Why a non-sterling transaction fee? What have I done?

maman

I've booked flights from Gatwick to Turkey with easyjet for 2017. I've had to do two separate flights because we fly out in the Spring timetable (June) and return in the Summer (July).


I booked the outward flights in October using my MasterCard and simply paid the total on the screen as expected.


I've just had my credit card bill for November with the return flights and I've paid the total expected AND a non-sterling transaction fee. It seems to have converted my bill from euros.


Why should this be? Did I perhaps use the wrong website? Did I miss something?


Any help appreciated as I don't want to make that mistake again...whatever it is.:)

Moto2

You usually get charged in the currency of the departing airport

Either the first part of a return or a single flight

Caz3121

the fares showing for Turkey to UK flights (not part of a return booking with ex-UK flight already on it) are quoted and charged in €

leylandsunaddict

As has been said, if you book a flight direct with the airline that originates outside the UK it will usually be in the currency of that country. Your card issuer treats it as a foreign transaction. The Euro amount is converted to GBP and the transaction fee applied.

maman

Thanks for your help all of you.


I suppose it would have been better to wait until November and book a return. I'm obviously too eager!


Strangely I don't remember it happening last year but it must have done.

eDicky

Perhaps you didn't notice that the price was being quoted in euros. The currency can be changed on the page when the easyJet flight prices are being displayed, so if you change it to pounds there will be no non-sterling fee.

However, if you can book with a card that charges no such fees (which you should have anyway if traveling overseas), it's worth checking to see if it's cheaper to pay in euros instead of pounds - there's often a worthwhile difference.

maman

eDicky wrote: »

Perhaps you didn't notice that the price was being quoted in euros. The currency can be changed on the page when the easyJet flight prices are being displayed, so if you change it to pounds there will be no non-sterling fee.

However, if you can book with a card that charges no such fees (which you should have anyway if traveling overseas), it's worth checking to see if it's cheaper to pay in euros instead of pounds - there's often a worthwhile difference.

Good advice. I do have a card for using abroad with no fee. I'll be extra careful next time.