Budget airlines hike prices for babies by 33 per cent

Budget airlines including Ryanair and Easyjet have increased the cost of tickets for babies by as much as 33 per cent in just one year, according to research.

The news comes as a blow to parents all over the country are hoping to save money on family holidays by booking 'cheap' flights rather than package deals.

Sometimes, budget airline fees are even DOUBLE the cost of buying an extra adult seat, according to research from travelsupermarket.com.

It found that an adult seat on easyJet from Alicante to Liverpool at £18.99, including taxes, while the fee for a child under two is £20 – up one third since last year. Jet2 has also increased its infant fees from £15 to £20.

Ryanair is offering flights from Stansted to Stockholm for £9.99 each way, including taxes – but there is a fixed fee of £20 each way for a child under two. A flight with bmibaby between Birmingham and Amsterdam would cost an adult just 4p plus taxes (£20.99 in total), but a baby would cost £25 each way.

Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2 said their infant fees were set across all flights. EasyJet and bmibaby allow parents to book children into an adult seat if it is cheaper.

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