Airline fees, coming fast and furious, haven’t yet settled into the traveling consciousness of the American public. Most of them know there are fees out there, but those who don’t travel regularly have no idea of the extent of the new record-high fees.
An excellent article in USAToday discusses the growing confusion with how much a trip will cost and exactly what the final cost of a trip will be. When passengers finally realize how many fees are involved, they often feel duped. The same article also includes one of the best lists of airline fees faced by passengers at the airport, making reservations and getting frequent flier tickets.
Airline fees are growing in number, rapidly increasing, and they anger or confuse many fliers. Airlines say the fees are necessary because they have been hit by a huge increase in the price of jet fuel.
If one were to speak with the man on the street, most would be surprised find out that they could be charged for water, a pillow or a blanket. Ask the unassuming soon-to-be traveler whether they think their airline ticket includes the right to check in a piece of baggage and they almost all will say yes, they assume so.
Ask someone about how they plan use frequent flier miles and they get a far-away look in their eyes and most that I speak with say, “a trip to Hawaii.” Nevermind that frequent flyer seats to Hawaii are almost impossible to find, they are astounded to hear that they will have to pay an administration fee to get their “free ticket.” When you tell them that their “free ticket” could cost $80 to process and if they want to make a change, perhaps $250 more, they think you are kidding.
Airlines list the lowest prices as a come-on and then start adding previously undisclosed fees as quickly as they can at every stage of the travel experience. USAToday quotes one expert as saying that sometimes the fees can equal the airfare.
The other realization in the industry is that these fees are here to stay in some form or another. Either the airlines are testing the limits of their fees or they are exploring how travelers will begin to compare ticket prices and fees as they begin to get a handle on reality.
The new fee-happy system being implemented by the airlines has not yet sunk in with the overall American public. The more they learn, the more they will begin to avoid the airlines that nickle and dime them. Potential travelers are certain that they don’t like that.
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Great information!
http://www.CompareAirlineFees.com is a great site to compare 25 different extra airline fees and flight prices from top sites at the same time.