Those pesky airline fees can really add up
Posted
Oct 31 2008, 08:03 PM
by
Karen Datko
Rating:
We read somewhere that if airlines get really desperate, they could start charging us for the air we breathe -- and that's without the little masks that drop down in emergencies.
Of course, that's a joke. But from the looks of Patrick's post called "Worst airline fees" at Cash Money Life, air might be the only service airlines aren't charging extra for.
Patrick says that airline fees are even more outrageous than bank fees, which generally can be avoided altogether. Not so with many of those pesky airline fees. Here's a sample of the ones he listed (and remember that not all airlines charge these fees, and that the amounts vary from airline to airline and can change frequently):
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Buying a ticket on the phone: $10 to $20. For the best deal, buy the ticket at the airline's Web site. And do not insist on a paper ticket.
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Seat reservations: You may also pay more -- sometimes a lot more -- if you ask for a particular type of seat -- window, aisle or in an exit row.
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Reservation changes: $30 to $250.
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Checked baggage: $15 to $100. Patrick says, "OK, the $100 is for a third bag, but that's only if it weighs less than 50 pounds. More than that and you may need a second mortgage."
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Airline mile redemption: $25 to $100, and even more if you don't give the required advance notice. You'll also pay a high fee if you decide you don't want to redeem them after all.
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Food and other amenities on the flight: $2 to $10. You've all heard about the charge for bottled water and the $7 pillow.
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Taxes, airport fees, security fees and the like: This list is too long to mention here, and doesn't include a fuel surcharge.
What can you do? Patrick advises that you read the fine print before you purchase a ticket to avoid any nasty surprises.
