Hidden Fees Can Zap a Cheap Flight Price

Hidden fees seem to be the norm when it comes to traveling via air nowadays. More and more airlines are learning to offset the cost of their growing expenses by passing the buck on to their passengers, which can make what looks like a cheap flight on the surface turn into a more expensive flight than you had planned on. The modern traveler now has to really take a good look at the fine print that is often hiding behind the cost of their ticket in order to determine just how much they are really being charged when they hit the friendly skies. You can avoid this unpleasant surprise by knowing what to watch for when buying your ticket for a cheap flight to your next destination.

At first glance, many offers for airfare seem more than reasonable, but it is only when you discover what charges will be "tacked" on by the airline that you actually discover your expense for flying. Fees and taxes can take a cheap flight and turn it into a very expensive one in the blink of an eye. Most of the fees that are imposed on you as a traveler are actually those that are required by the U.S. government, but the airlines themselves are passing on fees that compensate them for things like jet fuel, more personnel at the airport to abide by increased restrictions on air travel, and more. You might also be paying a travel agent or other company a booking or processing fee. And if you are on a flight that must connect in one or more cities, look out. You may very well be charged fees more than once for flying in two "segments" of takeoffs and landings. Each fee in itself does not appear to be too grandiose; however, added all together, the taxes and fees on your ticket or a group of tickets for your family can be quite significant.

Look to pay government taxes on your cheap flight, and these can really add up. Within the U.S., domestic travelers are charged a fee known as the September 11th Security Fee, which is an extra $2.50 per ticket, per flight segment, but can be no more than $10 for a round trip flight. You will also pay the government 7.5% of the base ticket price as a transportation ticket tax. A flight segment fee of $3.30 per flight segment is also paid to Uncle Sam. Facility charges for passengers range from $4.50 to $18 depending on your destination. If you're flying to an international destination, be prepared to pay more, or if you're flying into the U.S. from another country; in fact, you might pay $200 or more in additional fees for international travel by way of the international departure and arrival tax. Flights from abroad also incur a $5 charge from the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection service, and an INS fee of $7 dollars. But it doesn't stop there. After the government and the airline have dipped into your pocket, online travel agencies may charge you as much as fifty bucks for booking your flight. Airlines might also charge you for switching your flight as well; some airlines charge $100 plus the cost of your new ticket to switch planes or flights. And if you don't want to print your ticket out yourself, you might pay another fifty dollars for the airline to do it for you. And unbelievably, some airlines will even charge you for selling you your airline ticket by phone. And don't forget baggage fees. Some airlines won't check a single bag for you without charging.

As a traveler, your best bet is to get an all-inclusive cheap flight and to read the fine print that accompanies your ticket in depth before paying for the ticket. Some travel companies will book your flight and pay all related fees, taxes, and other costs in with the cost.

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