*Please note that this is a press release for the Danish press and the content is accordingly

Celebrating the New Year abroad? How to navigate the flight ticket jungle

With New Year's Eve approaching, many Danes are planning to celebrate the end of the year in warmer climes or in one of the world's vibrant cities. Last year, an estimated 22,000 Danes travelled on charter holidays between Christmas and New Year, and this year more may follow suit, so before you book your flights, it's worth asking the question: are the cheapest tickets always the best choice? The answer depends on your preferences and what you're willing to pay for a smooth travelling experience.

Hidden costs can be surprising 

Cheap flights may seem appealing at first glance, but be aware of hidden fees that can increase the price significantly. "Most low-cost airlines offer tickets at seemingly good prices, but when surcharges for baggage, seat selection, food and drink, administration costs, and various other add-ons are added, the total price can exceed expectations," points out Benedikte Bolvig Lund, lawyer and legal director at Refundmore. For example, a flight ticket to London may seem cheap, but end up costing more when you add the same benefits that the more expensive tickets have. It can therefore be beneficial to consider whether a ticket that includes more benefits is ultimately better value for money. Many cheap flights are also very early or late in the day, times when transport to and from the airport can be more difficult. 

Convenience and transparency: choose the ticket that suits your needs 

Do you prefer a more predictable travelling experience without worrying about additional purchases along the way? Then you may want to choose tickets from airlines where more services are already included in the price. Some airlines include luggage, food and drinks in the ticket price, while others charge extra for larger suitcases, food - and sometimes even water - on board. If you're planning to bring home a lot of New Year's shopping, it might be worth looking into how different airlines handle baggage policies. For some, checked baggage is included, while for others it can be an extra cost that adds up quickly. So consider carefully what you need for your trip and compare prices to avoid unexpected costs. 

What should you choose? 

The choice between cheaper and more expensive tickets depends on your needs. If you're travelling light with hand luggage only, low-cost tickets may be the right choice. But if comfort and time are important factors for you, it may be worth choosing a ticket with more included services.  

Flexibility can also be a key factor in the search for savings. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper tickets. Flying off-peak or mid-week can offer significant savings. 

Transparency is the way forward 

According to Benedikte Bolvig Lund, clear and transparent information about airfares, extras and general passenger rights is crucial for consumers to understand the total cost and make informed choices. She therefore always recommends buying airline tickets directly from the airlines to avoid paying extra for extras that go directly to online flight portals or other intermediaries: "If you buy an extra suitcase directly through the airline, I can almost guarantee that it's cheaper than if you buy it from the online ticket broker. The same advice applies to cancellation protection and similar insurance - buy your insurance directly through your insurance company and be aware of whether you already have similar insurance included in your existing policies. That way you avoid paying for an extra service you may never need or already have," she concludes. 

When planning your New Year's Eve trip, it's therefore important to focus not only on the price of flights, but also on whether the offers meet your needs. By comparing airline deals, with a little planning, you can optimise your travel money and focus on enjoying New Year's Eve abroad.