Are you sick of paying loads of money to travel by air? Here are four new airline fees... and ways to get around them.*Beverages
Implemented on August 1, '08, airlines are now charging for soft drinks and bottled water. Paying for a soda seems reasonable. However few consumers are OK with having to pay for a glass of water during a flight, especially since the water on tap is rarely potable.
Solution: Bring an empty water bottle with you through security. Once you are past the security clearance, hit up the nearest water fountain. Bottled water is sold at the airport, but it will probably cost more than on the plane itself.
*Checked Luggage
American, United and US Airways are making you pay for the first checked bag. Their excuse? The rising cost for fuel. According to the CNN report, airlines have been waiting for an excuse to add extra charges for a long time. If fuel costs decrease, the price of a checked bag will most probably stick.
Solution: Continental and Delta Airlines have a free first bag allowance. Try to book a flight on an airline that won't charge you to check a bag. If that's not the case, you could ship your bags, or carry on your bags. Do the math, a $15 charge for a bag might be a bargain compared to what The Postal Service charges.
*Award Tickets
Airlines have added "fees" to award tickets and frequent flier miles, and have raised the number of miles required for free tickets. on August 15, '08, Delta is adding a $25 surcharge for award travel.
Solution: Cash in your frequent flier miles, or use them for something else. Your award tickets depreciate over time, so take the cash.
*Unaccompanied Minors
These fees have always been in place, but the fees are now rising. Alaska Airlines raised its fee from $30-$75. Spirit Airlines raised its fee from $50-$75. Many legacy airlines have raised their fees to $100.
Solution: Accompany that minor this summer. It will probably end up costing the same, and you can take a vacation too. You can also choose an airline with lower fees. Jetblue charges $25 less than big airlines.
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