As if cramming ourselves onto a plane like sardines, standing in long security lines, and dealing with delays isn’t payment enough…
You can plan on plenty of new airline fees when you fly the friendly skies in 2011. It’s all because of rising oil prices.
The Philadelphia Inquirer recently asked experts what travelers can expect when they hop on a plane this year. The industry has already made big changes after the economic collapse in 2008.
However, you can still expect to see new plenty of new fees.
Little Kids Don’t Fly for Free
Parents who took advantage of having a little one ride on their lap might not be able to get away with that much longer. Most airlines already charge 10% of an adult ticket price to let a baby ride on mom or dad’s lap on international flights. Expect the same thing for domestic flights in many situations.
Credit Cards
You could end up getting charged 3% more than cash carrying customers when you use a credit card. Basically, you’ll pay a 3% fee if you use plastic.
You could also see charges for using the internet to book a flight. Allegiant Airlines already charges $15 if you get your tickets online.
Baggage: Checked and Carry-On
Right now most airlines charge you for at least the second bag, but sometimes all your bags. You probably pay a flat rate for your checked luggage now. But airlines could start charging for the weight of each bag. So try to pack light.
Have you noticed how it’s getting tougher to find a spot for your carry-on bag in the overhead bins? More people are bringing everything on the plane with them. That’s meant bigger bags and less space. But that could change too…
Spirit Airlines has started charging people for carry-on bags in some cases. There’s a good chance other airlines will follow their lead.
Maybe you could just stuff your pockets with clean underwear and travel-sized toiletries.
The price of an airline ticket is on the rise too. According to the Philly Inquirer, domestic flight prices have increased three times in just the last month.
Find out about other expected fees and discover more about the airline industry’s current situation when you read the full article Oil Prices Don’t Vex Airlines, But Fees Could Rise.
Kasey Steinbrinck writes regularly on personal finances and the U.S. economy for Check Advantage. Visit them today and view their most popular checks including a big collection of Classic Checks. Contact Kasey to request free content for your website or blog.
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I would imagine there will be serious outrage if airlines start charging fees for carry on bags. More likely they will just add a few bucks on to each ticket and accomplish the same thing without collecting the money as a separate fee. Either way, it is getting more expensive to fly with each passing month.
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