Let’s try to demystify some of the airfare and fees associated with air travel. Airfare and fees are always a concern (and sometimes a challenge!) when booking your vacation travel. Years ago, once you knew the price of your airfare, that was pretty much it; not anymore. Now there are often additional fees imposed by the airlines, not to mention the mandatory taxes and government fees that are part of the airfare.
The airfare itself is actually only a portion of what you perceive to be your airfare or ticket price.
The airlines often take a bad rap for the escalating ticket prices, but often it is the associated fees and taxes that drive that price up.
Did you know there is a September 11th Security Fee on every airline ticket you purchase? It is currently $5 per person, but TSA has asked repeatedly to have it increased; so far the airlines have been successful in fighting this. Also on domestic tickets there are usually fees for US Federal Transportation tax, US flight segments, and US Passenger Facility charges.
Did you know that if you are purchasing an international ticket that there will be fees for US Customs, US Immigration, International Surcharge, not to mention taxes and fees associated with the international airports. To give you real life examples, I recently purchased a ticket for myself for travel to Europe for $1152. The actual airfare was only $533, the rest were taxes and fees (including a $516 international fee) built in the ticket price! Amazing isn’t it? I also recently bought a ticket for domestic travel; the ticket cost was $196. The actual airfare on that ticket was only $162, the rest were taxes and fees built in to the ticket price. Most of these fees are built in to the airfare and can only be seen on an itemized airline receipt, but the taxes must be openly disclosed at the time of booking in most cases. (This may not apply to all types of air tickets).
Your ticket cost is now often only the beginning of your air travel expense. With the exception of Southwest and Jet Blue, all other US carriers charge fees for your first checked bag. With the exception of Southwest, all airlines charge if you wish to check a second bag. The first checked bag fees range from $14.99 to $25 with the majority of them being $25. The second checked bag fee ranges from $20 – $75. There can also be fees for carry-on bags (currently only on Allegiant and Spirit), additional bags, overweight or oversized bags, phone bookings, pets, unaccompanied minor, seat assignments, premium seat assignments, in flight food and beverages, pillows and blankets, and the ever dreaded change fees.
In this day and age, the air carriers you perceive to be the low-cost carriers may not be; it varies greatly by airport and destination. All airlines are required to disclose these additional fees up front.
When planning your vacation, working with a travel professional can really wade through these murky waters for you. We have the ability to find out where the value is for you. Remember, price is what you pay, value is what you get!
Kelley