
Tired of surprise fees from airlines? What you need to know about airline ancillary charges
Jan 8, 2015
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The air travel industry and the flying experience have changed significantly over the years. In the past, when you purchased an airline ticket, everything was included. Everything was paid for and you had nothing to worry about. Today, the airline ticket price you are quoted often does not include taxes, baggage fees, meals or snacks, or the ability to change your seat. These are extras, and it’s these fees that are catching passengers off guard.
In the airline industry, these additional charges are known as airline ancillary charges. Why are airlines tacking on the extra costs? Jay Sorensen is the president of IdeaWorks, a consulting group that tracks ancillary revenue. “Without ancillary revenue, the airline industry would be at a loss overall,” he says in Forbes.
These fees are proving to be a big business for airlines. In 2013 alone, the top 10 earners made more than $20 billion from ancillary fee revenue.
Although you may be aware of the common ancillary fees, there are some that could creep up on you when you check in for your flight at the airport. Here are the most common ancillary fees charged by airlines:
With so many changes to the airline industry in recent years, it’s important to stay on top of the latest developments and know what to look for when you’re ready to book a flight. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you book airfare:
“The moral of the story here is simple. The airfare you pay is the starting point, and it is rarely the total amount you will pay. So be careful when budgeting your trip, and since the airlines often like to call these ancillary fees ‘a la carte’ charges, then beat them at their own game, playing by their new set of ancillary fee rules. Pay for ONLY what you actually need,” says Peter Greenberg.
The last thing you want to worry about when you’re travelling or going on vacation is being charged unexpected fees. Make sure you know what you are paying for when you book your flight.