Just when you thought commercial airlines couldn’t suck you dry any more than they already do, several carriers are making headlines for the astronomical fees they charge for severely overweight checked bags.
American Airlines reports that it charges passengers a whopping $450 for a bag weighing 71-100 pounds on its Asian flights. Meanwhile, United and Continental Airlines charge $400 for bags that weigh 71 to 99.9 pounds on international flights. According to a USA TODAY survey, those are the most expensive fees that airlines charge flyers these days.
I am stunned by the numbers, but at the same time, I don’t understand who would pack so carelessly that they would have to incur the exorbitant fees. For $450 you could purchase an entire collection of decent quality luggage and split the contents of your extra-heavy bag. Or, you could pay a bit more and simply let your overweight bag sit next to you in coach.
If you are flying domestically and want to complain about the high price of checked bag fees, then turn your ire to Spirit Airlines. The discount carrier charges $38 for you to take a bag on a domestic flight and $43 on an international ride. Spirit Airlines is also the only commercial carrier, which charges passenger for carry-on bags. Expect to shell out $30 for registering your carry-on on the company’s website prior to your trip, $35 when notifying the airline via the telephone and $40 if you wait until you are at the airport before letting Spirit know you want to carry a bag on-board.
While airlines seem to charge fees for just about every service they provide these days, the one that irks me the most is the booking fee for frequent-flyer award tickets. You know; the supposed “free” tickets that you earn by remaining loyal to an airline. US Airways, charges the highest booking fee: $55-$90 for a phone reservation and $25-$50 online.
So much for free travel.
What airline fees frustrate you the most?
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