Airline Fees - What's Next, Pay Toilets?

How many layers of clothes can you fit under your ski gear? Rather than a warning of a chilly Canadian winter, this is a question you should ask yourself to help avoid nasty new airline baggage fees.

Rising Fuel Costs = Rising Flight Costs

Whether or not airlines "need" to charge you more, they've got a pretty good excuse to. The cost of oil has recently topped $1.34 US/barrel. This cost, which is only predicted to increase, affects the bottom line of every industry dependant upon transportation of goods or in the case of airlines, people and goods.

Some airlines have decided to create new baggage charges. Others have gone with new fees corresponding to the distance of your journey:

$25 charge for second piece of checked luggage:

• United Airlines
• US Airways
• Continental Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Northwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• Air Canada Tango and Tango Plus

$15 charge for first piece of checked luggage:

• American Airlines (notice this name in the above list as well)

Canadian airline companies, West Jet and Air Canada have both implemented surcharges corresponding to the distance you fly. Fees range from $20 - $45 each way.

Find these new fees hard to stomach? Take a fist full of Gravol because we may just be glimpsing a snapshot of what's yet to come. Several American airline companies are considering following American Airline's lead and charging for the first checked bag. It seems likely that if another airline comes up with a new fee, the others won't be far behind.

Three Tips to Avoid Extra Fees

1. Fares Shmares - Compare final costs, rather than the advertised fare. These days it's too difficult to keep up-to-date on which airline is charging which fees. Select a flight you want to compare and take it to the payment stage to find out what you'll really pay.
2. Wear Three Sweaters in July - This may sound extreme (and even for the penny pinchers, it is) but the theme here is solid. If you're just on the verge of needing to bring another bag, consider wearing a few extra pieces of clothing while going through security. Airports are air-conditioned so even if it's 100 degrees outside you'll be alright wearing your warm and woolies for a few minutes. Once through security, you can strip down and extra clothes can be stowed in your overhead compartment.
3. Rent, Don't Lugg - The cost of renting ski and snowboard gear often beats the cost and hassle of transporting your own. If airlines aren't already charging an arm and a leg to carry your gear, they may be soon. Pre-booking your rentals online is quick, easy and inexpensive.