Isn't the reason for the nickel-and-diming that most customers will automatically choose the cheapest fare they find on Kayak, Expedia, Orbitz, or whatever? Certainly, if an airline isn't on the first page of results (organized by price) their chances of getting the sale are significantly reduced. So airlines disaggregate all the little costs, so that the "pure airfare" price is as low as possible, expecting that passengers will add some dollars back in later.

As frustrating as this is, I don't see any solution. We're in a race to the bottom that's soon hitting the bottom.

Posted By Z. on February 23, 2010, 3:40 PM

The solution is simple: boycott flying for some time until they start being honest with their customers. Their constant thirst for ever more revenue is ridiculous. They are supposed to deliver a service, and a product, in a fair and respectable manner IMO. However, their lustful greed and corporate ambitions will eventually aid in their downfall.

Posted By Ottoman Sultan on February 23, 2010, 5:51 PM

I think all this buzz is just taking away from what people should be talking about: the inhumane treatment of the passenger. These airlines squeeze you into your seat like a sardine in a can. Then they make you sit on the runway for hours.

They would much rather have us talking about an $8 fee than the conversation we should really be having.

Posted By Steve From TravelingProfessor.com on February 23, 2010, 8:48 PM

I used to be a loyal american airlines, now I switched to Southwest because of baggage fees and the resst of the nickel and dime stuff, or take a small bag onboard, its getting crazy with carry ons though! what I would like to know is they said prices would go down when the price of fuel went down, that is a joke to, once that decreased they just kept ripping us off! I also travel by car as much as I can, who needs to deal with this B.S. if they don't have to.

Posted By Carol Pierce on February 25, 2010, 9:49 AM

My daughter and husband are scheduled to fly low cost carrier Allegiant Air from Duluth to Orlando. The round trip fair - $539. Not bad. However the seven add on fees total $339. This is very misleading when you book a cheap advertised fare and find out about all the absurd add on's when you purchase. Is Allegiant the worst? I doubt it.

Posted By Dave Hall on February 25, 2010, 10:10 AM

Why don't they just up the cost of a ticket? By charging for menial items such as their pillows, blankets, food, and baggage, they are not only making it harder to purchase a all inclusive ticket, but are causing people to tote all their stuff on board, making the trip less enjoyable as well with people's large bags, pillows, blankets, and additional food items. Fuel has gone down too over the last few years, and was how some of this started. Now flying is becoming more expensive, less enjoyable, and an overall hassle. Trains are looking better and better......

Posted By shannon Olsen on February 25, 2010, 10:53 AM

We have just quit flying and drive to our locations in the states. The whole deal with the baggage was the last straw. Travelers always have baggage. It's like a Nancy Pelosi wanting to tax the air you breathe.

Posted By Terry L ReevesHanger on February 25, 2010, 11:04 AM

I just booked travel from Long Beach, CA to Portland, OR on Jet Blue. Main reason? No charge for the first checked bag while the other option, Alaska, does charge. I want to give my business to a carrier who doesn't nickel and dime me to death.

Posted By Harriet Ottaviano on February 25, 2010, 11:59 AM

I have been an avid and devoted fan of Southwest for over 25 years. Cheered them on based on their approach to employees and customers after 9/11. Cheered them on when other airlines started charging fees for bags. But my loyalty is slipping away. First was the change in boarding procedures favoring those who pay more. Then came the early bird charge -- if you want to get on first, "slip us $10" (non-refundable, by the way). It's about time they dropped the "fees don't fly with us" slogan. I too now check other airlines when booking a flight. I too now opt for driving when I might have flown SWA in the past.

Posted By Dave Alexander on February 25, 2010, 12:07 PM

I am going to Florida this spring and will be driving down from NJ. I love to fly but with all the extra add-on charges it has become cost prohibitive and cheaper for my daughter and I to drive straight through. The airlines are going to lose out in the long run. Businesses are going to use telecommunications instead of flying their employees when ever possible. Families are going to drive or take the train. Who is going to suffer by all of this?

Posted By Kathy Errico on February 25, 2010, 12:19 PM

I used to be a regular business traveler, now we hardly every travel and do more and more meetings via Video/Telecom/Web Conferences. Also, I would like to take a cruise for our family vacation this summer, but I am specifically looking for a port to which I can drive to so we don't have to fly and deal with all those hassles. It limits the cruise choices, but aleast we're not too far from a coast so it's an option for us.

Posted By Lisa on February 25, 2010, 1:00 PM

Airlines charging extras are kidding themselves. When you are dominant, you can easily be tempted to engage in avaricious pricing policies. But what happens is obvious in hindsight - unhappy customers find alternative solutions and quietly go away. It happens slowly and without comment so the predatory company is unaware of their plight. Ask Sony Betamax or Blu-Ray marketing, or Polaroid Instamatic camera marketeers. How about General Motors?

The last 30 years are filled with examples of companies failing to understand this basic fact. If there are not any alternatives today, some enterprising company will capitalize on the need, by starting up a new company and and providing a happy solution.

So my question is - how many years will it be, before American Airlines will be the "Pan AM" of 2010's, or will our government intervene because they too are too big to fail?

Posted By Lee Brewer on February 25, 2010, 1:28 PM

I'm not especially comfortable defending the airlines, but I think some perspective is called for.

You can often find a cross-country, round-trip airfare these days for around $350, if you time it right. That's far cheaper that 30 years ago -- even before you adjust for inflation. When you add in the higher cost of fuel and wages, it's really quite a bargain.

Everyone looks nostalgically back on the days when an airplane trip was flying a luxury liner in the sky. But those luxuries were there, in part, to make you feel better about the exorbitant price you paid.

Nowadays, some folks enjoy the challenge -- packing everything into one carry-on bag, bringing an empty water bottle to fill up at the airport bathroom, carrying their own pillow, etc. -- while others, like me, are willing to add on to the dirt cheap fare to get a better seat, not wrestle with luggage as much, and so on. We just need to be aware of the price structure as it exists TODAY, instead of expecting the all-inclusive but more expensive fares of yesteryear.

Posted By Les on February 25, 2010, 1:33 PM

I decided to add my two cents to this blog because of an experience I had on Delta a couple of weeks ago. It irked me no end that Delta tells you the cost of no luggage is free and the first bag is $15 and they call it "excess" baggage. I am sorry but 1 bag is not excess. call it a baggage fee but don't tell me I am being charged for having "excess" baggage. I don't know if that bugs other people but it sure bugged me. thanks for letting me let off some steam.

Posted By Sandy on February 25, 2010, 1:54 PM

So how do we get the airlines to pay attention short of everyone not flying? Doesn't seem to be a way...and what does that say about customer service? Oh wait...that's not really important is it?

Posted By Mary Lou on February 25, 2010, 1:55 PM

After flying Mid-West last year, which was an awful experience, and they wouldn't let us sit together unless we coughed up another $100, we swore off flying. We've booked Amtrak instead and loving it!!!

Posted By Darryl & Judith Gasser on February 25, 2010, 1:59 PM

I flew SW yesterday. While I applaud them for their no baggage fees, the $10 fee for early check in really bugs me. When I checked in 23 hours and 59 minutes prior to my flight, I received a B11 boarding pass! And, once I settled in on the plane, I counted 4 carry-ons that had to be checked because they could not fit in the overhead delaying our take off by 20 minutes. At least I got peanuts, crackers and a soda without a charge. Flying has become bus travel with wings.

Posted By susan on February 25, 2010, 2:06 PM

I, also, agree that the baggage fees are ridiculous! We are going on a 2 week cruise and pay $20 ea. for our 1st bag and $50 ea. for any 2nd bags yet cruising requires nice (and at times formal) clothing be taken along.
The airlines policy only encourages passengers to carry on as much as they can so that the overhead compartments and stuffed full and you cannot find a place for your carry-on bag. To make matters worse, due to TSA regulations, all liquids, sharp implements and the like ALL have to be in checked baggage taking up valuable space.
Flying IS a nightmare!

Posted By Lelia Barnhardt on February 25, 2010, 2:12 PM

some fees are logical - some are not
I don't mind paying a reasonable fee for a meal or beverage. Rationally, I can understand charging for bags (hat was the kick in the pants I needs to finally travel lighter- I can send clothes out to be cleaned midway thru my trip for the cost of checking a bag - and less hassles) - what I don't get are why different airlines have OTHER fees that don't seem to pay for anything. I just did a search on ORBITZ for a flight between Chicago and Madrid, some carriers have about $150 in taxes and fees, some $400??- since almost any seach I do now indicates the NET cost (including taxes and fees) I don't see the logic of artificially lowering "fares" and inflating "fees" - I'm going to book where the NET COST is lowest!

Posted By JASONMITCHELL on February 25, 2010, 2:14 PM

Airlines are testing how far they can squeeze passengers and see what the reaction is. If no one screams, they'll think they can continue with other brilliant ideas. I am flying less, driving more and switching to trains whenever possible. Eventually airlines will have to cancel routes and number of flights when they realize they have less and less passengers. And now people will bring meals, pillows, blankets and next matresses.

Posted By Brigitte on February 25, 2010, 2:33 PM

Southwest has become a staple for flying in our house- friendly service,timely flights, internet at the gate. JetBlue is another favorite. United is where my frequent flier miles are, but they have become so disagreeable and unreliable that I avoid them at all costs.

Posted By Barabara Pennington on February 25, 2010, 2:36 PM

I decided to add my opinion to this, since I just wrote letters to my congressman and Continental airlines for the excessive nickel and dime. I traveled on a cruise out of Miami, booking my ticket with Continental better than 6 months ago - baggage cost, each way, $30 for the first bag - $20 for the 2nd - and on top of that they charge you a $50 over the weight limit fee - first bag was only 7lbs over weight! This made the baggage fees $150 on top of the $450 plane ticket! This is just highway robbery!

Posted By Kyra on February 25, 2010, 2:53 PM

I agree with Les. Considering inflation, it is cheaper to fly now than it was decades ago. I prefer not to pay for services I don't need, such as checked baggage and bad meals. If you add those charges to your fare, you are still getting a bargain compared to decades ago.

For Leila: It is possible to take dressy clothing for cruises without a lot of baggage. I can do it with just a carry-on. I bet Leila and her husband could do it with their two carry-ons plus only one checked bag. See the Custom Wardrobe book on my website (dot com after my name)for details.

Posted By Barbara DesChamps on February 25, 2010, 3:11 PM

In response to the comment above by Les that years ago the airlines charged exorbitant prices and provided "extras" like meals, etc. to make us feel better about paying those "high" prices. Well, way back in 1960 (50 years ago!) I was a student at the University of Hawaii and flew back and forth from San Francisco to Honolulu on a regular basis on either Pan Am or United Airlines for a straight $266 roundtrip. Yes, $266 was the fare that one paid whenever one wished to fly. We had very nice meals, free drinks, blankets, pillow and fabulous service.Of course fuel charges were lower then, but as Les writes---"some perspective is called for." Happy flying!

Posted By Jerry on February 25, 2010, 3:19 PM

Les is absolutely correct. Travel by air is a bargain. We voted with our check books and look what we have. Price comparisons are hard to make. Just as JetBlue and Southwest don't charge for the 1st (or 2nd) piece of checked luggage, Continental provides an included meal (of sorts) at meal time and no extra seat selection charge. If frequent travelers demonstrated brand loyalty, elite status (just 25,000 miles a year) means most of the extra charges do not apply.

Posted By lawthomas on February 25, 2010, 3:37 PM

We, too, are totally disgusted by airline nonsense. So this spring, instead of flying from our Caribbean home to the states for family visits, we are taking a cruise ship up. And when we get there, we'll take Amtrak within US and on to Canada. Perhaps not cheaper overall, but hopefully more relaxing and enjoyable, as travel should be.

Posted By Patsy Hirst on February 25, 2010, 3:49 PM

flew American 2 days ago. Fee yes BUT coming home fromV egas
When Snow in Dallas-Forth-Worth set my schedule back and I coun't make my connecting fight home.
The pleasent ticketing girl was wonderful.
From let me see what we can do to get you home. To "will you take an aisle seat so I can get you on the plane to " hurry" I had 35 minutes from ticketing . to security to tram to last gate ( boarding group 4) so to chicago to Mli and YES my checked baggage arrived when I did. Worth the $20 I am older and could not have lifted suitecase and all overhead were full. or run( hurry) and drag a bag that far. A great Value.

Posted By willie on February 25, 2010, 3:50 PM

I don't fly any longer because of the fees and additions. I drive now. I hate the action of airlines almost as much as slimy politicians. If you want my business back you will need to come to me on your knees and all manner of presents.

Posted By Steve Sanderson on February 25, 2010, 4:08 PM

Flying has become such an effort for me. Not only are the fees adding up but I have to pay for a wheelchair, sometimes three, through Dallas.
As I was getting on one flight, I aked the stewardess to help me put up my bag. ( I have one lung) when she told me to get one of the passangers to do it. The next step for the airlines will be tip the stewardess!!!

Posted By Zoe McCombs on February 25, 2010, 4:28 PM

I suggested to Delta that those paying at check-in for baggage charges at least have their boarding zone # moved up, since boarding would be much quicker for those with checked baggage. Instead, I wait in line to board so those in line in front of me have their bags checked at no charge since the plane has already filled all the overhead compartments. Adds an insult to the injury of paying $23.

Posted By cindy on February 25, 2010, 4:41 PM

I am all in favor of low airfares, and I think that allows more people to travel. So I don't mind some of the changes such as not feeding passengers as often. But the new baggage system is ridiculous. It took an already bad situation and made it worse. It was always a bit annoying to wait for other passengers to schlep their huge carry-on luggage into limited bin space in the cabin of the plane. Now it's even worse.
And I'm one of the new offenders. I go on bike trips around the U.S. to provide trail information for trailsnet.com. So not only do I have the usual travel accoutrements, but I also have my extra bike gear. But there's no way I'm going to pay those crazy check-through luggage fees. I'm glad Southwest Airlines doesn't charge the bag fees. I hope the other airlines rethink the baggage policy.

Posted By Kevin on February 25, 2010, 5:02 PM

Pretty much everyone who's flying across or out of the country needs to take a bag. It should be included in the price. If I didn't have to worry about lost baggage or things being stolen out of it, I wouldn't be hauling all those things in carry on. If they gave me a seat that fit anyone besides a munchkin, maybe the baggage issue wouldn't be so annoying.

Posted By Sandi on February 25, 2010, 5:25 PM

This summer My wife and I drove to Virgina then to New Orleans from near Newark airport. It would have cost us to fly to and from Newark almost $1000.00 Because of the bag check fee and all of the hassle we decided not to fly! We had a great time! It only cost us with gas, hotels on the trip, and meals less than $500.00. We covered over 4000 miles plus we were able visit relatives near Buffalo before coming back to New Jersey. No bag check fees,no waiting to go through security check points, no car rental at our destination, no parking fees! We were able to carry enough baggage and clothing for three weeks. We have already started our boycott of flying so why haven't you?

Posted By Roger L. Osgood on February 25, 2010, 5:38 PM

I try to avoid flying at all costs (no pun intended). I take Amtrak whenever possible. Yes, the trip takes a little longer, but it's much more comfortable and relaxing. The seats are wider, there's plenty of legroom (even a legrest!), and the people (both staff and passengers) are a LOT friendlier. Add in the low fares, and NO CHARGE for baggage, and it's actually a pleasure. AND I can look out the window at the beautiful scenery or enjoy a delightful conversation with whoever sits next to me -- all without the nickel and dime fees that the airlines charge.

Posted By Kathy on February 25, 2010, 6:15 PM

I just read in last Sunday's New York Times Travel Section that American is another airline that will be charging $8 for blankets.
What's next, extra for a clean plane or a per head charge for cabin crew?
I'm from Europe and live in Boston which is a 6-7 hour flight from the US Northeast, as is going to the US West Coast. Why are the rules so different for a 'domestic' flight of the same duration as an 'international' one??
These charges are out of control and the ONLY way to bring those worst offenders to their senses is to vote with your $$s. My air miles are with American but they won't be getting my business if I can find an alternative airline to my destination.
IT'S HIGH TIME FOR A NATIONAL RAILWAY SYSTEM!!!!

Posted By Helen Morgan on February 25, 2010, 6:38 PM

Les, you are such a wimp. I bet the cool kids beat you up and took your lunch money in middle school.

Comparing prices from 30 years ago is stupid. Ticket prices are set to make a profit. These fees are gravy. Legal theft. How does poor Southwest manage??

Will you bend over and pay more if the airline guarantees your bags arrival? There is this checking fee, soon to followed by the (optional) guaranteed delivery fee. If you don't pay, well, it would be such a shame if something happened to that nice bag you have. Extortion.

I bet they shut off the heat now that they charge for blankets. I'll dress in layers and pack a nice aromatic lunch.

Fight Back Amerika!!

Posted By BlueMole on February 25, 2010, 6:41 PM

I don't harbor any illusions that the legacy airlines will ever match the luxurious experience that they offered when they were regulated, and certainly not at the cheaper prices we've all come to expect. But is it asking too much for them to be honest about the actual cost upfront - including fees, not just the base fare? And is it asking all that much that if I'm going to be forced to pay an extra baggage fee, I expect that my baggage arrive at its destination promptly and without damage?

The nickel and diming of the legacy airlines are the last gasps of the dinosaurs. Count me as one of the people who won't be crying at their fiunerals.

Posted By Paul S on February 25, 2010, 7:23 PM

Lets just go back to the days when airlines were regulated by the government. Fares were based on the costs to own and maintain aircraft ,crew. We might even get meals for 'free' on the airplanes again. OH, HOW WE LONG FOR THOSE DAYS BEFORE DEREGULATION!

Posted By valerie Price on February 25, 2010, 7:50 PM

One way to avoid bag charges in Continental is to carry their credit card. They didn't charge anyone in our last family trip for bags because one of us was a card holder.

Posted By Martin on February 25, 2010, 8:16 PM

I dont fly often, but when I do fly overseas I choose a european based airline( British Air KLM) even though they are somewhat higher priced, I am willing to pay a little more for service, and not be nickel and dimed.

Posted By Sharon Crusinbery on February 25, 2010, 8:46 PM

We've cut our travel by air to less than 1/4 of what we used to fly....all because of the nightmare combination between TSA, baggage fees, no food, they take away your food & beverage, etc.

In fact, my husband recently quit a job so he wouldn't have to travel anymore. He could get from his destination into Atlanta, but every time we'd get to Atlanta, they'd cancel the commuter flights into our smaller city for that day. Then the rental car companies charge you about $300 to rent a car for three hours to drive back to the airport, get your bags and car, and go home (yeah...how do the bags get home but we don't?). And all with no compensation from Delta for the cancelled flight, the rental car, or our time and aggravation!

It's become such a joke...the "Slogan" for our local airport is "Fly there, Fly Home", but we tell everyone it should be "Fly there, get stuck in Atlanta"!!
If he has to work the next day, a 3-4 hour drive after working in another city all week, and an evening flight is just dangerous!
Delta is now the worst airline, and they used to be the best. Whoever took over at Delta about a dozen years ago should be ashamed!!
My solution? I bought a Hybrid...we now drive a lot!!

Posted By GA Mom of 5 on February 25, 2010, 9:22 PM

BlueMole, your name-calling certainly makes me respect the intelligence of your argument. And using an alias instead of your actual name lets me know how personally committed you are for standing up for what your believe.

That's sarcasm, if you were too busy taking kids' lunch money to actually attend school.

Anyway, nobody's making you take an airplane anywhere. You're free not to pay any fees at all. You're also free, if you think it can be done better for cheaper, to start your own airline. It sounds like Amerika will beat a path to your counter.

Posted By Les on February 25, 2010, 9:24 PM

Since I enjoy driving, I will go back to the car. Specially after the negative way United treated a bunch of disabled veterans. The way I see things, the whole idea of service no longer exists...just the way to make a profit is important. If I am no longer important to them, why should I give the airlines my money?

Posted By Manay on February 25, 2010, 9:25 PM

United wanted $175 (each way) for my skis to fly to Aspen. Now wouldn't you think that the cost of a flight to Aspen would take into consideration the equipment that you would need? How much will it be for golf clubs to Hilton Head?

Posted By Molly on February 25, 2010, 10:05 PM

1) If you want to avoid fees, then purchase refundable Business Class tickets.
2) If you purchase air fares that are LESS than the cost of a comparable Greyhound Bus ticket, how many free services do honestly expect to be included?
3) It costs a LOT more to fly a passenger with 100 lbs of baggage than the one with a carry-on. Do the math.
4) When was the last time you selected a MORE expensive ticket when there was a LESS expensive ticket available? Many people say "Just raise the price and eliminate the fees" but very few people would actually pay more when there is a cheaper choice.
5) The airlines would love to give you free baggage, no change fees and large seats. Oh wait, they do. It's called Business Class. Coach passengers pay less by their own choice.

Posted By Airline Crew on February 25, 2010, 10:24 PM

Fortunately 90% of our flights are international and the only time we fly on domestic carriers is if we are paying with miles. International carriers still allow 2 pieces of luggage to be checked with no additional fees, and they even feed you, no matter how short the flight is. I understand that there are different operating cost considerations for domestic carriers, but as a consumer, I get my best deals (and service) on international carriers. I would feel anti-American if I didn't feel like I was being taken advantage of (ripped off) everytime I book a domestic flight.

Posted By Jackie on February 26, 2010, 12:30 AM

The airlines are doing this all backwards, they should charge for carry-on's and free checked luggage. Carry-on's slow the borading process and I get tired of people hitting me, droping there luggage onto me and the extra time it takes to get it down and get off the plane. Just think about how much faster it would be getting on and off without the hassle of carry-on's.

Posted By R D on February 26, 2010, 10:50 AM

We have stopped flying. Have a bsuiness trip to New Orleans coming up. Time to drive to the airport, get through the incompetent TSA people, 1 layover, and I can drive it just as fast without the hassles, high taxes and fees plus the nickle-dime charges.
This will be the 3rd time in the past year we have decided to drive instead of fly.

Posted By NickP on February 26, 2010, 11:35 AM

Airlines aren't the only business within the travel industry using the "nickel and dime" approach.
Buyers should BEWARE when booking hotel stays.

A recent search for hotel reservations in Las Vegas revealed that many of the Strip hotels are using "resort fees" to pay for items once automatically covered in the hotel fare. These fees go for $5-$20 per night, covering such items as coffee in the room, a newspaper, local telephone calls, use of the fitness center, and 2 bottles of water, for example.

The price of the hotel in most cases isn't the chump change you come to expect, considering all one hears today in our economy. If current prices are 50% off, these hotels are obviously overcharging the consumer by 50% at other times.

Out of principle, I watch MY bottom line.
I fly only Southwest airlines and I won't shop a hotel that wants me to pay for items I could easily do without.

More than ever before, train service in the U.S. probably has the greatest opportunity to grow these days, thanks to the airlines.

Posted By Ron on February 26, 2010, 2:14 PM

working at an airport you hear the horrible stories day and night. One man yesterday found out that USAIR would not check his cello, he had to buy a seat for it at the airport, 500.00! I said make sure he gets a drink for that cello. Delta takes the greatest care with cargo. The other day I put my small bag in the overhead above my seat. This girl comes on late and has a huge roller bag with no where to put it. The FA wanted to move my small bag farther back to give her my space, I gave him a dirty look and he found another place for cutie girls huge bag.

Posted By Molly on February 26, 2010, 9:08 PM

I just tried to check our seats for a British Airways flight to London and they now charge $30 to get your seats in advance. It's getting ridiculous.

Posted By Christy on February 27, 2010, 12:53 PM

It used to be that when you saw the deal/sale emails from the airline, and you saw a price like "$160 round trip!", you knew that your ticket was going to cost right around that much.

Nowadays, you get an email that advertises a price such as "$59 each way!", as most airlines have realized the value of letting passengers pick their itinerary "a la carte". But instead of the fare adding up to around $120, there are so many taxes and fees tacked on AFTER you choose your flight times that the price of the ticket may be anywhere from 20% to 100% (or more) of the "bargain!" price.

I went to two different airline sites, one a "major" airline, and one a "budget" airline, and put in the same itinerary for the same dates: Chicago O'Hare (ORD) round trip to Long Beach, CA (LGB) over the Memorial Day weekend.

The "major" airline charged a base price of $589 plus $42.80 in fees/taxes; the "budget" airline priced out at $285.61 plus $42.89 in fees/taxes. (Just one indication that it pays to shop around.)

List of "additional taxes and fees" for the "major" airline for domestic travel:
- September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per U.S. enplanement
- Airport passenger facility charges (PFCs) of up to $18 roundtrip
- U.S. government excise tax* of $3.70 on each flight segment, defined as one takeoff and one landing

The "budget" airline listed their "taxes and fees" for domestic travel as:
- September 11 Security Fees of up to $5.00 each way
- Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9.00 each way
- U.S. excise tax of 7.5% based on the base fare;
- Federal Segment Tax of $3.70 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing.

*U.S. government excise tax is a user tax to pay for airport construction and airway safety and operations.

Sometimes the wording of the additional fees and taxes are a bit more vague and instead of seeing closely priced additional fees like the example given above, you may see differences of $20-80 or more.

In addition, for those travelers going overseas, whether it is as close as Canada or the Bahamas or even a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, passengers are subject to an "international arrival/departure tax", "APHIS user fee" (??), "Immigration user fees", "Customs user fees", "Non-U.S. government taxes", as well as, depending on the country you are traveling to/from, you may be required to pay additional "Tourism tax" or "Tourism enhancement fees". (Last July 4th weekend, I went to the Bahamas, and the various "international travel" fees cost more than the base ticket price!)

I can't even say Southwest is ahead on this one (as much as I

Personally, I would rather the airlines go back to doing what they used to do - including all the fees and taxes built into the "base" airfare, instead of sending out emails about "sales" that get you all excited to see $59 one-way fares that actually cost more like $90 each way after they finish tacking on all the fees and taxes AFTER you've chosen your flights. And then to get nickel-and-dimed to death with a sliding scale of bag fees, "excees" bag fees, overweight bag fees, etc - little wonder people are turning back towards the idea of family car vacations.

Also, I understand the "why" of why frequent flyers with status are generally exempt (to encourage their continued loyalty), but what this means is that airlines aren't charging any extra fees to the customers who make up the BULK of their business. Who is getting nailed in all this nickel-and-diming are the people who are infrequent travelers, thus further discouraging them from wanting to travel more.

Posted By Cheryl on March 3, 2010, 3:14 AM

I personally have never really understood why anyone would pack (overpack)a suitcase for, let's say, a weekend trip. Then endure the wait for it to arrive on the carousel. However, there are those welshers with their overstuffed carryons who bypass this fee. Their annexation of overhead space in the bins is one of travels persistent aggravations. Therefore, as a dedicated traveler-go-lightly, I implore the airlines to severely restrict bin usage to one carryon per passenger. . Certainly, we would we we would all profit (except the airlines) if we learned the lesson "Less is more." But until we do, the airlines will continue to capitalize on our failure to do so.

Posted By boredwell on March 4, 2010, 12:13 AM

Travelers need a monthly update of a comparison of airline fees and so they can choose to fly the one that has the true best value. The fees are changing so frequently that it is hard to keep up. Sometimes the rules are such that flying business class might actually be a better value. Then there are the tricks which may or may not work for you to avoid fees, such as affinity credit cards or frequent flyer elite status, etc.
Help!

Posted By Phyllis on March 4, 2010, 5:21 PM

There are certainly compelling reasons for airlines raising the "overall" cost of a ticket. The cost of doing business and a reasonable profit can be easily understood by passengers. I feel that the main "gist" of consumer complaints is the same as we have had for the bankers and financiers. The increased fees seem to have come from no more profit motive than increasing the money in the pocket of the airline executives. True "supply & demand" no longer exists in our economy where the solution to mismanagement is a "bailout". Airlines need to pay attention to what the consumer is saying. We have a government that's perfectly willing to end "Deregulation". As for flying Business Class to get more room; that's equivalent to Marie Antoinette saying "let them eat cake" to starving people: a complete loss of reality. It was more fun flying 40 years ago. I hope that someday we'll get back to that.

Posted By Fred on March 8, 2010, 12:28 PM

Someone mentioned that the international flights still give you 2 free checked bags.

They don't between Europe and the US anymore. I checked all the main airlines. I just got back a few days ago. I got one free and I paid $50 for the second one. But, it is cheaper to pay $50 for the second one than ship the stuff via the Post office (I was bringing things I wanted to have since we live overseas.)

I was wishing they would let me ship a 3rd and a 4th one for $50 each. Alas! ;(

I am not sure what a ticket costs now from Atlanta or TPA to Guam, but I do remember in 1984 I paid $1250 for it. It would be curious to know the difference.

I think we've all gotten a bit (a lot) spoiled by the relatively cheap tickets in relation to other spending that we do. I'm pursuing getting into the elite status memberships so that we can get those bags checked for free--even 2 of them. If it means using their credit cards, or whatever...

When I looked for my ticket, I gladly looked for a different airline that was $50 more for the ticket, but would have let me have 2 checked bags. I didn't see any in the ballpark. Actually I don't know which ones would even do it now. I didn't see any unless you are a member of their FF programs.

Posted By Becky on March 8, 2010, 4:28 PM

I have given up flying unless it is my only option.Having had 2 knee replacement surgeries I am subjected to being hand checked by security which is degrading and intrusive. Add to that having flights cancelled at the last minute because the flight crew has timed out, being delayed for a flight for 4 hours because there was no crew for our gate (the pilot finally had to threaten the airport personnel to get action - there was a crew at the next gate doing nothing but since it wasn't their gate they would not come to our gate until the pilot threw a fit). We were in the commuter wing of the airport without any seating - we all had to sit on the floor for 4 hours. We were afraid to leave the area for fear the flight would take off without us. The pilot did give us free drinks once we were in the air. Many more bad experiences than good over the last few years so I would rather walk than fly.

Posted By Diane on March 8, 2010, 10:18 PM

I just returned from a flight to Phoenix. We flew on Alligent thinking we were getting a fair deal on the flight round trip. I went and purchased a carry on for my luggage so as to avoid the extra $35 for checking my bag and the hassel of the waiting for it at baggabe claims. I got to the check in desk and they proceeded to tell me I had to pay $70 round trip to check my carry on bag. Said it would not fit in the rediculously small metal frame. I was in a group of four and none of the others had to pay the extra fee and their bags where the same size as mine. I paid the fee and proceeded to board, seeing several other bags the same size as mine. Is this how it is going to be now that more people are carrying on their luggage?? I feel like I was charged a fee for something that should have been included, just as it was included for others on the flight. Seriously considering not flying with Alligent again. Their nickel and diming is getting old and expensive.

Posted By Beth101 on March 11, 2010, 9:36 PM

I Will NEVER EVER fly with Spirit Airlines! When are they going to start charging me for sitting in a seat at the gate? You people are ridiculous!!!!!

Posted By Troy Robertson on April 8, 2010, 1:03 PM

If you had your choice of say a 200-mph, high-speed monorail ride for 4 hrs to go, let's say 700 miles, or an hour-and-a-half plane ride for 30-50% higher, with the added hassels of security,airport transport, extra fees, and the whole schmear, don't you suppose 80% of the people would elect the train-ride? But don't kid yourselves,these are not being built due in large measure to lobbying efforts by the airline industry with pressure on financial insitutions, government regulators,etc. Why the devil else do you suppose the United States doesn't have a "bullet-train" 50 YEARS AFTER OTHER NATIONS HAVE BUILT THEM?? IndyMo

Posted By IndyMo on April 8, 2010, 5:46 PM

When was the last time an US airline other than Jet Blue or Southwest reported a profit? Without these charges - how long to you expect them to stay in business? Think of it this way - you're paying to get from point A to point B, anything else is just extra so if the airlines choose to charge for the extras you can choose to pay or do without.

Posted By anonymous on April 8, 2010, 6:04 PM

I was recently on the airlines and it was not fun at all.They have ruined travel for me and I wish I never went.(The Celebrity cruise was wonderful!)My husband and I went carry on,we will not pay for luggage!On the way back they forced me to check my carry on,even when I explained that I got on going with my carry on,I said that I'm not paying and they said that's right.So maybe the thing to do is put just a little too much in your carry on,on the way back,then they'll make you check it and it's free?!
The other thing is that the planes aren't clean,dirty tray tables,smeared stuff on seat handles,crumbs and garbage on and around seats,try not to use the toilet, the list goes on,it should be sparkling clean and fresh for each flight!
That's why so many people stay home now,it's not worth the aggrevation,or the fees.

Posted By L. Dunn on April 8, 2010, 6:18 PM

These extra charges are starting to seem very unreasonable.
I just traveled through all Asia and the Asian airlines are cleaner, mega efficient and they even offer a meal with short flights. Much better than and of the U.S. airlines.
I think I will avoid Spirit, like I have in the past. If a lot of people do the same, they may have to rescind their decision.
Thumbs up for Southwest.

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