Combating Airline Fees
We may be in the golden age of affordable airfare, but airlines are getting more and more creative when it comes to extra fees as they struggle to find ways to offset dropping ticket prices and the cost of fuel.
The bad news is that, with things changing so quickly, it's all too easy to find yourself paying way more than expected at the airport.
The good news is that, if you stay on top of the charges, you can wind up flying for much, much less. Sure, that might involve some sacrifices, such as forgoing your choice of seat and paying your checked bag fee online, but no pain, no gain, right?
Here, the lowdown on the sneaky surcharges you need to know about, and the best ways to beat them. Follow our advice, and you can stand to save between $2-200 on your next trip.
Pay in Advance
On June 10, 2009 U.S. Airways started charging a $5 fee to pay baggage fees at the airport as opposed to beforehand on the internet. This week, United Airlines will follow suit. Who knows how many airlines will be next. Sidestep this annoying extra charge by paying your "check-baggage" fee online, before you arrive at the airport.
Check More Than 1 Bag
Most airlines, including American, Northwest, United, Delta, and US Airways now charge a $15 fee to check your first bag. If you've ridden a plane at all in the last year, this is old news. What you may not be aware of, however, is the hefty price that airlines are charging for overweight bags. Try to check an overweight bag and you could find yourself shelling out anywhere between $39-175. The moral of the story? Check the weight limits before you start packing. When in doubt, bring a second suitcase•the $25 rate you'll pay for the extra bag is a far friendlier fee than the price of overpacking.
Curb Check - No Way!
More and more companies (US Airways, Alaska Airlines, Northwest to name a few) are setting up check-in counters at the curb.
It may be tempting to take advantage of the easy sidewalk service, but the extra convenience of dumping your luggage at the curb will cost you an additional $2 per bag. Save your pennies by walking the extra ten steps inside to check in at the counter.
Avoid Phone Reservations
All major airlines, excluding Southwest, now charge fees, which can be as high as $25, to book a flight over the phone. Even booking your flight through companies such as Orbitz and Expedia won't exempt from this surcharge. Spare your wallet by booking directly through the airline or agency's website.
Don't Have a Seat Preference
A growing number of airlines now charge for the privilege of choosing your seat. The price tag varies depending on who you fly with, but usually ranges from $5-15 (AirTran, for example, charges $5 for preferred seating, while Air Canada charges $15). Sidestep this fee by accepting your original seat assignment.
Paper Tickets - Yes They Still Exist
Not only are paper tickets bad for the environment, they're also bad for your wallet•almost all airlines, including Delta and American, now charge between $50-70 for a paper ticket. Save trees and cash by going paper-less. You don?t really need a hard-copy of your ticket. With today's technology, your reservation number and your name are all you need to pull up your ticket.
Pets: Almost Cheaper to Board Them
The cost of traveling with pets has risen recently. Most airlines now charge around $80 one-way to bring your pet into the main cabin with you (United charges $100). Of course, you could also leave Fido home, but if that's not an option, consider booking your trip with JetBlue, which only charges $50 one-way•a bargain compared to the competition.
FF Miles & Last Minute Flights
Cashing in on frequent-flier miles at the last minute can cost you between $75-100 depending on the airline. To avoid this fee, check with your airline to find out what constitutes "sufficient notice." Some companies such as Continental consider three days enough time to redeem miles, but others, like Delta, require that you book your miles at least 22 days before departure.
source: AOL Travel
