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Air Fare
 We're all well aware of the struggle that airlines have had in keeping air fare affordable.
In this age of soaring fuel costs, many air carriers have resorted to an "a la carte" method of service in an attempt to offer cheap air fares while at the same time making enough money to survive.
If you're planning a trip the information on this page will help you to determine the true cost of your flight, to enable you to better compare costs and make the decision that is best for you.
Listing of Additional Charges
As the airlines are constantly changing their regulations, my suggestion is that you use this page as a guideline. Make note of the charges that will affect you when you fly, and check with the airlines for up to date information before you book your travel.
Checked Baggage Fees The first rule of thumb is to never check a bag that is over 50 pounds. This could cost you dearly!
Save 30-50% on TravelWould you like to learn how to reduce your travel costs by more than a third? Believe it or not, there's a simple method that anybody can use to do so.Most of the major airlines have added fees for checked luggage, in addition to the air fare. Unless you're a very light traveler, you'll want to consider these additional costs when comparing prices between airlines (listed alphabetically):
- Air Trans First bag free, second bag $25
- American Airlines First bag $15, second bag $25
- Continental Airlines First bag $15, second bag $25
- Delta First bag free, second bag $50, third $125
- Jet Blue First bag free, second bag $20, third $75
- Northwest Airlines First bag free, second bag $25
- Southwestn Airlines First and second bags free, third bag $25
- United Airlines First bag $15, second bag $50
- US Air First bag free, second bag $25
Great Luggage Tip:
If you're concerned about lost luggage, you'll want to learn about a new secure and anonymous system to help you recover lost items. Details can be found at
www.ThatsMyTag.com
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Coffee...Tea...Free??? In addition to your air fare and extra fees for checked luggage, you may also be charged for the once complimentary snacks and beverages that you've come to expect! Unless we want cheap air fares to completely disappear, we just might have to suck it up and either pay or bring our own. Currently the following airlines are charging for snacks and/or beverages...my predication is that this list will grow over time.
- American Airlines Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and light meals available at a cost from $3 - $10
- Northwest Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snacks may be purchased for a charge up to $5.
- United Airlines Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snackboxes are available for $5 each (charge will increase to $6 October 1, 2008).
- US Airways This is the first airline to charge for non-alcoholic beverages. Currently you'll pay $2 for a bottle of water or a soda, and $1 for coffee or tea. You guessed it, US is no longer offering free snacks either!
Additional Expenses- Delta If you're booking a free flight using your SkyMiles, you may be surprised to learn that Delta will be charging you a fuel surcharge - $25 for domestic flights, $50 for international.
- Jet Blue I fell in love with Jet Blue when my kids were younger, as they were at the time the only airline to offer in-flight entertainment. If you're also a Jet Blue fan, be prepared to spend an extra $15 for seats with extra leg room, and $7 for a pillow/blanket set. Jet Blue no longer offers free head sets, but you can bring your own or purchase a set from your steward or stewardess.
- US Air This airline is also charging for premium seating, with a cost of $5 or more for window and aisle seats near the front of the plane. These seats are available to certain preferred customers at no extra charge.
Finding Your Best Air Fare I am by no means criticizing the airlines for imposing these extra charges. In fact I commend them for managing to continue to offer cheap air fares in a time of crisis.
You, as a customer, can be proactive in finding the best possible deal for your situation. If you're planning an extended trip and will be checking several bags, it will be in your best interest to know just how much extra that will cost you. If you're going away for a long weekend and just need a carry-on, luggage costs won't affect your price
One last thing to be aware of when booking flights online...that is the issue of additional fees and surcharges. Many online booking sites advertise the price of flights before fees and surcharges, displaying the real cost only after you've entered your credit card and passenger information. At that point many people either don't notice the price difference or can't be bothered to begin the whole searching process all over.
If you'd like to book flights through an online agency that includes all fees and surcharges in the initial advertised price, this link might be helpful to you. I hope I've helped you to get your best possible deal on a flight, so you can spend your money on the destination rather than the journey. Enjoy!!!
  
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