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10 Tips for Ducking Flying Fees

Don't check luggage, don't select your seat, and BYO pillow

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 15, 2011 12:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – As if things weren't financially miserable enough, it's gradually becoming even more expensive to travel. Domestic airfare prices spiked 8% from last year, and airlines are pulling out every stop to eke out more revenue. Here are some steps you can take to avoid unnecessary flying fees, courtesy of FoxBusiness:

  • Print Your Own Boarding Pass: Don't wait until you get to the check-in counter to have your ticket printed. Do it at home. Spirit Airlines, for one, is charging $5 to print it for you.
  • Don't Select Your Own Seat: Many airlines including AirTran and Spirit are charging an extra fee for allowing passengers to pick their seat ... to the tune of $6 to $20.
  • Bring Your Own Pillow: American Airlines is now charging $8 for a blanket and pillow package.
  • Avoid Checking Luggage: American and Delta Airlines demand $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second one. Packing a carry-on only will dodge these fees.

Stock up on more cheap travel hints here.

Airline fees keep going up and up and up.
Airline fees keep going up and up and up.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
HarryBeaver
Oct 18, 2011 2:26 PM CDT
They should create a vacuum in the passenger compartment, and charge $300 for an oxygen mask.
Mad
Oct 16, 2011 7:05 AM CDT
So true!  I took a train cross-country last time and only paid a few dollars more (and three days travel time) yet had a great experience I shall never forget.  Met many interesting folks and really got to see America vs watching the clouds.  Highly recommend this mode of travel.  (But get a sleeper car.  No fun sleeping in the seats.)
Tis_I
Oct 15, 2011 12:32 PM CDT
#11 - Don't fly - The airlines have gotten so bad, they should be paying us to fly. Trains are nice - although they're getting expensive too, but it's a comfortable ride, seats are comfy, food is good, meeting and talking with people is nice, and you can get off at some of the stops and stretch your legs. You do to have more time for the trlp, but it is usually less stressful by train than by air.
 

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