Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide

Archived Comments:

• Highland3r - June 25, 2008

  just downloaded your airfare fees guide - thank you for putting them all in one place, very helpful, i hope you can keep up with the airlines...

• TravelDad - June 26, 2008

  I'm actually surprised at how many "$0" and "not applicable" entries there are. Realistically, would the airlines holding out on these fees try to use them as points of distinction? In some cases you can "save" (so to speak) a good bit of money. Or, will they inevitably join ranks?

• myteemouse - June 26, 2008

  Southwest looks better than ever when compared to the other airlines in this chart. They are the only ones that don't nickel and dime their passengers to death. I hope they expand their route map as other airlines reduce capacity so I can fly on them more often. They are the only ones with a good business plan, i.e. treat your customers right.

• Bert Rogers - June 26, 2008

  TravelDad, I think Southwest does try to use all of the $0 stuff as a point of distinction in their ads. Course they don't mention the shoddy safety inspections, now do they? I dont care how cheap they are, I'm not flying an airline that's so fast and loose with its safety checkups.

• Bert Rogers - June 26, 2008

  p.s. great job on this chart. I fly all the time for work and will keep this pinned at my desk for when I'm comparing ticket prices. Very helpful.

• FFGuru - June 26, 2008

  You need to add fees for redeeming miles. As I understand it from http://www.usairways.com/awa/content...ooktravel.aspx USAirways already has a $40 "Award ticketing fee" which is mandatory for partner and star alliance tickets since they can not be booked online. And then effective 8/6 there is ALSO a $50 "Award processing fee" applicable for hawaii/international? So it will cost $90 to redeem a single international partner (e.g., star alliance) ticket using ones hard earned Dividend Miles! And that is before adding all those international taxes.

• Krutch77 - June 26, 2008

  just downloaded. very helpful. thx.

• Fed Up With The Airlines! - June 26, 2008

  this is great - will you be updating as the airlines inevitably add more fees and raise prices on existing ones?

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 26, 2008

  To: Fed Up With The Airlines, yes, we will be updating this chart regularly as new fees come along.

• sgrho1 - June 26, 2008

  I LOVE IT. Just what I need. Now I can do my best to avoid as many silly fees as possible. With a family a 4, even with gas prices, I'm better off driving. Delays, silly fees, fewer routes, no drinks, no snacks, rude ticket agents and barely there flight attendents. I'm only flying when it just me on business that too far for a short stay to drive.

• Dabs999 - June 26, 2008

  Thank You for this guide. It's extremely helpful when booking a trip.

• vernon williams - June 26, 2008

  $5 for a MIDDLE seat?! you gotta be kidding me. how much extra to stowaway in the bathroom, i wonder.

• mikeact - June 26, 2008

  Any chance we could have the major Global carriers also ?

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 26, 2008

  To: mikeact, We're looking into covering the global carriers somehow and assessing how it might be presented in a single chart. Fitting in what we have in this chart required some editing choices, as I'm sure you can understand.

• PetMom - June 26, 2008

  Thank you for this excellent guide. I'm glad to have it for travel planning.

• maa - June 26, 2008

  Why oh why have you not included Air Canada?

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 26, 2008

  To: maa, Even though Air Canada seems like a domestic airline, for space considerations we focused on the US-based carriers. That may change in a future version of this chart. Stay tuned.

• echo1999 - June 26, 2008

  so basically the only good airline is southwest, but oh yeah don't they skirt their safety inspections? guess i'm not flying any time soon.

• newpaths - June 26, 2008

  If the airlines had installed safety doors prior to 9/11, their plight would have been different. Now they are pulling magazines to reduce weight. We live in a short-sighted nations and will continue to pay the price.

• sukul777 - June 26, 2008

  Indeed, it's highly appreciated for putting all the information about Airline Fees. Thanks much.

• twindolphins - June 26, 2008

  I agree with { myteemouse- June26, 2008 .I have always like Southwest, my brother always flies Southwest as well. He stated some years ago this is the only airlines to never have a plane to go down. When I ask an employee why she thought this was the case, her answer was, if you had to fly on the plane after you worked on it wouldn't you make sure it was safe to fly on. I do wish South would go international.

• r - June 26, 2008

  A useful addition to the chart would be award travel fees. For example, USAir charges $50 for "quick" ticketing for anything within 14 days (it's electronic, what really has to be expedited??), compared to Northwest, which does not gouge you in that way. Another award ticket charges for which items on the comparison table would be appropriate are "redeposit" and change fees.

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 26, 2008

  Several of you have asked about frequent flyer fees, and we hear you. We're looking at that now. The biggest challenge might be fitting the information into an already packed chart, so we might have to look at doing it separately. But yes, we will do something to address the mileage fees issues. Thanks for the suggestions.

• flyer newbie - June 26, 2008

  Thanks! very helpful!

• DC Sean - June 26, 2008

  Southwest has already been running ads comparing themselves to the other airlines - very effective. And Southwest's market share continues to grow. The old airlines just don't get it and never will...or will as they turn off the lights and hand the jet keys back to the leasing companies.

• Mad Hadley - June 26, 2008

  FFGuru, I think frequent flyer fees would have to be a whole other chart. Can you imagine how small the font size would be if they were all in this one too? Would be useful, though.

• Sandy from Chevy Chase - June 26, 2008

  This is a great idea and great job. Another help would be to track charges for redeeming flyer miles.

• notsofrequentflyer - June 26, 2008

  Re fees for redeeming miles: Delta is up to $85 (May) from $10 the first time I used it

• Kelso - June 26, 2008

  Thank you for this very useful -- and sobering -- look at airline fees. If you do an update could you add Midwest Airlines, too? I know they are small potatoes but I'd be interested to see if they are assessing all these fees as well.

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 26, 2008

  To: Kelso, we will consider adding Midwest in a future update of this chart as space allows. Thanks for your suggestion.

• amazed... - June 26, 2008

  I just flew Spirit Airlines last week from Fort Lauderdale to New York...they charge for EVERYTHING...including $3.00 for water even though we had a delay, didn't tell us until we pulled away from the gate that we would be holding on the ground because of bad weather in NY..and the gate was needed for another plane..then when we finally took off , you could not even get a water if you didn't have $3 cash because their credit machine was broken, as were the bathrooms in the rear of the plane...the prices for everything else went up from there.....i totally nixed them from my future travel choices..

• llumy - June 26, 2008

  I forgot to say "Thank You" - great work!

• Flying less - June 26, 2008

  Are the fees for additional bags beyond the 2nd bag per bag? (Ex: American - Bag 3 to 5 - $100 per bag????)

• llumy - June 26, 2008

  Would it be possible to mark fees that are Domestic, International, or both? For example, if I fly NWA international I believe there is no charge for the 2nd bag.

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 26, 2008

  To: Flying less, yes, the fees listed for additional bags beyond the 2nd bag are per bag.

• kidsr2far - June 26, 2008

  Its great b4 shopping that there is one place that really shows us what the airlines expect! I kept flipping thru my emails from you guys. Thanks for all the hardwork & teamwork people. We luv ya! :)

• DZ - June 26, 2008

  As often as I can, I fly SWA. It's good to see they continue to keep the customer in mind and not try to add on all of the fees the others are. Unfortunatley, I'm flying to NYC soon and didn't want to do the SWA flight to Long Island, so this will be my first flight with the added baggage fee. I'm planning on checking one bag between my son, husband and myself (we'll put all the liquids in there) - so now they will have three people carrying on bags rather than checking them. That's another discussion, I know!

• DZ - June 26, 2008

  I too forgot to say "thank you" for taking the time to put this list together. It is very helpful if you have two airlines with fares in the same range to see what the "true" cost will be. Thanks again!

• jon doh - June 27, 2008

  i have read with interest the fees table. i have two suggestions: one add all the great suggestions by readers of other fees and airlines on a second page instead of cramping them into a single page and two, you respond thoughtfully to many posts (unheard of in these customer unfriendly days), but you need to get some sleep and maybe take a weekend off at the beach. ;-)

• TAG032562 - June 27, 2008

  For International Airlines, would it be asier to go by Airline Name pdf. You could then just focus on each airline with additional info in detale. I believe that a person could print or save the pdf and thus compare each airline with full info available. This may not be as great being individuale but, more info would be there. Thank you, for a great chart. Also, I am through flying the united states airlines on long hauls. I am looking at the international carries for better service, even if the price is just a little more than a U.S. Carrier. I refuse to be nickled and dimed by airlines who do care about passengers. Just think of all the government money that was wasted to bail out the airlines so they could get big bonuses to higher management? I hope that U.S. Airways, Delta, American, and America West go out of Business. I do not care if they go belly up with no government help. These companies need to be customer service friendly, and manage their company with professionalism, approved business tactics. Thanks, for allowing my two cents.

• alohamom - June 27, 2008

  Wonderful chart. I don't see Hawaiian Airlines?? We are traveling with them soon...I know they have the 2nd checked bag fee but I don't think any other fees such as food. Used their airline miles with no fee. Questions on the phone answered professionally and quickly!

• have to go - June 27, 2008

  I wonder if they have thought of paid toilets in the aircraft

• donna43 - June 27, 2008

  AH...maybe we should have drilled 15 years ago and quit complaining now.

• Retired-to-travel - June 27, 2008

  This is so helpful! I retired just last year hoping to travel a lot for the next 10 years, just in time for the airline upheaval. I will use this chart a lot. Thank you for putting it together for us.

• jr - June 28, 2008

  Is there any movement being made to force airlines to advertise their BOTTOM LINE fare (as opposed to the base fare that is increasingly misleading and irrelevant)? Looking at newspaper advertisements, I have no idea what the final fare is -- the ads are at best misleading if not outright dishonest and fraudulent.

• jr - June 28, 2008

  Thank you for your comparisons of "extra charges". One request -- is there any way you could include Air Canada in future comparisons (as we live in Canada and that is often an airline that we use to connect with the various American airlines you've listed.

• Brownsville Texas - June 29, 2008

  When's it going to end? Retirees living in Brownsville TX pay $800+ and up from Detroit MI! Guess it's forcing us older folks to hit the road!

• SBS - June 29, 2008

  A few ommisions. Please fix for the benefit of the readers: 1) Standby fees. CO has raised the prices. 2) Reward redemption fees: AA has $5, USAIR has a variety of fees. DL has implemented a $25/$50 for redeeming the "free ticket". 3) Second Bag Fees apply internationally also on CO & NK. Some airlines apply baggage fees to international routes and some don't. 4) Post Elite Exemptions when possible.

• SBS - June 29, 2008

  Also add the alcohol fees: Some airlines charge for booze on international flights (CO) and some don't (DL)

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - June 30, 2008

  To, JR: We'll include Air Canada either in our next update of this chart or in a separate chart of non-US airlines, depending on which direction we end up going. Thanks for the feedback!

• Flightdeck - June 30, 2008

  You will have to start taking quarters with you, why becuase the airlines will be charging you with a lavatory use fee!

• Flightdeck - June 30, 2008

  A great addition to this chart would be carry on bag limitation sizes. I heard today that airlines will be taking a closer look at carry on bag sizes and if they are not within specifications you will be charged accordingly!

• DUFFER02 - July 1, 2008

  Aren't some of the fees waived if you are a member of the airline's frequent flyer program and have obtained at least the low (Silver) level?

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - July 1, 2008

  To: DUFFER02, you asked about airlines waiving some of these fees for certain frequent flyers. You can read our coverage of who's exempt from certain fees here: http://tinyurl.com/6g4f6j I hope you find it helpful.

• Kauai Steve - July 1, 2008

  This is really helpful, I hope you can add Hawaiian Air, as we have really been hit hard by the fuel crisis and the rules change often. Keep up the good work, you are the only ones looking out for us!

• boomer475 - July 1, 2008

  Awesome chart but I wish it included Midwest!

• Lardee - July 1, 2008

  Returned home yesterday after a humorous flight on USA3000. We boarded the plane 20 mins. earlier than told which was 55 mins. before departure time. I guess this was necessary as we watched the flight attendants moving bag upon bag from the overhead bins to find space for the numerous customers who were still boarding. Everyone is now using a carryon. Flyers were jumping up and down telling the attendants they want their bags left just where they put them. After approximately 15 mins. of bag shuffling and the comedy act, most bags went right back into the original bin in which they were placed upon boarding. More laughs came as we watched the attendants act out as trash collectors many, many times throughout the flight. Flyers are bringing lots of food and munchies on board and that creates a lot of trash. I guess the attendants need to do something since they now have no other duties to perform during the flight.

• traveling mac - July 2, 2008

  Do they want people to continue to fly?????

• Malia - July 3, 2008

  What are airline plans for people going on ski vacations? Will they charge outrageous fees to take our skis?

• TravelMama - July 4, 2008

  We flew San Antonio to Detroit a week ago. All the fees that everyone is talking about is true. They charged for everything. Everyone is bringing lots of munchies onboard because they don't have a choice. Airports are too expensive to get food. Airlines are no longer providing. What are we supposed to do? Everybody's gotta eat. Thank you sooo much for this wonderful chart. I'm sure it was a big project for somebody. It is greatly appreciated. KUDOS to you guys!

• traveler809 - July 5, 2008

  The guide should be updated with Southwest showing $0 for snacks and beverage, and $3 for alcoholic drinks, right now it looks like swa only serves alcoholic drinks.

• wafljo - July 7, 2008

  Thanks for promising to include Air Canada in your next edition. It would also be appreciated if you would include WestJet, which is the second largest airline in Canada and an important link to US carriers.

• yardstick - July 7, 2008

  The pre-boarding announcements always speak to carry on limits. However, I rarely see any enforcement. The fees are going to encourage more and more carry ons. Those of us who have one legal sized carry on often find there's no overhead room left because of the unenforced abuse of carry on limits. The airlines need to charge for carry on abuse.

• jim34684 - July 7, 2008

  I have flow on American based airlines and then flew Philippine Airlines, what a difference. Food and drinks were free, 3 meals and snacks. Attendents were dressed very well, much better than there American counterparts. Get a chance fly them, you will be very happy you did.

• tracel2008 - July 7, 2008

  Is there a direct http link to this PDF chart?

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - July 8, 2008

  To: tracel2008, yes, the direct link to the fees chart is http://i.slimg.com/sc/sl/graphic/u/ul/ultimate-guide-to-airline-fees.pdf

• Joe Kisonu - July 8, 2008

  I haven't flown since these ridiculous fees started so if you could provide a clarification I'd greatly appreciate it. For the 1st, 2nd and additional bags checked in - is that per flyer? ie: If a family of 3 is flying and they check 3 bags in, is each bag considered a "1st bag" since there are 3 tickets purchased? (Thanks for your time and effort in putting this chart together

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - July 8, 2008

  To: Joe Kinosu, the fees are per flyer. So, if your family of three each purchased a ticket and each checked one bag, no one would be assessed a second or third bag fee.

• Mauimom - July 9, 2008

  Here's a story about the ridiculousness of United airlines. We're moving to Hawaii, so I had two large suitcases when I checked in. [This was before the imposition of the "checked baggage" fees, but under the 50# per bag limit. [I was also paying $$$$$$$$$ to ship four dogs and a cat via them.] One of my bags weighed 53# [over the 50# weight limit]; the other weighed 45#. [Guess I can't rely on my bathroom scale.] The surly United check-in person wanted to charge me $100 for my "overweight" bag. When I pointed out that the average weight for my two bags was less than 50#, she announced that there were "no exceptions." So I had to get out of line and rearrange items [actually this meant unsealing two large boxes, which were my "suitcases," then asking around for tape to reseal them.] The United attendant made me stand in line again, as she laboriously explained to a particularly stupid passenger how to use the self-check-in machine. When another attendant offered to check me in, Attendant #1 said, "no, I have her paperwork." It's not just the fees that make people not want to fly a particular airline.

• Jade - July 9, 2008

  Have you seen any Southwest Airline crashing lately? They have upped their airplane inspections after the reprimand. Hopefully, they will continue to do so for their customers' flying safety sake. At least, Southwest Airline is profitable compared to AA, United & Delta 'cuz they're not as GREEDY as these 3.

• 38BizTripsperYrFlyer - July 9, 2008

  I fly on Frontier Airlines are much as possible. They have terrific customer service, clean planes with nicely spaced seats, reasonable fees and a good on time record. Plus as a Denverite, they provide numerous jobs for our community. They are particularly helpful should there be missed connections due to weather. Lower price is not my biggest booking flying factor. I avoid Southwest due to poor service, small seating & the maintenance issue. Finally, thank you for the outstanding fee table.

• Landlubber - July 12, 2008

  A chart soon to be out of date: Continental's pet-in-cabin fee goes up to $125 on 15 July. Their unaccompanied minor fees are now $75 (non-stop) and $100 (connecting flights) and they will no longer accept minors for connections with other airlines. The good news? Two or more minors (14 years old and under) fly on a single fee.

• alice - July 13, 2008

  Please distinguish between domestic and international travel, particularly on luggage, food, and drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) Thank you. You do us a great service.

• blov1962 - July 13, 2008

  If anyone has recently paid these baggage fees, kindly post what the receipt the airline provided you stated.

• Barb B - July 13, 2008

  Do you have info on USA 3000 yet? Personally, I don't have a problem with charging for overweight luggage. Its the charge to take a 15 # cat in a carrier that stows beneath your seat which you have already paid for that irks me!

• Golfer - July 13, 2008

  What is the story on golf bags? Is the weight restriction any more lenient

• WayUpNorthInAlaska - July 14, 2008

  A note on Alaska Airlines' baggage fees. For travel that starts and ends in Alaska, passengers can take up to three bags for free. However, for any flight that involves a stop that isn't in Alaska there is a $25 charge for the second bag and a $100 charge for each additional bag (jumping to $200 a bag for the ninth checked bag). Alaska Airlines is the only major airline that goes to many Alaska communities, and several of these communities are off the road system and air travel is the only way to get there (this is why in-state Alaska travel gets free extra bags).

• akronohten - July 14, 2008

  Delta charges $5 per alcoholic drink beyond the first drink on international flights, and I believe there is the $5 for all drinks on domestic flights. Continental charges $5 for alcoholic drinks on domestic flights as well. Great work!

• cocomango - July 15, 2008

  For family travel, will the airlines charge us to get seats together?

• jimspecs - July 15, 2008

  ??? - first bag - free on Delta -- 2nd bag $25. --- husband and wife traveling - do they give us credit for one bag each OR will they charge. thanks

• energyguru - July 15, 2008

  Just a comment about WHY Southwest has no extra fees: Last year they locked in $50/barrel oil meaning they are paying only a third of what the other airlines are paying for fuel. Everyone thought they were wasting money by buying up so much at once, guess who's laughing now? However, the $50/barrel price will expire next year. They are trying to expand their routes and make enough profit this year to hold them over and keep from adding fees like the other airlines when their lock expires. They also by far have the best customer service, their attendants are really friendly and are always making jokes.

• bear - July 15, 2008

  Many thanks for the chart. I would like to add my voice to the requests to cover international airlines based in other countries, at least the major ones, and the fees charged for using frequent flier miles.

• patttycakes1957 - July 15, 2008

  I believe it depends on whether we are traveling with over weight bags, sending the children alone, or maybe traveling by ourselves with just a single bag. In this new age of gouge the consumer, It is now our responsability to research the best options for our needs! I am however a bit partial to Air Tran. I believe that their fares and excess fees are as good or better than what is out there, and they are one of the few that lets me book a one way ticket without playing gouge the consumer with me! If they fly your destination check, check them out!

• maggie - July 16, 2008

  Just had a round trip to Pittsburgh with Southwest....great expierence from check in (curb side) through gate arrival...which was early both ways inspite of having to get above a thunderstorm out of Pittsburgh. All were very informative and courteous....and consent, cheerful attention on the flight. Keep up the great work Southwest!!

• mjsgrandeview - July 16, 2008

  Need to add footnotes noting exceptions to baggage fees, i.e., NW platinum elite status travellers

• mllaflam - July 17, 2008

  Great chart: Is there one for Canada and other countries' airlines? Shameful on all airlines that beg for our last dollars including the fuel surcharge because of their bad financial planning, unlike South-West. The CEOs of those airlines should be rake on hot coals. If the airlines need to cut costs, they should destratify their fat and over-paid mgt instead of cuting customer-service jobs, and boot out their incompete CEOs

• blueibrat - July 18, 2008

  I don't understand.... when U buy an airline ticket... wouldn't U think that would include your seat? Where would they expect U to sit in the isle or on the wing? I would like to know just exactly what the ticket price is supposed to include? If not a seat, then how can they expect U to take their flight in the first place? Does this mean I can stand up the whole way? LOL R they going to start charging for a seat belt also? Maybe we will have to start paying for their smiles also! Or a safer flight, the cost would depend on how many cut backs on airline maintenance huh? OH brother! I think we should just boycott and all businesses just start investing in telecommuncation..... save tons for businesses!

• Old Goat - July 21, 2008

  I got the URL for this site from an article headlined: STRINGS ATTACHED Frequent-flier miles no longer mean free trips. I find nothing in your chart about redeeming Frequent Flier miles.

• AlisaNSeattle - July 21, 2008

  We all have airlines stories, we all hate the extra fees and how we get treated but let's face it, we are not going to give up flying! There is no way I am going to give up my yearly trip to Hawaii or Florida! We will just have to live with this and hope for the best everytime we step on a plane!

• Jan/Pittsburgh - July 22, 2008

  This list is very depressing, but very helpful. I'm always looking for ways to book my sales reps on the best flights possible. Please keep us updated on any changes/additions.

• Chris - July 22, 2008

  What about a bicycle? Last I heard domestic airlines charged $80 each way (even if it's under the weight limit) but no charge on international carriers.

• gtgvaccess - July 27, 2008

  I really like your chart. I would like you to expand the chart to include the top frequent fliers allowances like 1K & premier executive on United. Thanks, Jerry

• gordileggy - July 28, 2008

  My son just flew to Santiago, Chile from DC on Saturday. He had two bags and didn't have to pay anything! I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, the agent was very strict about the weight limit per piece.

• paul - July 30, 2008

  the airlines will probally charge you for your preference on boarding the plane

• Eagle568 - July 31, 2008

  I have gotten different answers, I booked tickets for August travel on American airlines in April. I have been told that they cannot charge for luggage if your tickets were booked prior to the policy change.

• Corporate Traveler - August 1, 2008

  It seems like fees are changing daily, how often is this chart updated? Thank you for providing this information in one location!

• Crossroads - August 4, 2008

  To Josh Roberts - Thanks to you and your team for organizing this information! I also would be interested in the international charts. Although they are not on your list, I'm a huge fan of Virgin America (the first bag, up to 70 lbs, is free) and Virgin Atlantic. Very customer service oriented, very refreshing. I like Southwest too. Southwest is a very laid-back experience. The cabin crew members are witty and very friendly and helpful. I'll try Frontier, thanks to all who recommended. I used to fly on US Airways almost exclusively. Recently they charged me to use the Dividend Miles I earned while flying with their airline! In February 2008, I purchased tickets for a trip in April...which had to be postponed. When I had a new travel date, I attempted to reschedule on the website. My ticket purchase (reissue) required speaking to an agent by phone, because the website could not process the reissue request. $150 for the reissued ticket, plus the difference in the ticket price, plus $30 to use Dividend Miles (because I had to speak to the agent on the phone). Neither the agent, nor the agent's supervisor, would waive the fee, even though I had no choice but to make the request by phone. Poor customer service. By the time the charge hit my credit card, a total of $419.00 had been added to the price of the original ticket. In my opinion, the reissue fee was too high considering I gave 10 days notice that I could not make the April flight (and they probably resold the seat), and $30 to use my dividend miles to upgrade - obnoxious.

• Josh Roberts, Managing Editor, SmarterTravel.com - August 8, 2008

  To: Corporate Traveler, we've been updating this chart whenever the airlines have increased a fee. So far we've been able to keep up with them.

• Suzelle - August 10, 2008

  THANK YOU immensely for doing this legwork for your readers. I can see that you are updating the chart as airlines announce more fee changes. Much much appreciated.

• Ian - August 27, 2008

  I have a slight correction for the Alaska inflight food box (as I am an Alaska MVP frequent flier). They give you free mini prezels or chex mix style snacks, but their "snack box" is $5 and their alcoholic beverages are $5 earch as well. Red Bull drinks are $3.

• Hawaiigal - August 28, 2008

  My daughter reported a very comfortable ,even enjoyable flight from Sao Paulo to New York on Delta yesterday. There are still some Airlines worth flying.

• Confused - September 16, 2008

  Thank you for letting me see that you do answer questions and I am glad that you will include Air Canada on the other list. Why? because I am one who has children living with their families in US and I must fly from Canada to see them.

• bjt - September 16, 2008

  The chart is great. You should add that the credits on Southwest are transferable and can be used by anyone unlike other airlines. I would love to fly AA or other airlines but I know nothing about them and here at least I can learn what others have to say about them. Thank you all for sharing your travel experience

• Sasha - September 18, 2008

  This chart is wonderful. Thank you for keeping it up-to-date. Suggestion: could you add another column for "other" fees such as the blanket/pillow?

• DerGarabed - September 28, 2008

  Both the Airline and Frequent Flyer Fee Guides are most helpful and informative - too bad they don't update as changes occur. Also, would be great to have these same fee schedule comparisons for international airlines?????

• JimH - October 28, 2008

  United E-Fares News Tuesday, October 28, 2008 6:52 AM - Effective November 10, 2008, a $50 service fee will apply to check a second bag for United Economy(R) travel within the U.S. and Canada.

• Ack - Novemner 6, 2008

  Northwest's change fee for domestic flights is $150 (not $100 as stated on the chart) - due to client meeting cancellations, I pay this quite frequently, and it's been that much for the last 6 months at least.

• RCW - November 20, 2008

  Unfortunately, my computer cannot download any PDF files (computer freezes). Is there any other way I can get this great guide? Thank you.

• Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com - November 20, 2008

  RCW- As a matter of fact, there is another place to see the information. There's an updated version of the chart on the Smarter Travel Wiki, which you can find here: http://wiki.smartertravel.com/index.php/Airline_Fees#Chart_of_fees_for_domestic_carriers.

• gramma rita - December 7, 2008

  How soon before the a-lines start charging a fee for take-offs -- then doubling it for landings? and the freq.flier freebies are a joke. I'm about to cancel my delta skymiles card and put the $55 towards gas for my car!

• Enter screen name - December 30, 2008

  In November, we traveled to the USVI with one checked bag each. Since we had mad he reservations before the checked bag fee went into place, I expected no fees. An AA rep at the check in kiosk spotted a small 8 x6 cooler in my carry-on beach bag and asked what was in it and I replied "Frozen meats" He: "any dry ice?" Me: "just gel packs". He stated it had to be checked ( as it was a liquid) for which we were charged $25.00...almost as much as I had paid for the meats. He said it could not go thru security. When I checked with the airlines in advance, they said it could. Who was right?

• Banker1 - December 31, 2008

  I have only flown once with Jet Blue and was quite impressed at their level of service. However, as we are frequent travellers and sometimes wish to take our dog on shorter trips, I find the $100.00 fee unreasonable, and bordering on theft. The blue suits for the company should find other creative ways to earn revenue. How about an extra charge for overweight or large people?

• Holli - January 19, 2009

  I'm waiting for the airlines to start charging for the AIR you breathe while on the plane.

• charlotte - January 21, 2009

  I need to take my cat to texas from new york is there any coupons to save money it cost 100$ under the seat and 150$ in cargo ??????????

• jim45tn - March 27, 2009

  Your chart only reinforces the fact that Southwest Airlines is the best airline in the world and unfortunately the others cannot learn their lesson and eventually will fail. It is hard to g et repeat customers when you treat the people worse than their luggage. When United, Delta and the rest of them claim bankruptsy due to the fact that no one wants to fly with them anymore, maybe they should try to figure out why that is.

• woodwoman - April 7, 2009

  Just read your chart -- LET'S HEAR IT FOR SOUTHWEST AIR !!!!! Living in NH is SO much better than anyone realizes -- I hope not too many people find that out! Maybe someday they'll fly international -- now wouldn't THAT be great!!!

• weezie - April 27, 2009

  Placed bag on Continental scale, weighed 53 lbs. Ticket agent told me to take 3 lbs out and return to scale. I took out a cosmetic bag, returned and placed on another scale. Weighed 47 lbs. Please---Cosmetics don't weigh 6 lbs. Watch which scale you use, they are not calibrated correctly.

• ultraeye - May 25, 2009

  I can't find info about seat change fees on UAL web site. Where did you get that info?

• Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel - May 26, 2009

  ultraeye: Are you looking for the fees associated with changing your flight? If so, you can find more information here: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51160,00.html?navSource=Dropdown07&linkTitle=change

• motherbear4 - May 26, 2009

  How about adding Allegiant Airlines.I haven't flown on them but my minor children have. I like them because they fly a straight shot from Springfield, MO to Las Vegas which my girls go to visit their father. Thanks

• apexbits - May 28, 2009

  Thank you very much for your charts for airline fees. As an airline employee at the ticket counter it gets confusing for us too. Is there any chance that you could come up with a chart for airline fees for International carriers. I know it would be a great help to all airline employes as well as consumers who fly international. Thank you

• formerflier - June 5, 2009

  After reviewing your chart, I have eliminated SPIRIT AIRLINES--I will cancel my trip before I will pay an additional seat fee - they extra for window/aisle/MIDDLE---why not just raise your fare. Never. Never. Never. And the airlines complain because people are flying less--I formerly flew all over California but between the long wait to board, the extra fees, the expensive parking, etc I now drive everywhere. That is a minimum of 30 flights a year they are losing from me alone.

• Geroge - June 17, 2009

  Thanks for the update! This is incredibly helpful. As a very frequent traveler, info on standby fees would be very helpful, too. I actually choose my airlines based on that, if there is a chance I'll finish up early and get to go home early (for less than $100)! This has been an issue a bunch of times.

• OldScout - June 19, 2009

  If you look at last years comments you'll notice they said things like "Look at all the $0 or n/a." Not any more. Now its "Look at all the airlines with no $0 or n/a....except for Southwest." Keep up the good job Southwest. Its no wonder youre number one in the nation.

• DisneyAddict - June 19, 2009

  Wow...Spirit Airlines offers $9 FLIGHT specials, but the BAGGAGE is $25 each way. Where's the sense in that? They're the most expensive on the chart!!!

• Anonymous - July 24, 2009

  are the seat sizes on sprit airlines smaller than regular seats, and can a person 275 sit comfortably? Their wide seats are twice the price and only add an inch or so.

• Sun'n oil - August 16, 2009

  I lived internationally for 18+ years and had most of the rules memorized. But in the last 18 months so many things have changed and every time I have been in the States (3x in the last 12 months) the rules have been differnt. The item I dislike is code-sharing. I am a NW ff and both of my bags are free. But when we flew Alaska (I believe we code sharing) we had to pay, talk about confusing.

• Travel Agent - September 17, 2009

  This chart is a great reference! It would also be helpful to have a chart for international airlines.

• Carl Unger, SmarterTravel - September 17, 2009

  Travel Agent -- We're working on an international fees chart as I type this. Look for it in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading!

• paka5656 - September 30, 2009

  One of the comments stated that Southwest has never lost a flight. If I recall many years ago one went down in Calif

• AirTreks Nico - October 27, 2009

  Thanks very much for assembling this great list. Was wondering when someone was going to get this together! It's tough to keep the fee list organized but you've made it easy. Used this in my blog post today. With credit, of course!