Avoiding Hidden Airline Fees: Expert Insights

Exploring the world can be expensive, especially with 2023’s high inflation rates impacting travel costs. Traveling should be accessible, allowing you to plan trips without constantly facing unforeseen expenses and airline surcharges. Below, we discuss strategies to avoid extra fees and insights for financially planning your travels.

Why Do Airlines Add Extra Fees?

It can be frustrating to encounter additional costs during the booking process after spending hours searching for affordable flights. According to Adam French, a personal finance expert, airlines often utilize these extra fees as a way to generate additional revenue, all while marketing themselves as low-cost carriers. Ultra-low-cost airlines may have cheaper base fares, but they frequently impose fees for features that other airlines might include in their overall ticket price.

Common fees may include costs for administrative services, seat selection, and carry-on luggage. The extent of additional charges can vary significantly depending on the chosen carrier.

Best Airlines for Transparent Pricing

Some airlines offer clearer pricing strategies, meaning the displayed fare covers everything from your seat to your baggage costs. For instance, Southwest Airlines is known for its minimal fees—there is no basic economy fare, and checked as well as carry-on bags are free.

In the UK, airlines like Easyjet and Wizz Air often charge modest fees for checked bags, which can be advantageous if booked in advance. Easyjet’s charges may start at just £7 per bag, while Wizz Air offers competitive fees for lighter bags.

Strategies to Circumvent Airline Fees

Understanding how airlines operate is crucial in avoiding unnecessary expenses. Being informed about the fare types can save you money. Even major airlines might have unexpected fees, particularly regarding basic economy tickets. For frequent travelers, having a co-branded credit card can often yield savings by waiving certain fees.

Avoiding Last-Minute Penalty Fees

While penalties for cancellations or overweight luggage can sometimes be unavoidable, there are ways to plan ahead and reduce the likelihood of incurring these fees. Weighing your bags at home before heading to the airport can prevent excess baggage charges. Additionally, considering flight packages that include free cancellations can save significant costs in case travel plans change unexpectedly.

Seat Selection: Minimizing Costs

Choosing your seat can be a contentious issue, with many airline policies requiring additional fees. For budget flights, it’s vital to check in early to secure seating arrangements without added costs. Families traveling together, particularly with children under 12, may find several airlines provide free seated arrangements.

Identifying Common Financial Pitfalls

No fee is inherently wasteful unless it is unplanned. Travelers need to incorporate all potential costs into their budgeting. For example, if you require extra luggage or snacks, budget airlines can significantly raise the final ticket price. However, being efficient with your packing can often allow you to avoid these additional expenses.

Top Tips for Avoiding Hidden Airline Fees

The Points Guy

• Choose airlines that do not impose bag fees, as some offer free carry-on luggage for all passengers.
• When using flight search engines like Google Flights, filter to show only fare types inclusive of baggage costs.
• Carefully review the airline’s booking site to avoid unexpected fees.

Jack’s Flight Club

• Avoiding budget airlines is often the best strategy to secure a full-size cabin bag.
• Sometimes, upgrading to a bag-inclusive fare can be more affordable than adding a bag later.
• Using direct airline services for seat and baggage additions can often be more cost-effective than online travel agencies.

NerdWallet

• Research airline fee structures well before booking to avoid surprises.
• Membership programs can help loyal customers save on fees by accumulating points that cover costs.