Airlines picking our pockets

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I just read in a travel agent trade publication that U.S. airlines made in excess of $1.2 billion in baggage fees during the first half of the year. To put that in context, it was their number one source of “ancillary revenue” (meaning everything besides the actual airfare). It was even more than they made in cancellation/change fees (which we ALL know are ridiculously high).

Am I the only one who thinks that’s a heck of a lot of money to make on something that the passenger really can’t control? I can live with charges for food/drinks (bring your own), headphones and blankets (ditto), and even a last-minute cancellation (that’s what travel insurance is for), but how am I supposed to go away on vacation without any luggage?

Guess I’ll have to stick with the few airlines who actually give my bags a free ride (like Jet Blue and Southwest), and stay away from the “legacy” carriers (like USAir, United, Delta, Continental and American) who, in most cases, charge $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second! Ouch!

Looking to check out the fees for yourself? Click here.

Airline Fees

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I may have blogged about this before, because it’s a pet peeve, but I think it’s worth re-visiting the ridiculous add-on fees that the airlines are charging these days — for everything from checked bags and aisle seats to food, drinks, blankets, pillows, and headsets.  One airline (Ryanair) is even considering installing pay toilets!

With so many constantly-changing fees, it can be hard to keep track of what you’ll really be paying for your flight. Especially when you’re trying to compare a low-cost, low-fee carrier like Southwest with one like JetBlue or Spirit (that can initially appear to be low-cost, until you add on the various surcharges).

Want some help keeing it all straight? USA Today published a nice chart today that summarizes the fees charged by the most popular domestic airlines. Just keep in mind that this information will probably be out of date by tomorrow, so be sure to call the airline directly to confirm the fees before you travel!

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