hire insurance, the hidden costs can really stack up. Always check the small print when booking to spot any extra charges – or better yet, book through experienced agents who can help you avoid unexpected fees and stick to your budget.”
For more information about eShores and how their experienced travel consultants can help you build your dream getaway, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/