Why is it costing more to travel to New York without luggage this year?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

A trip to the Big Apple should cost less without a suitcase (AP)

Q Can I ask why going to the US this year with no baggage should cost more than flying with luggage last year? Last year I went to New York for £234 with a suitcase. This year I paid £270 with no checked-in baggage entitlement. This is madness. If I am not taking suitcase it should cost less. How is it possible?

Jubed B

A Airlines, like other businesses, aim to extract as much as they possibly can from each passenger while delivering good service. At off-peak times, particular in the first three months of the year, they can’t extract much; I paid £304 last month (out from Heathrow to Boston, back from New York JFK, no checked baggage) and thought it was a good deal, with no baggage. You have evidently done even better: £270 is excellent, and £234 with checked bags was exceptional (and historically among the lowest ever fares charged on the route in real terms).