• Introduction
• 1. Factor New Airline Fees into Travel Costs
• 2. Monitor Your Route for Best Fares
• 3. Don’t Hold Out for Last-Minute Deals
• 4. Be Flexible: Avoid Peak Travel Days
• 5. Book a Flight & Hotel Package for Overall Value
• 6. Fly on the Holiday Itself
• 7. Consider Alternate Airports
• 8. Shop Around on Many Sites, Including Airlines’
• 9. Be Prepared to Layover to Cut Costs
• 10. Get Grounded: Look into Trains, Buses & Cars

Factor New Airline Fees into Travel Costs

The airline fee boom that first kicked off in 2008 seems to be here to stay, meaning what were once free amenities must now be factored in as a part of the overall cost of travel. Carriers are currently charging for everything from checking your bags to booking an aisle seat, and even for simple in-flight conveniences like headsets or pillows. Consider, for example, that while an American or United flight may indeed turn out the lowest rate quote on paper, if you’re going to be checking in a bag, flying with budget carriers like JetBlue or Southwest may very well prove to be the more cost-effective option, given that they don’t charge the $15 to $20 fee for your first-checked bag like the other airlines do. Do look into shipping gifts ahead of time rather than carrying them onboard; it may be the more economical route when considering first-checked bag fees – not to mention hefty second-bag fees that can run up to $30. (Although workarounds are not unheard of: Innovative United launched a "Premium Baggage" program in October 2009, allowing travelers to pay a $249 fee up front, then fly their bags – along with those of up to eight people on the same reservation – fee-free for a full year. Read more about it on our Savvy Flyer blog.) Also strive to incorporate simple money-savers into your in-flight routine – bringing a bagged lunch, inflatable pillow, or headsets can save you from doling out any extra dough onboard.

See United States Travel Guide