How to avoid surprise fees when booking your next flight
Posted November 20, 2016 10:46 am.
Last Updated November 20, 2016 10:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We all like to find a great deal on a flight, but have you ever found you end up paying much more than you expected once fees and taxes are added?
A travel expert has some advice on how to avoid a surprise total as one US airline prepares to start offering “basic economy.”
Part of that new fare class with United-Continental is having to pay extra to store your carry-on bag in an overhead bin.
Travel expert Claire Newell says before you book that low-cost ticket, make sure you’re adding up taxes and fees for everything you might want, like access to those overhead compartments.
“Last year alone, there were 56 billion dollars raised in ancillary fees by 180 airlines worldwide. A lot of these carriers make a third of their revenue from these ancillary fees.”
Newell says to prevent being surprised by fees after booking, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when looking for that deal.
“So what is the actual fare with the taxes and fees for everything you might want, whether that’s a checked bag, a carry-on bag, assigned seating, all of that type of thing.”
Newell says the low, attractive fares will be at the top of lists on booking websites, and attract a lot of people.
