Airline junk fees: How to avoid hidden flight fees

What are airline junk fees and how can you avoid them? Baggage, picking your seat, and booking charges can inflate the initial ticket price. Avoid these fees by:

• Pack light and weigh your bags before traveling to avoid excess baggage fees.
• Check in online to avoid airport check-in fees.
• Consider fare bundling.

Airline junk fees can add significant costs to your base ticket price, often doubling the original fare through fees for baggage, seat selection, and booking services. Understanding these fees and knowing how to avoid them can help you save money and get better value from your air travel.

What are airline junk fees?

Airline junk fees are additional charges that airlines add to the base fare of your flight ticket. These hidden airline fees often appear during the booking process or at the airport, ranging from seat selection to baggage fees. While some fees are unavoidable, many can be minimized or eliminated with proper planning and knowledge.

The impact of these fees can vary significantly between regions and carriers. For instance, while budget airlines often charge for add-on services, some non-budget airlines are starting to charge extra fees for other services. Some carriers still include checked baggage and meals in their base fares – understanding these differences can help you make more informed booking decisions.

Why do airlines add extra fees?

Many airlines have adopted a business model that highlights low base fares while generating additional revenue through supplementary fees. This strategy helps them stay competitive in initial flight searches while also allowing them to boost revenue through add-on services. The practice became more common as airlines explored new ways to generate new revenue streams, especially in response to economic challenges and increased competition in the travel industry.

Hidden fees

Let's explore the most common hidden fees you might encounter when booking flights and how they impact your total travel costs.

Booking fees

Many airlines charge booking fees when you purchase tickets through their website or call center. These fees can vary significantly between carriers and might appear as "service charges" or "convenience fees." Some airlines even charge extra for booking with a human agent rather than using their online platform. It’s sometimes possible to get these fees waived.

Bag fees

Baggage fees represent one of the largest additional costs when flying. While most airlines still offer a free carry-on bag, size and weight restrictions have become increasingly strict. Checked baggage fees can vary based on weight, route, and whether you pre-book online or pay at the airport. Some airlines charge more if you don’t pay for your checked bag in advance.

Long-haul flights often have different baggage policies than short-haul routes. For instance, many international carriers include one checked bag for intercontinental flights but charge for baggage on regional routes. Seasonal variations also exist, with some airlines increasing baggage fees during peak travel periods.

Seat selection fees

Selecting your preferred seat has become a premium service for many airlines. While basic random seat assignments might be free, choosing specific seats—especially those with extra legroom or near exits—may require payment. The charge typically depends on the flight’s duration and seat location.

Families or large groups face particular challenges with seat selection fees. While some airlines guarantee free seating for children under 12 with their parents, others charge for any seat selection which could lead to additional costs for families who want to sit together.

Flight change fees

Flight modification fees can be substantial, sometimes costing more than the original ticket price. While some airlines have introduced more flexible booking policies recently, especially within the US, many still charge significant amounts for changing flight dates or times, especially on basic fare tickets.

Change fees can vary based on factors such as:

• How far in advance you make the change
• Your destination
• The fare class of your ticket
• Whether you're changing to a more or less expensive flight
• Peak vs. off-peak travel periods

Even if a ticket or airline advertises no change fees, note that you’ll typically still be responsible for paying the fare difference if you choose to change your ticket.

Priority boarding payments

Priority boarding offers passengers the option of earlier access to the cabin and overhead storage space. This paid service can be particularly useful for passengers who prefer to settle in early or want to ensure space for their carry-on baggage.

The value of priority boarding varies significantly based on the airport and aircraft type. At airports with remote stands, priority boarding might mean first access to the bus rather than the plane, potentially defeating its purpose.

In-flight food and beverage fees

Most short-haul flights no longer include complimentary meals or snacks. On-board refreshments may be available for purchase during your flight, with prices typically higher than those found in airports or stores. While many long-haul flights include complimentary beverages, some short-haul routes require payment for all drinks and snacks, sometimes even including water.

Long-haul flights typically include meals, but premium snacks and alcoholic beverages often cost extra. Some airlines have introduced pre-order systems that offer discounts compared to onboard prices.

Credit and debit card surcharges

Some airlines still add surcharges for paying by credit card, though this practice has been restricted in many regions. Keep an eye out for processing fees or foreign transaction charges when booking with international carriers.

Different payment methods can incur varying fees:

• Credit cards: 1–3% surcharge
• International payment methods: Additional processing fees
• Bank transfers: Sometimes offered at a discount
• Digital wallets: May help avoid certain fees

Boarding pass and check-in fees

Some airlines charge fees for printing boarding passes at the airport or for checking in at the counter rather than online. Budget carriers are particularly known for these fees, using them to encourage online check-in and reduce airport staff workload.

The fees typically vary based on:

• Whether you're checking in online or at the airport
• If you need your boarding pass printed at the check-in desk
• The airport location (fees may be higher at certain airports)
• Whether you're flying during peak periods

Many airlines require passengers to check in online and arrive with a pre-printed boarding pass or digital version on their mobile device to avoid these fees. Some even set strict deadlines for online check-in, charging penalties if you miss the window.

Tips to avoid hidden airline fees

Be careful with add-ons

Consider these strategies to minimize additional fees:

• Pack light and measure and weigh your bags before traveling to avoid excess baggage fees.
• Check in online to avoid airport check-in fees.
• Consider whether priority boarding is worth the extra cost.
• Book seats during the initial purchase if they're important to you as prices often increase closer to departure.
• Look for airlines that include checked baggage in their base fare if you need to travel with larger luggage.
• Bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security.
• Compare total prices including all fees rather than just the base fare when booking.
• Compare package pricing to purchasing the add-ons you care about individually, especially if you want more than one add-on.

Time your bookings strategically

Strategic timing can significantly reduce the impact of airline fees on your travel budget. Booking during off-peak seasons often means airlines reduce their additional fees to attract more passengers, while making reservations three to six months in advance typically gives you access to the best fare options with more flexibility.

Keep an eye out for promotions, and consider scheduling your flights for mid-week when both base fares, and sometimes additional fees, are lower. This approach to timing your bookings can lead to substantial savings on your overall travel costs.

Similarly, you can set price alerts or check back regularly for flights where you know you need to book in advance, and watch for a sale.

Consider fare bundling

While basic economy fares might seem cheapest, bundled fares can offer better value:

• Calculate the total cost including all necessary add-ons
• Compare bundle prices across different airlines
• Look for promotional bundle deals during off-peak periods
• Consider whether premium economy might offer better value than economy plus add-ons

Know your passenger rights

Being well-informed about your passenger rights can help you avoid paying unnecessary fees and claim rightful compensation when things go wrong. Familiarize yourself with airline compensation policies for delayed or canceled flights (like EU 261), and know exactly when carriers must provide meals or accommodations due to disruptions.

Understanding baggage liability limits can be crucial if your luggage is lost or damaged, while being aware of cancellation rights and cooling-off periods might save you from paying excessive cancellation fees. Airlines count on passengers not knowing their rights, so having this knowledge puts you in a stronger position to avoid or challenge unfair fees.

Making smart booking decisions to avoid junk fees on flights

Remember that the cheapest base fare isn't always the best value once you factor in all the extras you need. Take time to calculate the total cost of your trip, including any essential add-ons, before making your booking decision.

By understanding and anticipating these fees, you can make more informed decisions about your flight bookings and avoid unnecessary fees. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, and consider which extras are truly worth the additional cost for your specific travel needs.