Nothing is Included

For the past several years the airline industry has been in financial trouble, and their creative new way to boost income has been to start charging an incremental fee for everything they can possibly get away with. Airlines have found this new method to be very profitable, which means for us, the travelers, that these new added costs won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. It started with in flight snacks and food, then luggage, US Air even charges for headphones! The cost of your ticket no longer covers all of the charges you may incur when flying, so it's important to be prepared and educated before purchasing your next flight so that you will know exactly what the total cost will be.

Here is the breakdown of additional fees by carrier (for domestic flights only)…

American Airlines…they even charge for you to call them! This I learned the hard way when I called to redeem some airmiles...they added $20 to my ticket for booking over the phone. So when redeeming miles…DO IT ONLINE and save yourself some money!
American Airlines is increasing their baggage fees. For tickets purchased on or after August 14, 2009, the charge for a first or second bag will change. It is currently $15 for your first checked bag and $25 for your second bag. Tickets purchased August 14th or after the cost will be $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second checked bag.(Bags must weigh 50lbs or less. More weight= more money)

US Airways
If you check in ONLINE: 1st checked bag $15, 2nd checked bag $25
Effective July 9, 2009 when checking in at the airport you will be charged an additional $5 for luggage, so at the airport you will pay: 1st bag $20, 2nd bag $30

United
For ONLINE check in: 1st bag $15, 2nd bag $25
At the airport you will pay: 1st bag $20, 2nd bag $30

Delta
For tickets purchased on or after July 15, 2009:
Online Check in: 1st bag $15, 2nd bag $25
Curbside/At the airport: 1st bag $20, 2nd bag $30

Jet Blue
1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $30

Southwest Airlines
All bags are FREE!

Prices go up for third bags and all bags for all airlines must be 50lbs or less.

There isn’t much hope for these charges going away, but the industry is working to make consumers more prepared. Most online booking websites are working on listing the additional costs with the price of the flight, so that you have a more realistic cost shown and you will know exactly how much the flight will REALLY cost you.