Travel Tips

Six Airline Fees You Should Know About

Airline Fees
Spot the hidden charges before you fly

Airline fees are sky high and only climbing — passengers paid $7.1 billion in checked bag and flight-change fees in 2016 alone. Here are the “gotcha” charges to watch for before your next trip.

1 Why Airline Fees Keep Climbing

Airline fees are sky high and they’re only on their way up. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office estimates that passengers paid $7.1 billion in checked bag fees and flight changes in 2016. And consumers aren’t happy about it. In fact, a federal appeals court revived a lawsuit against Spirit Airlines by passengers who were victims of unexpected carry-on bag fees. According to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, 22 passengers could sue for breach of contract because, among other things, there were “ambiguities” in the prices the passengers had to pay.

“Gotcha” fees are not unusual and, most of the time, passengers are not even aware that they are falling victim to sneaky billing practices. Here are fees to look for when you travel:

2 Carry-On Bag Fees

Although some airlines will let you bring a bag for free, others offer basic economy seats that have a per carry-on bag fee if you’re using overhead space.

3 Cancellation and Change Fees

Changed your travel plans? Pay the airline. Fees can range anywhere from $200 for domestic flights and up to $750 for international flights. The only exception is if you book a non-refundable ticket seven days in advance of your flight. In that case, the U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that you can cancel or change your reservation within 24 hours without paying any fees.

4 Seat Selection Fees

Want to pick your own seat? There’s a fee for that. Some airlines charge for window, aisle or extra leg room seats, while others charge for seat selection if you’re choosing more than 24 hours prior to a flight.

5 Wi-Fi, Comfort, and Phone Booking Fees

With the exception of Jet Blue, most airlines charge a fee for in-flight Wi-Fi.

Tired? Chilly? Taking the red-eye and trying to get some sleep? You’ll have to pay if you want a blanket or pillow on certain airlines.

Most of us book our flights online, but if you’re hoping to talk to a human being and book over the phone, be on the lookout for a fee.

Airlines are not the only ones with hidden fees. Chances are, you’re paying unexpected fees for services like wireless, internet, cable, satellite or home security. Send your monthly bills to Billshark and we will work hard to lower your bill so that you never overpay again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much did passengers pay in airline fees?

A report from the Government Accountability Office estimates that passengers paid $7.1 billion in checked bag fees and flight changes in 2016. These fees are sky high and only on their way up, which is why a federal appeals court revived a lawsuit against Spirit Airlines over unexpected carry-on bag fees and pricing ambiguities.

Will I be charged for a carry-on bag?

It depends on the airline. Some airlines will let you bring a bag for free, but others offer basic economy seats that have a per carry-on bag fee if you're using overhead space. Check your fare type and airline policy before you travel so an unexpected carry-on charge doesn't catch you off guard at the gate.

How much are cancellation and change fees?

Change fees can range anywhere from $200 for domestic flights and up to $750 for international flights. The only exception is if you book a non-refundable ticket seven days in advance of your flight. In that case, the U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that you can cancel or change your reservation within 24 hours without paying any fees.

Do airlines charge for seat selection?

Yes, many do. Some airlines charge for window, aisle or extra leg room seats, while others charge for seat selection if you're choosing more than 24 hours prior to a flight. Picking your own seat can come with a fee, so review the costs during booking before you commit to a specific spot.

What other hidden airline fees should I watch for?

Watch for in-flight Wi-Fi fees, which most airlines charge with the exception of Jet Blue. You may also pay for blankets or pillows on certain airlines, and there can be a fee if you book over the phone instead of online. These “gotcha” fees often surprise passengers who aren't expecting them.

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Six Airline Fees You Should Know About is a Billshark resource with information and navigation relevant to recurring bills, consumer choices, and savings decisions.

Airline fees can sting: bag, change, seat, Wi-Fi, and phone-booking charges add up fast. Learn the 6 fees to watch before you fly and how to save now.

Visitors can use this page to review Billshark information and continue to the route that best matches their savings, support, or account needs.

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Airline fees are sky high and only climbing — passengers paid $7.1 billion in checked bag and flight-change fees in 2016 alone.

Airline fees are sky high and they’re only on their way up.

“Gotcha” fees are not unusual and, most of the time, passengers are not even aware that they are falling victim to sneaky billing practices.

Although some airlines will let you bring a bag for free, others offer basic economy seats that have a per carry-on bag fee if you’re using overhead space.

Changed your travel plans?.

Want to pick your own seat?.

With the exception of Jet Blue, most airlines charge a fee for in-flight Wi-Fi.

Tired?.

Most of us book our flights online, but if you’re hoping to talk to a human being and book over the phone, be on the lookout for a fee.

Airlines are not the only ones with hidden fees.

A report from the Government Accountability Office estimates that passengers paid $7.1 billion in checked bag fees and flight changes in 2016.

It depends on the airline.

Change fees can range anywhere from $200 for domestic flights and up to $750 for international flights.

Yes, many do.

Watch for in-flight Wi-Fi fees, which most airlines charge with the exception of Jet Blue.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

1 Why Airline Fees Keep Climbing.

2 Carry-On Bag Fees.

3 Cancellation and Change Fees.

4 Seat Selection Fees.

5 Wi-Fi, Comfort, and Phone Booking Fees.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How much did passengers pay in airline fees?.

Will I be charged for a carry-on bag?.

How much are cancellation and change fees?.

Do airlines charge for seat selection?.

What other hidden airline fees should I watch for?.

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