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AIR TRAVEL -
Extra Fees & Costs (continued)
2. Many airlines are now adding a fuel surcharge to the cost of the ticket. Make sure this charge is included in any fare you are quoted.
3. Many travel sites and airlines (particularly smaller and discount airlines),
and virtually all travel agents, will add a fee to the fare for allowing you to use
their web site or telephone reservation services to book the flight. This fee may
be called a “convenience” fee or agent fee or something else, and will usually be
in the $10-
4. If you purchase a ticket and then need to change your reservation most all
airlines will charge a ticket change fee of $75-
5. Some airlines are beginning to charge a fee if you want assigned or preferred seating on your flight. Once again, at this time it is mainly the smaller and discount airlines that have adopted this practice, although it is starting to become more common with larger airlines. If you want this option, it is just another cost to consider when comparing prices.
6. Many airlines are also starting to charge a fee if you want to check a bag
or a second bag, usually on a “per bag” basis. This fee can be minimized by taking
one larger bag rather than two smaller bags. However, airlines usually have a per
bag weight limit that you cannot exceed without incurring an extra charge in the
neighborhood of $25. So weigh your bags at home to make sure you do not exceed the
weight limit (usually 50 pounds). Fortunately, two carry-
7. Charges for curb-
8. And some airlines are charging for headsets, movies, and even blankets and pillows. If you have your own and it is convenient, you may want to consider bringing your own.
9. As noted earlier, some airlines are even starting to charge a fee for using your frequent flyer miles. This fee can be as high as $100. However, if you book your frequent flier trip online you can often avoid these fees or lower them significantly.
10. Food and drink (especially if you have kids) can cost a bundle when you fly. Airport prices are not exactly inexpensive, and some airlines are starting to charge for food and beverages that were once included in the fare. The best way to significantly reduce these costs is avoid purchasing food and beverages (and any other items for that matter) at the airport or on the plane. Bring any food, snacks and beverages you will need to the airport. These items can be consumed at the airport and, in most instances, on the plane. However, you must consume or throw away any beverages you bring to the airport (or buy at the airport) prior to going through security. To avoid this problem, take one or more empty water or beverage bottles (which are allowed) through security. On the other side of security, fill up the bottles with water at the water fountain. You will now have drinks and snacks for the plane trip, and hopefully some quiet kids.
11. Sometimes people will consider buying flight insurance and/or baggage delay insurance, in case of injury due to an airplane incident or lost or delayed bags. This is generally expensive coverage for what you get. Usually credit cards offer travel accident insurance and baggage delay insurance, when traveling on a common carrier such as a commercial airline, train, etc. Travel accident insurance is often $100,000 or greater. Check with your credit card company, or review the benefit brochure for your credit card.
Travel To The Airport & Parking
Getting to your departure airport can add up to a significant cost. If you drive your car to the airport there are mileage and parking costs. If someone drives you to the airport and picks you up on your return, there are double the mileage costs. And, of course, public transportation and shuttles have their own cost. Consider the following:
1. If the airport is relatively close by and/or your trip is relatively long, having a friend or relative take you to the airport and pick you up when you return is generally the best way to save money. While this does double the mileage traveled, it eliminates parking, which can be a major cost.
2. If you decide driving your own car and leaving it at the airport is the best
option, all you can do is try to save on parking costs. Most airports have long-
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