Real Deal: Watch Out For Airline Fees

PHILADELPHIA - This summer, as you budget for your family vacation, don't forget to factor in the fees!

Consumer reporter Michelle Buckman found choosing the most affordable airfare may not necessarily mean choosing the cheapest ticket.

Some fees can add up to more than the cost of the ticket!

The airlines continue to add and alter their fees so trying to keep your trip on budget is harder than ever, unless you do your homework.

Here's a break down on the latest baggage fees:

US Airways and United charge $20 for your first checked bag, $30 for the second.

But with US Airways, if you pay the fee when you check in online, you'll save $5 per bag.

American, Continental and Delta all charge $15 for the first bag, $25 for the second.

Southwest is one of the few not charging for the first or second bag. But even they gave into the pressure and announced a $50 fee for a third bag.

AAA Travel does have a way around baggage fees.

"If you're visiting friends and family, you can ship things to them via US mail or UPS and that's really a reasonable cost so you can pack clothes in a bag or personal items, things like that, and not have to pay those baggage charges," says Brenda Hunsberger of AAA Travel.

There are not just baggage charges to think about. The airlines call it 'à la carte pricing.'

Here's a sampling:

US Airways charges $7 for a pillow and blanket.

Delta charges $3 for what they call "premium snacks".

If you travel with your pet on United, expect to pay a $125 fee!

If you send the kids off to visit grandma, a child flying on American without an adult will pay an extra hundred bucks!

If you book your ticket over the phone, speaking to an actual human at Continental will cost you $15, $20 at American and Delta.

The highest fee we found was for an overweight bag on a United international flight - a $400 fee! That's on top of the ticket price.

For More Information:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-06-21-airlines-a-la-carte-fees_N.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2009-06-22-chart-airline-fees_N.htm