Hello All,
This post is about some of the charges that the airlines charge you for to recover the cost lost due to poor management or high fuel cost. I was tipped of to this info by another blogger (Charles Goodwin) Thanks for the heads up Charles! You can still get around some of these charges if your proactive about your trip preparations. The more you think ahead the easier things become so be smart and enjoy your trip.
This is the website I would go to for cost comparison accumulated during your trip that you may be able to change! http://www.compareairlinefees.com/
Carry-on Luggage Fee
Beware. If your carry on luggage exceeds the allowable limits you may be subject to a charge for your 1st piece of luggage.
1st Checked Luggage Fee
Jet Blue and Delta Air Lines do not charge a fee for the first piece of luggage you check in...but many do!
Many of the major U.S. airlines are now charging $10 to $15 for a first piece of checked luggage.
Fighting for Freedom, No Need to Fight the Fees!
* Southwest Airlines has long made an exception for its active military Customers by waiving any fees for overweight, oversize, and excess baggage checked while on assignment. Southwest supported that tradition by making it a formal policy in January 2008. We realize that many Soldiers have recently faced the burden of extra fees from other carriers, and want to make it extremely clear that, once again, Southwest Airlines is different. When many airlines have added fees, our unique policy continues to allow our Employees to waive fees and charges associated with overweight, oversize, and excess baggage (more than 2 checked bags) for active duty U.S. Military Personnel or U.S. Reserve/National Guard traveling on military orders. Southwest continues to offer all Customers two checked bags free of charge.
All such bags must still fall within the maximum weight and size limitations for baggage.
Those limitations are: up to and including 100 pounds and no more than 80 inches (LxWxH).
Passengers should customize there baggage to their trip. In the summer time people travel much lighter in weight than they do in the winter time. So if you know where your going and weather is usually good day and night the unless your going to a special event IE weddings, graduations and the like where a suit or dress clothes are required you should be packing lighter than normal. (See my previous post about shipping baggage via UPS and FedEx)
2nd Checked Luggage Fee
Midwest Airlines and Southwest do not charge for your second piece of luggage..but most others do...be aware!
Many airlines charge $25 each way for a second piece of checked baggage ($50 roundtrip per extra bag). However, there are still a few standouts.
3rd Checked Luggage Fee
Southwest has low 3rd checked bag fees...but other airlines can charge a hefty fee so be prepared.
Five major airlines charge $100 for the third bag each way.
Oversize Luggage Fee
Southwest & Alaska airlines have lower oversized bag fees than most...but other airlines can charge hefty fees.
Oversized fees range from $29 to $150, depending on the airline. Two categories: 62-80 inches, 80-115 inches.
Overweight Luggage Fee
Southwest and Delta have the most reasonable overweight bag fees (up to 70lbs)...but expect to pay a lot everywhere else.
Basic bag limit is 50 lbs. Includes length, height, and width limitations (longest 62 inches). For bags 50-70 lbs fees are generally $50-80. 71-100 lbs are $100-$250. Nothing allowed over 100 lbs (must go cargo).
Know what you can carry on to keep from being delayed or having something you want to keep from being confiscated by the airline or TSA.
Remember if TSA wants to confiscate something you have at the security check point they can and they will not let you mail it to yourself, take it back to a car or return it to you.
Ex: Carry On Baggage: Midwest Airlines
Each passenger is allowed one item to be carried onboard the aircraft, provided it can be stowed beneath the seat or in an overhead compartment. Midwest Airlines may allow any of the following pieces in addition to the one-piece limitation, provided there is ample storage space:
• One standard hard or soft shell briefcase (not larger than 6"W x 15"H x 18"L)
• One handbag (pocketbook or purse)
• One umbrella
• One overcoat or wrap
• A reasonable amount of reading material
• One camera
• One infant seat (provided a ticket has been purchased for the infant)
• One infant bag when traveling with an infant
• Crutches/canes/braces or other assistive devices
• Fragile items or items of extraordinary value
Curbside Check-In Fee
American and Continental do not charge for curbside check-in...but others do airlines do so be aware.
The convenience of avoiding the check-in lines will now cost you $2 to $3. And this new fee does not include the tip.
Tip at least $1 per bag or $5 for 3 bags heavy or not. If you want your bags to go to your destination with you make sure you know the city code (3 letter identifier) for your destination. Don't assume the sky cap knows the city code for your destination...You know it!!! Watch the skycap tag your bags and watch them put it into the system to be sent down to the secure baggage area from the curbside and don't leave until it's gone so that you know that it has at least been sent into the system physically not potentially forgotten curbside and misses the flight due to the time lost up at curbside. Don't be late or rushing either, plan ahead and don't piss these employees off because they can have your bag going around the world without you. Most of them are very good at what they do but there are always bad apples and bad days!!!
Pick Premium Seat Fee
Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines do not charge you to pick a great seat ...but other airlines do charge an extra fee.
If you choose to sit in a premium seat, you will find yourself paying a $10-$20 fee. On some airlines, these include aisle or window seats in the first several rows in coach. Others charge for exit rows or certain -choice- seats.
Meals/Snack Box Fee
Continental is the best place to get a free meal these days on many flights...on other flights you will have pay.
Your mid-trip food urges are also going to cost you more when traveling. Aside from the overpriced food in airports, now a 4 oz. bag snack will cost $2 to $5.
If your going to pay for overpriced foods in the airport why don't you get what you really want? Gourmet sandwiches and Subway type sandwiches have the best "out of refrigeration" life. Don't put oils on your sandwich and order the largest sandwich you can get, like a footlong and eat 6inches at a time. if you get delayed or the flight diverts you have food at least to tie you over until you can get something else. Don't ever expect a flight to depart or arrive on time or land at the planned destination. Weather can change dramatically in a couple of hours which could effect where your flight lands and when.
Beverage Fee
United and Delta do not charge for non-alcoholic beverages...but some airlines do.
Be aware! Some airlines are now charging for water, soft drinks and coffeee.
Alcohol Fee
Southwest and American have some of the lowest fees for alcoholic drinks...but expect to pay more on other airlines.
Beverages are ranging $2 to $7, depending on the drink chosen. A few standouts are still free.
Movie Fee
JetBlue & Delta have reasonable fees to watch a movie...but movies on other airlines may be free.
A few who charge are in the range of $5. Some airlines -- like Southwest -- do not offer in-flight movies at all.
Headphones Fee
JetBlue has a low charge for headphones...other may require you bring an adaptor to you your own. Be aware.
Headphones will range from $1 to $5. These are disposable, which means you get the keep them.
Save Now!
Optional. Only charged to passengers who want the service while flying.
Satellite TV Fee
JetBlue offers free Satellite TV on every flight...but airlines may make you pay for this entertainment
Economy-class customers will access the system by paying a $6 access fee.
Satellite Radio Fee
AirTran offers free Satellite radio on most flights...but airlines may make you pay for this entertainment
No airlines have this yet.
Phone Reservation Fee
AirTran & Midwest charge the least for booking a ticket over the phone...other airlines may charge double.
"If you find a fare you like and try to pick up the phone to book it directly through the airline, your fees will vary, although booking a ticket through an airline's Web site is typically still free." If you call, fees will run you from $10 to $25.
Ticket Change Fee
Southwest and Alaska Airlines have some of the lowest fees to change your ticket...other airlines charge you a lot!
On a few discount airlines, after you have a reservation, if you buy a cheap ticket, changing it is likely to cost you in a higher fare, especially the closer you get to the fly date. The major airlines all charge a whopping $75 to $150 fee in addition to the cost of your original ticket price.
Cancellation Fee
Most airlines let you cancel a ticket within 24 hours of purchase...but some airlines may charge a fee.
Southwest has no cancellation fees. However, if your ticket is nonrefundable, then you only get a credit that can be used against a future flight one year from the date of your original, cancelled flight. The major airlines all charge $75 to $150 to change your reservation or rebook your flight.
Confirmed Stand-By Fee
American and Delta Airlines have lower same day stand-by fees...but some airlines may you buy another ticket first.
One airline offers a same-day confirmed flight change for $25 but travelers can also opt to test their luck the old-fashioned way without paying the fee. There’s no safety net though if a plane is full, which is very likely now with reduced capacity.
Required if the airline charges for it.
Upgrade Service Fee
AirTran & Northwest have reasonable upgrade policies...but charge large fees to upgrade your ticket.
Upgrades to more legroom range from $14 to $109, depending on trip distance.
Optional. Only charged if the customer desires the better seat.
Pet Transport Fee
AirTran and Spirit have the lowest fees to take Fido...but some airlines do not take pets so be aware.
Airlines charge $69 to $100 for flyers to bring Spot onboard. And some of the smaller discount airlines don't allow pets onboard at all.
Required if flying with a pet.
Unaccomp. Minor Fee
Air Canada and Frontier Airlines have some of the lowest fees for unaccompanied minors...others charge a big fee!
Discount airlines don't charge while major airlines charge $75 to $100 (nonstop and connecting), one exception ranges from $39 to $69 for a minor travelling alone.
Required if a minor travels alone on a minor ticket.
Infant On Lap Fee
Most Airlines let you take an infant on your lap for free...but sometimes you have to pay an extra fee.
Though flying within the domestic U.S. with a lap-riding child is still free on many airlines, international travelers are charged 10%t of the published adult fare or higher for a child seated on a lap.
Required on airlines with such fees, regardless of using the same seat as the parent ticketholder.
Low Fare Refund Fee
Many airlines will refund the difference if your fare goes down...but there are often restrictions and a fee for the process.
Most of the major airlines don't have a lower fare refund fee per se. Instead, if you really want a fare change, they charge you a ticket change fee that can be as much as $100 for the change, nullifying many times the difference in fare you might have gained.
Optional. Only charged when a ticketholder requests a lower fare refund on a confirmed lower fare offering.
Pillow/ Blanket Fee
Many airlines offer free pillows and blankets...some airlines have eliminated them altogether. Be aware!
One airline charges $7.00 for a pillow an on another Comfort Packs will cost $2 to $3. A few major airlines are still free when it come to pillows.
Wi-Fi/ Email Fee
Wi-Fi/ Email are becoming popular...some airlines may be giving it away.
Wireless access fees will reach as much as $10 per flight. Alaska is the only airline with the service.
FF Award Ticket Fee
Many Airlines don?t charge to convert frequent flier miles to a ticket...but many airlines charge a fee for this service!
Be aware some airlines charge a fee.
Airline Lounge Fee
Most airlines have an airport lounge for first class passengers...but many let anyone use the lounge for a fee.
Most of the big airlines have a lounge for members in their major airport stops in the U.S. Annual memberships are available and the cost can total between $300 and $400 depending on frequent flyer status. Daily passes can be bought for the one-timer passenger but with wallets tighter than normal due to the economy it might not be the best thing to do if your traveling only a couple of times during the year and it's on your dime.
James Nielsen Chronicle
Victoria Osteen and her husband, Joel, sit in the courtroom as they talk with her attorney, Rusty Hardin, before jury selection in the trial of an airline flight attendant's lawsuit against Victoria.
After answering questions about their religious backgrounds and opinions on televangelists Wednesday, a jury of seven men and five women was picked to hear allegations today that Lakewood Church pastor and bestselling religious author Joel Osteen's wife assaulted a Continental flight attendant.
Sharon Brown is suing Lakewood co-pastor Victoria Osteen over an alleged altercation the two had on a plane before takeoff on Dec. 19, 2005. Brown is asking for medical and counseling expenses and 10 percent of Victoria Osteen's net worth in punitive damages.
Although he is not a party in the case, Osteen stayed at his wife's side as they walked through the downtown Harris County civil courthouse and sat in court as attorneys spoke to prospective jurors.
Both are expected to testify during the trial.
During jury selection Wednesday, attorneys interviewed 130 prospective jurors for the 12 spots on the jury.
One woman identified herself as a Continental flight attendant who knows Brown. At least 16 people said they had attended at least one service at Lakewood. Some said they had watched Osteen's weekly televised sermons, while others had read at least one of the pastor's books.
Ten people said they probably would give Victoria Osteen more deference because of her reputation.
"He has gotten me through a lot of tough times. I would believe what he has to say. I have a lot of respect for him," a prospective juror said of Joel Osteen.
Others said they didn't like ministers or televangelists.
The Osteens weren't the only famous faces in the courtroom. Former Houston Rocket James Posey was also on the panel, but was not picked for the jury.
Opening statements, scheduled for this morning, are expected to paint two vastly different pictures of Osteen's confrontation with Brown, after Osteen boarded and saw liquid on the armrest of her first-class seat to Vail, Colo.
Brown's attorneys will likely invoke images of privilege and arrogance by accusing Osteen of ordering another flight attendant to clean her seat, then raising her voice and finally trying to get into the plane's cockpit to talk to the pilot.
Attorney Reginald McKamie has said Osteen assaulted Brown as she stepped between Osteen and the cockpit.
Osteen's attorney, Rusty Hardin, is likely to say that his client, who was with her husband and children, asked for napkins to clean up the mess, then had a brief verbal confrontation with Brown before returning to her seat.
Brown claims she lost her religious faith and suffers from hemorrhoids because of the anxiety and trauma of the incident.
State District Judge Patricia Hancock said the trial is scheduled to last about a week, but may end sooner.
Osteen paid a $3,000 fine from the Federal Aviation Administration for interfering with a flight crew member, a fact seized on by Brown's attorney.
"Victoria Osteen was out of control," McKamie has said.
Hardin and Lakewood Church spokesman Don Illoff, who is also Victoria Osteen's brother, have said she didn't touch Brown.
The Osteens paid the FAA fine to put the incident behind them, Hardin said.
The problem is that its very difficult for a passenger to know what are aviation regulations, airline policies, and the whims of the stewardesses. Aviation regulations? Well you can purchase a copy of FAR 121 and have them at your disposal for some of the regulations. The problem is that each airline’s General Operations Manual and Operations Specifications, once agreed upon by the FAA and the airline, become regulatory. And they are airline specific, so whichever FAA office holds the airline’s operating certificate, determines how that airline will comply with its operating certificate. A good example is the mandatory window shades UP for takeoff. That is an FAA requirement by the office that administers that airline’s operating certificate even though you can connect onto another airline which does NOT have that requirement. American may have their operating certificate administered in Ft Worth, but one American Connection carrier has their operating certificate in St. Louis and another in Indy. You can be sure that neither of the latter 2 offices cede any authority to the Ft Worth FAA office. So one American connection carrier will tend to lean towards lessons learned from TWAs operating certificate and one will lean towards an office that administered ATA’s certificate, and neither care what the FAA office from the main brand (American Airlines) wants or thinks. So it can be confusing for passengers as well as airline employees. But there’s no doubt that the stewardesses like to make up new rules as they go along and we are left to comply or get off the plane. Sure, you might be vindicated when you find out that putting your foot in the aisle is NOT, in fact, an faa violation, but then you are still stuck in Tallahassee because you didn’t follow their rules. I think if stewardesses are so power-hungry, the first thing they should do is start calling themselves STEWARDS/STEWARDESSES again (meaning from STEWARDSHIP - being RESPONSIBLE for something) rather than the more mindless term flight attendant. If you just want to “ATTEND” the flight with us and not have any stewardship for it, then shut up and leave the passengers alone. Don’t blame us for the fact you hate the job title that implies responsibility and prefer the one that means you are just along loafing for the ride.
Hey JetBlue,
Better control your flight crews or you gonna get sued over and over again. People still are not over you holding them prisoners on planes for 5 to 8 hours with overflowing toilets. We have not forgotten that and we will not forget this.
I used to fly for one of the “majors carriers” and now travel about 140,000 a year on planes for my current job. As someone who (I think) can appreciate both sides of the equation, I’ve got to comment on how tired I am with having “Security” used as an excuse for just about anything a flight attendant wants to do or say. Complain about a bad meal and your likely to be accused of “threatening a crew member.” Don’t say “please” when asking for a soda and you’re likely to be accused of subversive, terrorist-like behavior. 90% of FAs do an amazing, awesome job, but its just a few key individuals who make up rules to suit their own needs, which sully the reputation of good flight attendants everywhere.
And to the FA who says that taking pics of FAs is illegal because terrorsit might be able “to study and copy” uniforms….so why wear uniforms at all then? Do you think people aren’t going to be able to study FAs walking through the terminal? Sitting in a hotel lobby? Waiting for the bus? I don’t believe for one second that not allowing pics onboard an airplane will prevent or even slightly delay another 9/11 attack if someone is bent on that idea.