Have you taken a flight in the last couple of years? What once might have been a more affordable way to travel is now costing an arm and a leg! And it’s not the initial ticket that’s the problem. Airline fees are ridiculous, and sometimes you don’t even know what you’re paying for. Today, we’re diving into the world of these additional fees and giving a few tips to avoid paying them when you can. Let’s begin!
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Do you have a trip coming up where you’ll be flying? Check out 10 TSA Line Mistakes to Avoid before booking your next flight!
How Much Does It Cost To Fly In the United States?
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average domestic flight in the U.S. for 2023 was around $380. In 2020, the price was below $300; however, when adjusted for inflation, the average a few years ago was about $340.
Flight prices vary depending on location, season, and airline. This cost is no different from the average hotel stay or campground. Booking a hotel or campground in Key West will be much more expensive that the average hotel or campground in Louisville. An airline departing from Los Angeles may cost $400 while an airline departing from Orlando is around $270.
5 Additional Airline Fees Besides the Plane Ticket
However, when traveling via air, it’s not just the plane ticket you’ll be paying for. Airlines also charge fees for seat selection, baggage, flight changes, online booking, and in-flight amenities. Some of these fees you may not even realize you’re paying for! Let’s take a closer look.
1. Seat Selection Fees
If you want a seat with more legroom or want to sit beside your companions, you’ll pay an additional fee. While you can avoid paying this fee by just taking whatever the airline gives you, some travelers decide that it’s worth the upgrade to ensure they’re sitting exactly where they want to sit. For example, families who want to sit together may pay $20 extra per ticket to choose their seats.
2. Flight Change or Cancellation Fees
Life happens. Sometimes you have to change your flight to another day or cancel it altogether. Depending on the fee, it may not be worth adjusting your ticket. Instead, you’re better off just losing the money and purchasing a new ticket. However, some airlines only charge for same-day changes.
3. Baggage Fees
Airlines have been charging baggage fees for decades. These fees could range from $15 to over $100. However, some airlines allow free checked bags. For example, Southwest Airlines gives passengers two free checked bags per flight. On the other hand, Spirit Airlines charges even for carry-ons.
4. Online Booking Fees
Everything is done online nowadays. However, companies reap the fees associated with online booking. Budget-friendly airlines like Allegiant and Spirit specifically make passengers pay for this convenience. You might pay $15-25 per ticket just to make a purchase online.
5. In-Flight Amenities
Finally, unless you’re a top-tier flyer who gets perks for frequent miles, you’ll likely pay for in-flight amenities. Airlines may charge for food, beverages, WiFi, blankets, and pillows. To date, JetBlue is the only airline that offers free WiFi to all passengers. These amenities may cost you anywhere from $5 to $15.
Why Do Airlines Charge These Extra Fees?
The cost is getting outrageous, and many passengers are choosing to travel in other ways that are more affordable. After paying for the plane ticket, baggage fees, and an online booking fee, you might be forking out $400 or more per ticket. For a family of four, that can be out of the budget.
So why do airlines charge these extra fees? They can offer tickets for lower prices, which makes travel appear more affordable. When you compare prices of airline tickets, it’s important to look at all of the fees included. Understand the total price for your flight – the ticket and extra fees – when comparing across airlines. As we mentioned, cheaper airlines like Allegiant and Spirit may offer lower ticket prices, but their fees tend to be higher.
How Can You Avoid Paying So Much In Airline Fees?
To avoid paying these additional fees, we have a few tips. First, bring your own snacks and a reusable water bottle. Just make sure everything is TSA-approved. You can also avoid paying the online booking fee by purchasing in person. While this isn’t convenient, it may save you $20 per person. For a family, this is a considerable amount of money.
Depending on the length of your trip, sometimes you can’t avoid bringing along an extra bag. However, if you can, try to fit everything in one carry-on and one checked suitcase. Some airlines won’t charge any additional fees; at the worst, you’ll only have to pay for one checked bag.
Finally, avoid paying for seat selection. To us, it’s just not worth it. In fact, President Biden and the Department of Transportation have encouraged airlines to seat families together at no additional fee. If you’re traveling with a partner, you may be split up. But a family will most likely be able to sit together and avoid having to pay those seat selection fees for every ticket.
Do Your Homework To Save Money On Airline Fees the Next Time You Travel
Before you book your next trip, do you homework. Even though it takes more time, read the fine print and know exactly what you’re paying for. Some airlines may include certain fees while others don’t. A cheaper ticket may not mean an overall cheaper flight. Especially if you’re buying multiple tickets, you want to do you due diligence to ensure you only spend exactly what you have to when traveling via air.
Have you encountered mounting airline fees over the last few years?
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