Sorting Out The New Airline Fees

I'm restraining myself from getting on my soapbox about all the new airline fees. Instead, I'll just offer some help in figuring out how much your flight will REALLY cost you. All of this info is available on the individual airline websites, but having this handy-dandy chart is nice because you can see at a glance who charges how much for what. If ticket prices are comparable, the extra fees could very well be the deciding factor in choosing which airlines you fly. It's also a good idea to double check the fees a few days before your trip, to see if they have increased. Here's a list of what you may have to pay for before or during your flight:

• Making your reservation via the phone
• Checking 1 or more bags
• Oversize or overweight bags
• Choosing a seat
• Beverages
• Snacks
• meals
• Traveling with Pets
• Unaccompanied Minors
• Curbside Check-in
• Changing your ticket
  

There are other fees, like purchasing headphones, watching TV/movies, etc but those aren't listed since they generally haven't changed recently.

Airline Fee Chart

I've flown my fare share on Southwest, but never really loved flying with them. I have to say, I may be flying them more, since so far they don't charge extra for anything except Business Select.

You may also want to check out the carry-on size & weight restrictions. This past week I have heard a lot about the airlines cracking down on the carry-on restrictions that they have only half-heartedly enforced in the past. I for one will be taking the largest carry-on possible to Hawaii in September. Hopefully by packing as much as possible in my carry-ons, I'll be able to avoid the $50 (round trip) fee Delta charges for a 2nd checked bag.

Carry-on Baggage Chart

Thanks FareCompare.com & Rick Seaney!