5 fees that will kill your budget when flying (and how to avoid them)
No matter how painstakingly you budget for your trip, it always seems to cost double, especially when you get hit at the airport and in flight with extra fees. To become more savvy, Road Warrior, get to know — and avoid — these wallet killers:
Baggage fees: Free checked bags may soon be obsolete, as the few carriers that still offer this benefit (we're looking at you, JetBlue) are dropping like flies. While we still have Southwest, most airlines charge about $20-$35 for domestic flights, and even more for international (or, God forbid, a second checked bag). If your bag gets flagged at the gate, you may pay another fee, so be sure it's within regulation size and weight.
The solution: Fly Southwest, otherwise consider investing in one of these cool carry-ons. Of course, you can simply stop packing things you don't need.
Phone-booking fees: It's understandable you want to speak with a human when making a big purchase like a flight; but it may cause you to hang up quickly when you learn most airlines charge about $15-$35 for booking by phone.
The solution: Book online whenever possible, and only call for important questions. Even then, have the agent walk you through the booking online, if it's help you need.
Booking through an OTA: One new trend in travel sees airlines and hotels penalizing travelers who book through online travel agencies (OTA) like Expedia or Orbitz. Just look at Delta, who infuriated travelers by withholding data from booking sites, letting the airline save on agent booking fees and channel customers to its own system. Other airlines tack on fees when fliers book through a third-party site.
The solution: Research options on OTAs, but book directly. To get the most bang for your buck, get an airline co-branded credit card and book directly with the airline to maximize points and miles for free flights and perks.
Unexpected add-ons: Unfortunately, it's rarely as simple as purchasing your flight and putting your wallet away until you land. Certain budget airlines like Spirit charge for everything from soft drinks to printing out your boarding pass.
The solution: If you're airline charges for drinks, bring an empty water bottle and fill it in a fountain after security. Pack a sandwich, snacks, blanket, pillow and laptop filled with pre-downloaded movies for guaranteed free travel perks.
In-flight Wi-Fi: Especially for business travelers, having access to the Internet during downtime is crucial, although many airlines charge a small fortune for even the slowest connections (although slow Wi-Fi will soon be a thing of the past).
The solution: While not free, purchasing your Wi-Fi before you board is cheaper by up to 40% than waiting until you're in the air. If you're a frequent flier, signing up for a monthly Gogo Inflight Internet pass is a smart idea.
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.