Organizing a trip on your own may seem a more economical way to go on vacation, but there is a set of “hidden” rates that can turn a good deal into an unexpected charge. From airlines to accommodation platforms, there are several additional costs that escape the sight of the sight and that in the end make a difference in the price of the holidays.
According to Rosario Tereso, Jurist of Deco Proteste, many of these rates are mandatory, but should not be presented as a surprise in the final phase of the reserve. Speaking to Jornal de Notícias, the expert points out that “the ideal is that this presentation is not made to drops, so that you can compare prices on other platforms and know, from the beginning, how much that will cost that service.”
Cleaning, service and even check-in out of hours
In the accommodation, the associated rates can go from cleaning to service, undergoing check-in charges outside hours or even commissions charged by the platform itself. According to Eduardo Miranda, president of the local accommodation association in Portugal (Alep), these rates vary according to the type of account. “At Booking, the service fee is paid by the owner, but in Airbnb depends on whether it is a professional or private accommodation,” he explains.
European regulation obliges the amount presented to include all mandatory costs. Still, Miranda recommends extra attention to reading the conditions. “Few people read, but that’s where the late check-in rates are, or other rules that have an impact on the final cost,” he says.
Tourist fees and daily values for entering the city
In many European cities, and in Portugal, the so-called tourist rate applies. According to Deco Proteste, the values vary by municipality and, in cases like Venice, there is even a daily cost just for visiting the city. “These may be surprised rates if travelers do not inform themselves in advance,” says Rosario Tereso. The Portuguese Communities Portal and the municipal websites are recommended to confirm these charges.
Airports, aircraft and what can get back if you give up
On air trips, companies apply rates such as safety, passenger, carbon or alternative fuel service. Some, such as boarding or security, are only due if the passenger embarks, which means that, in case of cancellation, he may retrieve part of the amount if he complains.
The Deco Proteste lawyer stresses that, although the rates should be discriminated against, not all companies are clear at this point. The SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) rate, for example, already appears in several carriers as a fixed cost.
Concrete Cases: TAP, Easyjet, Ryanair and Cape Verde
In a TAP travel simulation between Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca, for two adults and two children, the final price exceeds 1300 euros. In addition to the base tariff, nine distinct rates are applied, including safety, service and environmental. In Easyjet, the values are less detailed, with only the distinction between total tariffs and government rates.
With Ryanair, discrimination is even lower, indicating only the total value and the absence of “government taxes”. On long -haul flights, such as Cape Verde, rates shoot: safety, carbon, local boarding rate and other charges can represent hundreds of euros.
Cruises and even Porto enters the equation
For those who choose a cruise, port rates are inevitable. According to Nikos Mertzanidis, from the Cruise International Association (CLIA), the sector pays “up to 17 charges categories” and generated in Lisbon, only in 2023, about 317 million euros in tax revenues.
These rates, usually negotiated between companies and ports, remain stable for a few years. They are public and can be consulted on the websites of the port authorities.
Compare and inform yourself before reserving
The advice of course: Planning the holidays in advance and confirming all the details can make all the difference. Check what is included and what is charged separately, read the terms and find out about the charges applicable to the destination, whether in an air, sea or terrestrial reserve. Only then ensures that the cost of the holidays does not turn out to be higher than it provided.
Also read:
