That budget flight deal looked too good to be true, and it probably was. Airlines have a way of slipping small fees that add up fast. Before your next trip, here are 11 travel fees you’ll want to spot and avoid before they drain your wallet mid-flight.
10. Your Pet Isn’t Flying as Cheaply as You Think
Think bringing your furry friend along is a low-cost affair? Think again. Airlines have been quietly hiking in-cabin pet fees, turning your companion’s ride into a significant expense. For instance, Delta and United now charge $150 each way for a pet in the cabin, a notable jump from previous years. The takeaway? Always factor in the round-trip pet fee before booking, as it can alter the total cost of your travel.
9. The High Cost of Flying Solo (for Kids)
Sending your child to visit relatives? Prepare for a fee that can sometimes cost more than the flight itself. The “unaccompanied minor” service, which is mandatory for children of certain ages flying alone, comes with a high price tag, often around $150 each way. Meaning, a round trip for your child could cost an extra $300 on top of the airfare.
8. The Price of Spontaneity: Same-Day Change Fees
Need to switch to an earlier or later flight on the day of travel? Airlines have a fee for that, and it can be steep. While many major airlines have eliminated change fees for regular tickets, same-day changes are a different story. Expect to pay around $75 on carriers like American, Delta, and United for a confirmed same-day change.
7. The Sneaky Surcharge for Using Your Credit Card
You’re at the final payment screen, and the total is suddenly 1-3% higher. What gives? It’s a credit card surcharge or a fee that airlines are passing on to consumers. While the convenience of paying with plastic is undeniable, some airlines are now making you pay for that privilege. This fee is often buried in the fine print and can be easily missed if you’re not paying close attention.
6. The Penalty for Talking to a Human
Many airlines now charge a “phone booking fee” or an “agent assistance fee” for services that could have been completed online. This fee can be $25 or more, simply for the “privilege” of speaking to a human (customer service representative). The goal is to push customers towards self-service options, which are cheaper for the airline to maintain.
5. The “Hub Premium” That Costs You More
Ever wonder why a flight from a major airline hub is more expensive, even with more flight options? It’s called the “hub premium.” Airlines that dominate a particular airport have a virtual monopoly, allowing them to charge higher fees and fares. If you live near a major airline hub, it might be worth checking prices from a smaller, nearby airport. The savings could be substantial, even if it means a slightly longer drive.
4. Baggage Fees That Change With the Weather (and Demand)
You’re probably used to paying for checked bags, but did you know that the price can change depending on when you fly? JetBlue has introduced “surge pricing” for baggage, so your bags will cost more on high-demand days like weekends and holidays. To avoid this, try to travel on off-peak days. Also, paying for your checked bags online in advance is almost always cheaper than paying at the airport.
3. The “Basic Economy” Trap That Forces You to Pay More
Basic Economy fares look like a great deal, but they’re designed to make you spend more. These no-frills tickets come with restrictions: no seat selection, no overhead bin space, and no changes allowed. If you show up with a carry-on bag that doesn’t fit under the seat, you’ll need to pay a hefty fee to check it. The whole point of Basic Economy is to upsell you to a more expensive fare (unless you’re a minimalist).
2. The Outrageous Fee for Printing a Piece of Paper
Forgot to print your boarding pass at home? Some airlines will make you pay for it. European low-cost carrier Ryanair is known for charging an eye-watering fee (as much as €55 or about $68) to print a boarding pass at the airport. While US airlines are not quite as extreme, budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit can charge up to $25 for an agent to print your boarding pass.
1. The “Green” Fee That’s More About Profit Than the Planet
The newest and perhaps most deceptive fee on the horizon is the “environmental cost surcharge.” Airlines are starting to add this to cover the cost of using more sustainable aviation fuels, but they’re also a convenient way to increase revenue under the guise of corporate responsibility. While the airline industry does face a multi-trillion dollar cost to decarbonize, these mandatory fees are being passed directly to consumers, often with little transparency.