Is it better for your wallet to book flights with an airline or an online travel agency?

A recent report from low-cost airline Ryanair claimed that online travel agencies (OTAs) overcharge passengers by marking up services such as seat selection and extra hand luggage. 

The carrier demanded EU governments act quickly to protect “unsuspecting” tourists from being overcharged.

But Ryanair’s claims against one OTA, eDreams ODIGEO, have since been ruled unlawful by courts.

So is it better for your wallet to book flights directly on an airline’s website, or can online travel agencies save you money? 

Are OTAs overcharging travellers?

Ryanair’s report claimed that OTAs charge as much as 176 per cent more for their services, like extra carry-on luggage, priority boarding and seat reservations. 

At the time, the airline said the inflation “continues to harm consumers across Spain and the EU.”

However, a court ruling in July found Ryanair’s claims against eDreams were untrue and did not constitute a legitimate, fact-based informational campaign.

How to get the best deal on your flights

Despite the legal action against Ryanair, there is still evidence that what may initially seem like an OTA deal can end up costing travellers more than booking directly with an airline.

OTAs often sell airfares cheaper than the airline directly, enticing those travelling on a budget.

However, research has found that once you pay for hold luggage and a seat, you may end up paying more.

A 2023 analysis by consumer brand Which?, which carried out 28 price spot checks with four different airlines and four OTAs, found booking through the latter can be more than €115 expensive than going direct.

Many airlines have information on their website detailing their approved aggregator and GDS partners, to make sure you don’t end up paying an up-charge. 

For example, easyJet flights can be booked through partners including Duffel, Amadeus, Travelport, Peakwork, and Kyte - while WizzAir recently partnered with Travlefusion to “enhance accessibility and affordability” of its European flights.

To get the best deal, it is worth pricing up the total fare - including any add-ons you may require - before making a payment.

This article has been updated to reflect that original claims made by Ryanair against eDreams ODIGEO have been ruled untrue and unlawful by courts, and that Ryanair was ordered to retract them.