14 Sneaky Airline Fees You Should Be Aware Of

Just when you think you’ve scored a great deal on airfare, those sneaky airline fees start popping up like unwanted turbulence. From the moment you book until you reach your destination, airlines have mastered the art of adding extra charges that can launch your Travel costs to even more astronomical heights. So much for “low-cost Travel!”

While some fees are unavoidable, just being savvy and in the know can help you budget (ew!) better and potentially save money. Don’t let these hidden costs catch you by surprise at check-in or even worse, mid-flight! Here’s your comprehensive guide to the most common airline fees and how they might affect your wallet during your next journey. Let’s hope they don’t start charging extra for life vests soon!

Carry-on Bag Fees

Remember when carrying your bag onboard was free? Those days are increasingly becoming a distant memory, especially with budget airlines. Many carriers now charge for anything larger than a personal item that fits under the seat. Some airlines even charge more for carry-on bags than checked luggage, hoping to speed up the boarding process.

The fees can range widely between airlines, and they’re often higher if you wait to pay at the gate. To avoid surprises, check your airline’s baggage policy carefully before booking, and consider if that “budget” fare is really saving you money once you add in bag fees.

Also, some airlines charge a higher price when you select adding a bag at the beginning of your booking. It might be worth waiting till the last step when they dangle a more attractive price in front of you in a last-ditch effort to upsell.

Taxes and Surcharges

That $99 flight deal might look amazing until you notice the taxes and surcharges that can sometimes double the price. Airlines often advertise base fares but bury the mandatory fees in the fine print. These can include fuel surcharges, security fees, airport taxes, and various government charges. Government charges are especially common when flying to islands.

International flights typically have even more surcharges, including customs and immigration fees. While you can’t avoid most of these charges, understanding them helps you compare actual total costs between different airlines and routes. Always click through to the final booking page to see the true price before making your decision.

Reservation Changes and Cancellation Fees

Life happens and plans change, but airlines make sure you pay dearly for flexibility. Change fees can cost hundreds of dollars, often more than the original ticket price. Cancellation fees are equally steep, and some basic economy tickets don’t allow changes at all.

While some airlines relaxed these policies during the pandemic, many are returning to stricter rules. If your plans aren’t set in stone, consider booking refundable tickets or looking into travel insurance that covers cancellations. Better yet, double-check your dates before hitting that “book” button. (Speaking from experience here!)

Booking Over the Phone

Need to speak with a human while booking your flight? Be prepared to pay extra for the privilege. Airlines typically charge a service fee for bookings made over the phone or in person at the ticket counter. These fees can range from $25 to $50 per ticket.

While booking online is usually straightforward, sometimes complex itineraries require human assistance. If you must book by phone, ask if the fee can be waived, especially if the airline’s website is experiencing technical issues or your booking is particularly complicated.

Travel Insurance

Airlines love to push travel insurance during the booking process, often pre-selecting it for you. While insurance can be valuable, the policies offered by airlines are often overpriced and may not provide the coverage you need. And don’t we all get free insurance with our credit cards anyway? Asking for a friend…

These charges can add significantly to your ticket price if you don’t actively uncheck the box. Instead of automatically accepting the airline’s insurance, research third-party travel insurance options that might offer better coverage at lower prices. Always read the fine print to understand what’s actually covered.

In-flight Wi-Fi

Staying connected at 35,000 feet comes at a premium. Airlines charge anywhere from $5 for short flights to $50 for international routes, and the connection isn’t always reliable. Some carriers offer Wi-Fi packages you can purchase in advance at a discount, while others charge by the hour or megabyte.

Before paying for Wi-Fi, check if your airline offers free messaging services or if your credit card includes airline Wi-Fi as a perk. Consider downloading content before your flight instead of relying on streaming services in the air. Personally, this is the only time I have a real excuse to unplug and my holiday starts the moment I turn on Airplane Mode.

Pet Boarding

Traveling with your furry friend? Be prepared for significant fees. Airlines charge for pets whether they travel in the cabin or cargo hold, and prices can range from $75 to several hundred dollars each way. Size restrictions, health certificate requirements, and carrier specifications add extra complications and potential costs.

Some airlines limit the number of Pets per flight, so you need to book early if this is on the cards for you. Always check your airline’s Pet policy thoroughly and consider whether alternative Travel arrangements might be more Pet-friendly and cost-effective.

Baggage Fees

As if charging us for carry-on wasn’t enough, there are more fees in this department! Checked baggage fees have become a major cash cow for airlines, with charges climbing all the time. Most carriers charge for first and second bags on domestic flights, with fees climbing for additional or overweight bags.

International flights might still include one free bag but charge heavily for extras. Some airlines offer baggage fee discounts for booking online in advance or through their mobile app. Consider airline credit cards that include free checked bags as a perk, or learn to pack light and stick to carry-on luggage when possible. (Easier said than done!)

Airline Meals and Drinks

The days of complimentary meals on most domestic flights are long gone. Now, even basic snacks and beverages might come with a price tag, especially on budget carriers. Some airlines require pre-ordering meals, charging more for onboard purchases. How am I supposed to know I’m going to need a snack a month in advance?

While basic beverages are usually free on major carriers, alcoholic drinks always cost extra. Don’t they know we need a G&T to calm our nerves? Save money by bringing your own snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security. If you need a meal, consider purchasing food at the airport where you’ll have more options and better prices (not the best, but better).

Seat Selection

Want to choose your seat in advance? That’ll cost you. Airlines increasingly charge for seat selection, even for basic economy tickets. Exit row and extra legroom seats coMMAnd premium prices, but even standard seats might incur fees.

Some carriers charge more for seats closer to the front or for window and aisle positions. If you don’t pay for seat selection, you’ll be assigned a seat at check-in, usually middle seats or less desirable locations. Families should note that some airlines charge even to ensure children sit with parents, so don’t be that person who asks the whole plane to shuffle mid-flight.

In-Flight Movie & Headsets

Entertainment isn’t always free anymore either! While some airlines offer complimentary Entertainment systems, others charge for access to movies and TV shows. Even when the content is free, airlines might charge for headphones or require specific adapters for your own headphones.

Some carriers have moved to streaming entertainment to personal devices but charge for access. Save money by downloading content to your device before flying and bringing your own headphones. You can also invest in an airplane audio adapter that works with Bluetooth headphones!

Boarding Passes

Forgotten to print your boarding pass or check-in online? Some airlines now charge for printing boarding passes at the airport, especially budget carriers. Who even owns a printer anymore?! These fees can be particularly steep at international airports.

Mobile boarding passes are usually free but require a smartphone with sufficient battery life so keep your devices juices! To avoid these charges, check-in online within the allowed timeframe and either print your boarding pass at home or download it to your phone. Keep a backup screenshot in case of connectivity issues.

Pillows and Blankets

Gone are the days when pillows and blankets were standard amenities on flights. Many airlines now charge for comfort items, especially on longer flights. These items often come in “comfort kits” that include eye masks or other accessories, with prices ranging from $5 to $15.

The quality isn’t always worth the cost, and there’s no guarantee of cleanliness. Consider bringing your own travel pillow and light blanket or wearing layers that can be adjusted for temperature changes during the flight.

Departure Tax

International travelers might encounter unexpected departure taxes at foreign airports. While many airlines include these fees in ticket prices, some don’t, requiring separate payment before departure. These taxes can range from a few dollars to over $50, depending on the country.

They’re often cash-only and in local currency, creating extra hassle if you’re not prepared. Research departure taxes for your destination countries in advance, and keep some local currency available just in case. Check if your airline includes these fees in the ticket price to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.