Planning a trip? That bargain airfare you just scored might not be such a steal. Forbes recently reported that airlines have gotten incredibly creative with their fee structures, and what looks like a $200 flight can easily balloon to $400 or more by the time you board.
While most travelers expect checked baggage fees, the U.S. Department of Transportation points out that there’s a whole ecosystem of charges tucked into the fine print.
These extra costs can catch even seasoned flyers off guard and turn budget-friendly getaways into bigger financial headaches than expected.
Seat selection turns choosing your spot into a luxury
Picking a seat used to be included in the price, but those days have changed. According to NerdWallet, major airlines may charge anywhere from $10 to $150 just to select your seat ahead of time, depending on location and legroom.
Basic economy fares can be the least flexible: United Airlines and others often assign random seats at check-in unless you pay for your preference.
Even regular coach spots near the front might run $25 to $50 each way. The Points Guy notes that more than half of travelers now pay extra to avoid being split from travel companions or placed in less desirable rows.
Many airline-branded credit cards offer benefits that can help mitigate extra costs. For instance, certain cards provide free checked bags, priority boarding, or travel credits that can be applied to seat selection fees. Review the perks associated with your credit cards to maximize savings on your next flight.
Knowing these seat-related fees in advance can help you better compare total flight costs, not just the base fare.
Priority boarding commands premium prices
Overhead bin space has turned into prime real estate. Delta and American Airlines now charge $15 to $75 per passenger for early boarding.
According to Travel + Leisure, late boarders may find that there’s no overhead bin space available, with gate-checking sometimes necessary. NerdWallet highlights that some early-boarding options bundle in perks like legroom or a complimentary beverage, though they still mean paying more for previously standard access.
If you travel frequently, consider choosing a credit card that offers priority boarding or complimentary checked bags. The Points Guy suggests that airline-branded cards may include annual credits or benefits that help offset yearly fees and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Change and cancellation fees can exceed your ticket price
Flight changes and cancellations can get expensive, with Forbes reporting fees that start at $75 to $200 for domestic flights and rise to $400 or more for international routes.
The U.S. Department of Transportation explains these charges may still apply even if you pick a cheaper replacement flight.
Many airlines reduced or paused these fees briefly during the pandemic, but United Airlines and others have added restrictions back, particularly for basic economy fares.
To avoid these costly surprises, consider booking flexible fares or using online tools like Google Flights, which allow you to filter for tickets with no change fees. Sites like Hopper also flag flights with flexible cancellation policies or let you add low-cost protection for peace of mind.
Airport check-in triggers surprising charges
If you forget to check in online, some budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier may charge $25 to $45 for checking in at the counter.
Spirit’s website outlines this policy, and CNBC notes that technology issues during busy travel times might still require travelers to pay if online check-in fails.
Carry-on fees flip traditional logic
Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant may charge $30 to $65 for a carry-on bag, as reported by The Points Guy. Forbes points out that in some cases, checking a bag may cost even less than bringing it onboard. Frontier’s size limits for personal items are strict; exceeding them can add fees.
You can save by packing light and choosing personal items that fit under standard seat requirements. Experts at NerdWallet recommend investing in a compact under-seat bag that meets airline size rules, as this may help you avoid both carry-on and checked-luggage fees.
In-flight refreshments rival airport prices
Complimentary snacks and drinks are rare. United and Delta’s menus list water for $4 to $5, snack boxes for $10 to $15, and alcoholic drinks at $8 to $12.
NerdWallet found that even a blanket or pillow could cost $5 to $10.
Security restrictions may limit beverage choices to what’s sold on in the airport or on-board; bring a usable water bottle and fill it at a station in the terminal before boarding.
Pet fees rival human fares
Traveling with a pet often means paying substantial fees. American Airlines lists in-cabin charges from $125 to $200 each way, and some airlines charge $500 or more for animals in cargo.
According to the CDC, international travel may add more costs, including quarantine and paperwork. Since 2021, only service animals are fee-exempt, per the Department of Transportation.
Outsmarting the fee game
To control costs, consider researching all possible fees, signing up for airline loyalty programs, or choosing flights with the perks you value most.
Forbes and The Points Guy note that making informed decisions about services, extras, and travel tools may help minimize financial stress and bring a more predictable budget to your next trip.
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