A public consultation has started in the United Kingdom to find solutions to prevent airlines from profiteering through baggage fees and other extra costs. It is a business practice known as "drip pricing". It is widespread, but the UK Trade Department, which is examining it, described it as "harmful" for consumers. For this reason it is involving the aviation sector to limit it.

The proposals are to ensure that people have "the clearest and most accurate information upfront" before making a purchase, said Britain's finance minister, Kevin Hollinrake. The airlines' response comes via Airlines UK, the association that brings them together: "British airlines are keen to respond to the consultation published today", it said.

According to research by the English government, consumers pay 1.6 billion pounds more per year in extra costs for services added during the booking phase of a flight: from baggage to seat selection, from priority boarding to Food and beverages. Airlines are reporting record revenues thanks to these ancillary fees, which have increased by up to 85% compared to the same period in 2019.