Choosing an airline is a game of comparing prices of flights by themselves or flights with hotel accommodations.
There are over a dozen popular sites out there that aim to provide the cheapest deals.
What happens is that we often find the perfect deal, book the flight, go on your trip and come back having paid more than what you thought you were going to pay.
This is just for your flight and not your actual vacation.
What happened in between the time you arrived to the airport, took off and came back to the airport? The answer is airline fees and many of us are subject to these without even realizing it.
The key is to start traveling smart in order to actually save money on airline fees.
Below are some helpful tips and pointers to watch out for when it comes to these unnecessary fees.
Don't Wait to the Last Minute When you book flights last minute, not only are they more expensive, but you don't have much flexibility with seats.
Be first and you get to choose the best seat.
Many people want a seat in the exit row and have to pay anywhere from $15 to over $100.
Some airlines are charging extra for window seat requests.
The sooner you check in, the higher the chance of not paying for the seat you want.
Go to the Website to Book Using a phone to book a flight was commonplace a decade ago and now it seems to be a hassle.
How do we know? Because airlines are starting to charge extra when you book over the phone.
To avoid this unprecedented fee, just go directly to the airline website and book your flight there.
This option is probably more convenient for people these days anyways.
Be Sure of Your Plans Avoid any changes to your flight dates at all costs.
Most airlines will charge you over $100 to make any changes, other than Southwest Airlines.
The only way to prevent this is knowing exactly when you want to go and doing all the research ahead of time.
It is just not worth it to spend extra money changing or canceling a flight, unless there is an emergency.
Pack Lightly Most airlines are changing carry-on and luggage regulations.
The less you pack in your carry on, the less you will have to pay.
If it is winter time, aim to wear as many layers as possible and simply pack lightly.
Do not take bulky items and always make sure you are following airline rules for toiletries.
To avoid extra luggage fees, make sure to check in only one bag.
Airlines charge for every bag you check in, and the second bag is often double the cost.
Try to have a carry-on and a lightly-packed suitcase and you will not have to pay ridiculously more.
Bring Your Own Blanket What used to be in-flight luxuries are now extra expenses.
That means your cup of soda, a pillow and blanket are no longer "on the house.
" Most airlines are charging for these amenities so you are better off bringing your own blanket and travel pillow as well as a few snacks.
There are over a dozen popular sites out there that aim to provide the cheapest deals.
What happens is that we often find the perfect deal, book the flight, go on your trip and come back having paid more than what you thought you were going to pay.
This is just for your flight and not your actual vacation.
What happened in between the time you arrived to the airport, took off and came back to the airport? The answer is airline fees and many of us are subject to these without even realizing it.
The key is to start traveling smart in order to actually save money on airline fees.
Below are some helpful tips and pointers to watch out for when it comes to these unnecessary fees.
Don't Wait to the Last Minute When you book flights last minute, not only are they more expensive, but you don't have much flexibility with seats.
Be first and you get to choose the best seat.
Many people want a seat in the exit row and have to pay anywhere from $15 to over $100.
Some airlines are charging extra for window seat requests.
The sooner you check in, the higher the chance of not paying for the seat you want.
Go to the Website to Book Using a phone to book a flight was commonplace a decade ago and now it seems to be a hassle.
How do we know? Because airlines are starting to charge extra when you book over the phone.
To avoid this unprecedented fee, just go directly to the airline website and book your flight there.
This option is probably more convenient for people these days anyways.
Be Sure of Your Plans Avoid any changes to your flight dates at all costs.
Most airlines will charge you over $100 to make any changes, other than Southwest Airlines.
The only way to prevent this is knowing exactly when you want to go and doing all the research ahead of time.
It is just not worth it to spend extra money changing or canceling a flight, unless there is an emergency.
Pack Lightly Most airlines are changing carry-on and luggage regulations.
The less you pack in your carry on, the less you will have to pay.
If it is winter time, aim to wear as many layers as possible and simply pack lightly.
Do not take bulky items and always make sure you are following airline rules for toiletries.
To avoid extra luggage fees, make sure to check in only one bag.
Airlines charge for every bag you check in, and the second bag is often double the cost.
Try to have a carry-on and a lightly-packed suitcase and you will not have to pay ridiculously more.
Bring Your Own Blanket What used to be in-flight luxuries are now extra expenses.
That means your cup of soda, a pillow and blanket are no longer "on the house.
" Most airlines are charging for these amenities so you are better off bringing your own blanket and travel pillow as well as a few snacks.