Tag Archives: airline fees

How to Avoid Soaring Flight Costs

Penny-pinching travelers beware:  those airlines that have been nickel-and-diming you to death are not changing their tune any time soon.  In fact, two commercial carriers recently announced amendments to their current policies that may put a real dent in your wallet. Discount airline Southwest will no longer accommodate passengers who fail to show up on their given departure date.  The carrier is launching a new “no show” policy that forces travelers to forfeit their fares if they fail to show up for a flight.  Southwest officials say they instituted the change so that planes are not taking off with empty … Continue reading →

Flying Fees Add Up Fast

Think you have enough money saved to fly to your niece’s upcoming college graduation?   Add up the litany of airline fees and you may be forced to drive to the commencement ceremonies. These days the cost of an airline seat is only part of what you will likely have to pay before you take flight.  Most carriers are making a killing by charging hefty baggage fees on domestic flights.  On average, you can expect to fork over $25 each way for your first checked bag and between $30 and $35 for the second.  Think about how deep you have to … Continue reading →

More Airline Fees: Pillows, Blankets, Water and More

What’s next, having to pay to use the toilet mid-flight? Another day, another announcement from airlines saying that they simply can’t stay in business unless they find another way to earn some extra cash. The latest brilliant money making idea: JetBlue’s plan to charge passengers $7 for a pillow and blanket set. It’s no joke. But before you cancel your reservations you should know that the carrier is quick to point out that you are free to bring along your own pillows and blankets (though doing so will mean you will be able to carry on little else). Frankly, I … Continue reading →

Luggage Fees Increase—AGAIN!

You’ve got to be kidding! Then again, are any of us really shocked to learn that a major airline has increased luggage fees yet again? About 12 hours ago Delta Air Lines, the nation’s third-largest carrier, announced it plans to double its fee for checking a second bag to $50 each way on a domestic flight as a way to… you guessed it… offset the high cost of fuel. Reps for the Atlanta-based carrier said that the changes will apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after Thursday for travel on or after August 5, 2008. So here’s … Continue reading →

Cracking Down on Carry-Ons

Weeks ago when American Airlines announced it would be charging passengers $15 to check in their first piece of luggage (and $25 for the second bag) every travel analyst in the country echoed the same comment: Beware of an impending crack down on carry ons. Sure enough a few days ago American Airlines announced it will be clamping down on the size of carry-ons (and you can bet other carriers will follow suit in a timely manner). American is the first airline to issue a statement regarding carry-ons. According to an American spokesperson, the airline usually adds extra staff during … Continue reading →

Taking to the Skies this Summer? Don’t Forget Your Wallet

And don’t forget to fill it with wads of green… you are going to need it if you want to quench your thirst, have a snack, or use the bathroom. I’m kidding about the last one, but at the rate that airlines are assessing additional fees for drinks, pretzels and luggage these days could paying to use an airplane’s lavatory really be that far off? If you are taking to the skies this summer you might want to review the following fee changes recently implement by various carriers throughout the United States. Then pack your wallet accordingly. US Airways In … Continue reading →

New Airline Fees–Keeping it Straight

For the past several weeks I have been detailing the new baggage fees being assessed by select airlines. The information is readily available through the individual carriers and has made headlines from coast to coast, yet there are many summer travelers out there who find sifting through the new rules as nerve racking as a turbulent flight. If you find yourself asking: Is the $15 fee for the first checked bag or the second… Do you still have to pay the fee if you bought your ticket before the new rule went into place… What airlines are currently assessing the … Continue reading →

More Bad News for Cash Strapped Flyers

Well, I guess this means I have to stop picking on American Airlines. On Thursday United Airlines announced it plans to join American and charge passengers $15 for a first checked bag. American set the precedent for the charge and now it appears baggage fees are becoming an unavoidable part of U.S. air travel. First, it was the $25 charge for checking a second bag now this $15 fee for the first bag… before you know it U.S. carriers will be charging travelers for each carry-on they lug on board planes. Blame it on the record fuel prices they say. … Continue reading →

More New Airline Fees

Okay, now I’ve heard everything. By now you know that American Airlines is charging passengers $15 to check in a single piece of luggage (and $25 for the second) on flights. And I’m sure you are well aware that most airlines are now charging more for extra legroom in their cabins and that the price of food and beverages is going up too. Well, now you’ll also have to dig deeper if you want to bring antlers on board Frontier Airlines. Yes, you read right—antlers. As in antlers that are normally connected to an animal’s head. Frontier Airlines (which, by … Continue reading →

Airline Luggage Wars—-Can It Get Any Worse?

I’ve had my share of luggage horror stories (many of which I’ve shared on this site), but now I am bracing for what could prove to be a cataclysmic move by the airline industry in regards to checked bags. As if the price of airfare wasn’t enough to force you to vacation in your own backyard airlines are about to take another shot at your wallet via your luggage. Recently, United Airlines announced that it would be making a major (and alarming) change in its checked baggage policy. Instead of being able to check in two bags for free, as … Continue reading →