Low Airfare? Watch Out for the Fees

Right now, airfares are actually fairly reasonable. Fares are falling, encouraging people to take advantage of fall fare sales. However, airlines are still looking for ways to make money. And one of the ways to do that is to charge extra fees. The cadre of fees you are subjected to these days may easily erase the lower fares you are paying. And you may not notice them until it is too late. Here are some of the fees you might run into this year as you travel:

• Daily surcharges: Busy travel days are now being targeted. American Airlines, Delta, U.S. Airways, United Airlines and Continental Airlines are all charging an extra $10 if you fly on Nov. 29, Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.
• Baggage fees: Nearly every airline now charges $15 for your first checked bag and $25 for each additional bag. These fees have been in place for more than a year, but these fees are thrown into sharp relief right now.
• Food fees: Some airlines are starting to tack on fees for your once-complimentary beverage service and small snacks. The free full meal on long flights is long gone.

Other fees being charged include those for pets, oversized and irregular baggage (on top of the already-standard baggage fee), and ticket re-scheduling.

Before you decide to go with a good-looking fare, make sure you understand the other fees that may be charged. You might be unpleasantly surprised.

Image source: caribb via Flickr