Here’s the deal. You book a flight with British Airways that technically needs a visa. Instead of letting you sort it out yourself for a normal price, BA funnels you through their “partner” service. That partner then slaps on a markup that is eye-watering.
Martin Lewis, bless his spreadsheets, dug into the numbers. He found folks paying £200 for a service that a government website would do for £30. That isn’t a “convenience fee.” That’s a “we-hope-you-don’t-check” fee.
Let’s be real: paying six times the actual cost for a bit of online paperwork is not a holiday. It’s a mugging in slow motion. And British Airways is holding the bag.
The “Helpful” Trap
Now, why does this happen? BA claims it’s about “helping” customers avoid visa mistakes. Which is lovely of them, except it’s a bit like a lifeguard charging you £50 to throw you a floatie when you’re already drowning in a puddle.
The trick is in the booking process. You’re clicking through, excited about your holiday to… I don’t know… Zanzibar. Then BAM! A screen pops up saying “You need a visa! Click here to get one from our trusted partner!”
Most people panic-click. And that’s where BA gets you. It’s a classic opt-out system. If you don’t say “no” very loudly, they assume you’re happy to pay through the nose.
