Confusing Airline Fees, New Charges Cost Travelers More than Just Money

Booking a flight is no longer a straightforward process; to help travelers make sense of the extra costs, SmarterTravel.com(TM), a comprehensive online travel resource, has reviewed each airline's policies and put together the "Airline Fees Survival Guide."

"Purchasing airfare is no longer as simple as putting in a destination
and dates and then selecting the lowest price available online. Airline
fees can really add up, making the discount tickets seem more like first
class," said Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com. "Travelers
need to be aware of how much each fee can tack on to already expensive
tickets, and we wanted to go the extra mile to show the best strategies for
saving travelers a few dollars."

Given all the factors that could affect travelers, SmarterTravel recommends the following strategies:

-- Book Non-stop. Connecting flights do not always mean cheaper flights
-- they can end up costing more because taxes include Passenger Facility
Charges (PFCs) for each airport in the itinerary.

-- Avoid Paying for Seat Assignments. The nominal fee may not be
unseemly for one traveler, but multiplied by a family of four each way, and
it's the airline that made out, not the travelers.



-- Determine Overall Prices vs. Checked Bag Fees. Some airlines publish
significantly lower rates than the competition; however, the total number
of fees they levy may add significantly to the overall trip. Add it all up
before confirming the purchase.

-- Be a Defensive Packer. Packing light goes without saying, but
travelers can also pack smart by including an empty water bottle in your
carryon, packing clothes for multiple purposes and including snacks and
entertainment -- all helping to avoid airline fees and additional charges.


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To ensure the best deal, SmarterTravel has put together a chart of all
associated airline fees at http://www.smartertravel.com/link/airline-fees-chart.

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