Hidden Charges Exposed: The Real Cost of “Cheap” Flights (2026 Study by Rengha Holidays) We have all been there. You see an advertisement for a flight from Chennai to Dubai or Madurai to Singapore for an unbelievably low price. You click “Book,” but by the time you reach the payment page, that “cheap” ticket has doubled in price. At Rengha Holidays, we believe in transparency. That is why our analytics team conducted the “2026 Travel Cost Study.” We analyzed thousands of “budget” flight bookings to understand where your money actually goes. The results were shocking. Here is the truth about the real cost of cheap flights and how you can avoid the traps.
The Findings: The “Low Fare” Illusion
Our 2026 study reveals that the base fare often covers less than 40% of the total trip cost on budget airlines. The remaining 60% comes from what the industry calls “Ancillary Revenue” or as we call them, Hidden Charges.
Here are the top 5 hidden costs our study uncovered:
1. The Baggage Trap
- The Trap: The “Saver Fare” usually allows only 7kg of cabin baggage. Check-in baggage is zero.
- The Real Cost: Adding just 15kg of luggage at the airport can cost you ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 extra per person.
- Rengha Tip: Always check if “Check-in Baggage” is included before you click select.
2. The “Random Seat” Roulette ????
- The Trap: Airlines now charge for almost every seat. If you don’t pay, they threaten to assign you a “random” seat (often a middle seat away from your family).
- The Real Cost: Paying for a window or aisle seat adds ₹300 – ₹1,000 per sector. For a round trip for a family of four, this adds nearly ₹8,000 to the budget!
3. The Convenience Fee (That Isn’t Convenient)
- The Trap: You reach the final payment step, and suddenly a “Convenience Fee” appears.
- The Real Cost: In 2026, this fee has risen to ₹400 – ₹900 per passenger, non-refundable.
4. The “No Meal” Deal
- The Trap: On a 4-hour flight to Southeast Asia, you realize too late that water and meals are not included.
- The Real Cost: Buying instant noodles or a sandwich on board costs 3x the market price.
5. Rescheduling Nightmares
- The Trap: Cheap tickets are often “Non-Refundable” and “Non-Changeable.”
- The Real Cost: If you need to change your date, you essentially lose the entire ticket value plus a penalty fee.
Case Study: The ₹15,000 Illusion
To prove our point, Rengha Holidays compared a “Cheap Self-Booking” vs. a “Transparent Package.”
Route: Chennai to [International Destination]
Advertised Price: ₹15,000 (One Way)ItemCheap Online BookingRengha Holidays Transparent BookingBase Fare₹15,000₹19,500Baggage (20kg)+ ₹4,500 (Added later)INCLUDEDSeat Selection+ ₹800INCLUDED / FREE ASSISTANCEMeal+ ₹1,200INCLUDEDConvenience Fee+ ₹850₹0 (Part of Package)TOTAL COST₹22,350₹19,500
Result: The “Cheap” ticket was actually ₹2,850 more expensive than the transparent fare.
Conclusion: Why Rengha Holidays is Different
The Rengha Holidays 2026 Study concludes one thing: The lowest price on the screen is rarely the final price you pay.
When you book a tour package or flight with Rengha Holidays, we practice “All-Inclusive Transparency.”
- We tell you the baggage allowance upfront.
- We pre-select seats whenever possible.
- We warn you about cancellation policies before you pay.
Don’t let hidden charges ruin your holiday budget. Trust the experts who did the study.
Fly Smart. Fly Transparent. Fly with Rengha.
Social Media Promotion (Hashtags & Caption)
Caption:
“Thought you grabbed a cheap flight deal? Think again. Our 2026 Study reveals that ‘Hidden Charges’ can double your ticket price! ???? From baggage fees to seat selection, we expose the traps airlines use. Read our latest blog to save money on your next trip! Link in bio.
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