Exposing Hidden Airline Fees

If you're like millions of other business travelers, you're noticing the ridiculous additional fees that airlines are charging these days. As if the tickets alone weren't expensive enough, carriers are now charging for the basics. While it seems like there is nothing we can possibly do about it, we can choose to educate ourselves in order to find the best deals. Here's the low down on the new fees airline passengers are being charged:

U.S. Airways

Unfortunately, it hasn't become uncommon for carriers to charge you for checking your bags...even the first one. U.S. Airways is no different. Not only do they charge $15 for your first bag and $25 for every one after that, you'll now have to pay for any refreshments you'd like in-flight - even water. Any non-alcoholic beverage is now priced at $2 a pop and coffee and tea at $1 a cup.

American

No worries about free refreshments with American, but checking a bag will still cost you. They currently charge the same amount as U.S. Airways for baggage but also have a hefty reservation change fee of $150.

Delta

Somehow Delta has refrained from following its counterparts; the first bag you check is still free. Even non-alcoholic drinks, blankets and pillows, and peanuts are still free. But, if you want to listen to their music or television and don't have your own headphones, it'll cost you $2 for a pair of theirs.

Continental

Not a whole lot of changes with Continental. Your first bag is still free and so are sodas and water, but your second bag will cost you $25. The food on Continental might taste like every other airline's fare, but their more interesting cuisine includes pizza and burgers; something that sets them apart from the rest. Beware of rising ticket change costs though.

JetBlue

JetBlue doesn't have the greatest reputation. Their on-time arrival record ranked among the worst of the airlines in July of this year and they're now going so far as to charge for blankets and pillows. You should also understand that if you physically pick up the phone to speak to a JetBlue representative, it's not free. You'll be charged $15 for help with your ticket. At least your first bag is still free and so are soft drinks and snacks.

Southwest

While Southwest maintains a no frills sort of attitude with its first come first serve seating, it's accompanied by a "no ridiculous fee" mantra. There will be no charge for your bags, none for drinks or snacks, and they actually don't even charge you for making changes to your ticket. Apparently their $10 fee for help with reservations from a representative must be just enough to keep everything else low cost.

Many of the airlines are very similarly priced in their extra fees, however, it's the ones that aren't that seem to be making the most of a bad situation. It's no wonder that carriers like Southwest are number one in customer satisfaction. What is surprising is that they are able to do this while keeping prices low.

Finding the best deal is as simple as research. Keep in mind that you will pay a fee for going through the airline's phone representatives and even some websites like Travelocity impose a fee for booking your travel. To decrease the number of hidden charges you're hit with, be sure to do your research!