The money you paid was applied by the airline, not your travel company. It covers fees for passengers to use airport facilities, UK Government departure tax (and, in some cases, government tax at the destination end), as well as fuel, security and airline surcharges imposed by the airline itself. Agents, such as the AirMiles Travel Company, cannot give an exact figure until a booking has been processed because the fees can vary according to factors such as whether the airline is imposing surcharges.

I can see why you feel aggrieved after seeing BA advertising the same route for £69 in total. But remember, that is a lead-in price with limited availability — other seats on that route will cost more.

That said, the consumer watchdog for the airline industry, the Air Transport Users Council, has commended BA for showing inclusive prices and urged other airlines to follow suit so that customers know from the start what they will be paying.

We like to travel to Europe independently. But now that we are both over 80, managing luggage is becoming a problem. Can it be sent in advance? — Ceridwen George, Ilford, Essex

Yes. Contact First Luggage (0845 2700670, www.firstluggage.com). It charges from £69 one way for flying each suitcase, up to 30kg, from your home to your hotel in Europe; more to fly suitcases to the US. Its budget arm, Flymycase.com (0845 2700680), charges around £10 less per piece, but the weight allowance is not so generous — just 15kg — and the service slightly less personal, with customers encouraged to use the website to track their bags.

Can you advise on companies that organise ski trips for single thirtysomethings who are not beginners? — Name and address supplied

Skiing is a good choice for singles. Group ski lessons during the day ensure that you meet other people, while après-ski is all about everyone having a good time. Speedbreaks (0845 8382600, www.speedbreaks.co.uk), a new company aimed at professional thirtysomethings, offers three, four and seven-day ski holidays in Europe. The company is an offshoot of Speeddater.co.uk but holidays no longer include a speed-dating event. In March, three days in Zell am See costs from £339pp based on two sharing a twin room or £389 for a single. The price includes transfers, half board and the services of a ski guide. Each trip attracts around 30 to 40 people of varying ski ability.

You could also try Chalethotel Moris in Val d’Isère, France, which is offered by Mark Warner (0870 7704226, www.markwarner.co.uk). It’s well known for being friendly and unpretentious with single rooms and small doubles available with no single supplement. Big group tables in the dining room ensure that you never feel lonely at mealtimes. No children under 16 are allowed, except during school holidays. The brochure price in January is from £587pp but special offers are sometimes available.

Friendship Travel (028-9446 2211, www.friendshiptravel.com) and Walking Women (0845 6445335, www.walkingwomen.com) also offer ski breaks that are suitable for singles.

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