Flights, why are they so expensive? Here are all the increases in the sights of Mr. Prices-Corriere.it

This year the fares for flights from Italy have risen by 50%. And in many cases the prices of low cost airlines are higher than those of scheduled flights. To the point that the Guarantor for price surveillance, Benedetto Mineo, had to intervene and slammed the airlines on the rates applied in Italy. Mineo, after pointing out several price anomalies, gave the carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, Aeroitalia, Ita Airways and Neos) ten days to provide their answers to be compared in the early warning commission on 20 July. According to the Guarantor, the routes considered critical are those between Rome, Milan, Venice and the islands (Palermo, Catania, Cagliari). The area is therefore limited to national borders, since it is difficult to intervene on lines involving other countries.

Rates up 47.5% in 6 months

As told by the Corriere in an investigation

Italian travelers are actually paying significantly higher airfares this year than in the same period of 2022. In the first six months of this year, the fares for flights from Italy — domestic and to Europe — rose by 47.5 %, with June closing with +52%. Fuel, on the other hand, dropped by 22% in the same period of time, with peaks of -40 and -45% between April and the month just ended. The companies maintain that the current fuel is the one purchased last year, but insiders point out that not all carriers adopt this policy of protection against oil price fluctuations.

The calculations of Federconsumatori

Also according to the calculations of the national Observatory Federconsumatori the costs are more expensive, on average, by +8% on national routes and by +22% on international routes. Costs are increased above all by the extra options such as the choice of seat on board the plane, the possibility of carrying luggage in the cabin or putting the suitcase in the hold. To choose a seat you get to spend at least 10 euros more, while to bring baggage into the cabin that is slightly larger than a bag you spend at least 20 euros more.

Ticket price may increase by 545%

According to a survey by Altroconsumo, accessory costs can increase the initial ticket price by as much as 545%. In the case examined by Altroconsumo al volo, which had an initial price of 14.99 euros, the following were added: the choice of seat, a trolley in the cabin and one piece of luggage in the hold. The final price of the ticket increased from 14.99 euros to 81.75 euros. That is to say that the extra costs, equal to 66.76 euros, exceed the initial price by more than four times. Adding hand luggage can cost as much as 65 euros in the case of Volotea, medium-sized checked baggage can cost up to 67 euros (Wizz Air), airport check-in has an additional cost of no less than 55 euros. Euros (Ryanair), Standard Seat Selection 19 Euros (Wizz Air), Best Seat Selection 36 Euros (Vueling).

The reasons for the price increases

What are the reasons for the price increases?

Flights, explains Federconsumatori, have decreased, but not the desire to leave. If we add the high cost of fuel, which certainly has a significant impact on ticket prices, here is the formula for the perfect storm on the cost front. These factors, however, are not such as to justify the increases citizens are facing: especially as regards the cost of fuel, since, for example, the cost of this item is down slightly compared to last year.

Guarantor’s requests

As mentioned, in the meantime the Guarantor for price surveillance, Benedetto Mineo, met the airlines on the recommendation of the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso. Now, the companies summoned by Mineo have ten days to send the requested insights to the ministry and to Mr. Prices: by 14-15 July the carriers will also have to show the evolution of tariffs on the routes they have taken care of and explain why there is no anomaly. At the same time, the company and Made in Italy department is also carrying out its checks: all the documents will then be discussed on 20 July in the rapid alert commission on expensive flights.