Guide to Airline Fees

Posted by Zuriana on July 17, 2008

Chris Steinbruckner of Travel Dimensions is our guest blogger this week.  Today Chris has offered an excellent guide on all of those airline fees!  Take a look:

I wanted to comment on some of the fees airlines are now charging. There are baggage fees, overweight fees, fuel surcharges, security fees, food for purchase, aisle seat fees, reserved seat fees etc.  You may have heard most airlines are now charging for 2nd checked bags on DOMESTIC flights not International flights.  Some have now instituted fees for the 1st checked bag. Delta mistakenly charged passengers prior to the date the fees were to go into effect; the airport personnel are so confused they are charging everyone baggage fees for Delta so in some cases we are seeing rebate coupons for the $25 fee.   I hope the travelers will forward these for the rebates.  We in the travel industry are against all the fees.  The preference is to include the fees in the ticket cost; but the airlines feel that could hurt the business traveler looking for lower ticket prices.  Many hotels now charge resort fees, the cruise lines are charging fees for various items such as specialty coffees, fitness classes; computer use; cell phone coverage, alternative dining choices, water, sodas, alcoholic drinks etc.  That is one of the reasons many guests still prefer an all inclusive resort where they know what the cost is before they go outside of perhaps a spa treaments or an optional excursion.  We find more and more of our clients are booking all inclusive resorts that offer meals, drinks, and watersports.  It does make a difference in the bottom line on the cost. 
 
Keep in mind also that most airlines have baggage weight allowances and fees for overweight bags that can add up quickly as its cumulative.  When traveling together, it is suggested that each traveler have their own bag to prevent being overweight using one large bag.  I am personally trying to lighten up my luggage as much as possible.  There are new attendants at the major airports keeping watch on the carry on bags for size limits.  We advise travelers to check these size limits online before departure for those carry on bags size and weight,  as airlines continue to make changes.
 
We strongly advise guests to review the airline websites prior to departure and ask about fees and surcharges before booking so there are no surprises.  Many guests are also not aware that many of the Caribbean islands charge departure taxes from $20 plus payable in cash at the airport prior to departure.  If a guest is not working with a travel agency, it is a good idea to check the island’s website to research the departure tax and be prepared.
 
I am including an article that is up to date as of July 10th on airline fees that is useful; however this should be used as a guide as changes continue to take place.
 
http://i.slimg.com/sc/sl/graphic/u/ul/ultimate-guide-to-airline-fees.pdf
 
Regards,
 
 
Chris @ Travel Dimensions
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