Top 10 Ways to Avoid New Airline Fees

• Introduction
• 1. Carry On to Put Fees in Check
• 2. If You Must Check Bags, Check Wisely
• 3. Pack Sweet Dreams With You
• 4. BYOH: Bring Your Own Headset
• 5. Fight In-Flight Food Fees
• 6. Let Your Hotel Foot the Bill
• 7. Fly Southwest for Freedom From Fees
• 8. Join the Club
• 9. Don’t Get Beat on Your Seat
• 10. Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease

Delays. Security lines. Increasing airfares. Air travelers’ growing list of gripes has morphed into a recognizable chorus that now also includes mulling over what once-free amenities must actually be paid for after arriving at the airport. It’s enough to make you want to give up on flying the unfriendly skies altogether! But there are ways to cap the cost of your flight at its ticket price with a little careful planning: Read on for our expert tips on avoiding the fees of the à la carte menu in the sky – airlines’ newest attempt to generate revenue in the face of rising jet fuel prices. Dodge attempts to be nickel-and-dimed on bottled water (yes, water!), pillows, headsets, and even an aisle seat by coming prepared. While the sky seems to be the limit on what they’ll charge for next, the restrooms and airsickness bags remain free . . . for now. Download our New Airline Fees chart  for a quick-and-easy guide to the current luggage and in-flight fees being levied by airlines.

See United States Travel Guide