Know how to avoid new airline fees and rest easy on your next flight

Save on airline fees and enjoy your next flight with our expert advice

Top 10 Ways to Avoid New Airline Fees

Fly Southwest for Freedom From Fees

Southwest has been reveling of late in its fee-free structure, which it owes largely to the fuel "hedges" that the company put into place back in 1998 – basically a type of insurance policy against rising fuel prices that locks in their fuel rates at well below what other airlines have had to dish out since barrel prices spiked. It was a smart business move that has paid off tremendously for the airline – and their customers. Visit their website and they proudly advertise slogans like “Freedom from Fees” and “No Hidden Fees.” And they aren’t kidding – customers' first two checked bags are indeed freebies, and it's only $25 to lug along a third (or overweight) bag. You won’t pay a dime to book fares on the phone or in person, while most other airlines tack on fees of $10 to $30 dollars for the 'privilege’ of dealing with a real, live person. Snacks and (non-alcoholic drinks) remain lip-smackingly free. They’ll even let you change your flight plans and pay absolutely nada (versus domestic change fees of up to $150 on other carriers) – instead, you’ll get a flight credit that is good for one year.

See United States Travel Guide

United States Travel Deals

$1035+: Oahu, Kauai & Maui 9-nt combo w/airfare BeachDestinations.com

$359+: Las Vegas 2-nt getaways at top hotels w/air from NY American Express

$1429+: Oahu & Lanai: 6-nt combo w/all flights & hotels BeachDestinations.com

$775+: Oahu & Kauai: 6-nt trip w/airfare & hotels BeachDestinations.com

$799+: Oahu & Maui 6-nt combo w/airfare & hotels BeachDestinations.com

$775+: 6-nt Oahu & Kauai vacation w/all flights & hotels BeachDestinations.com

$1429+: Lanai & Oahu 6-nt getaway /all flights & hotels BeachDestinations.com

$1035+: Kauai, Oahu & Maui 9-nt trio w/hotels & flight BeachDestinations.com

10-Day China Package from $888 Editors' Review

$277+: Fun Orlando 3-night getaway w/flight from Dallas Wyndham Orlando Resort

$474+: New York City 3-night trip w/flight from DC Wellington Hotel

$183+: Vegas 3-nt getaway at hotel & casino w/air from LA Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel

$253+: LA 3-nt trip w/free brkfst & air from Seattle Good Nite Inn Calabasas

$592+: Relaxing Oahu 4-nt beach trip w/flight from LA Castle Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki

$695+: Hawaii 7-nt beach vacation w/air from San Francisco Delta Vacations

$515+: Flight & 3-nt stay at the Grand Hyatt, NY American Express Vacations

$369+: Flight & 2-nt hotel package at Luxor, Vegas American Express Vacations

$293+: Last-minute Orlando 2-nt deals w/air travel by Nov 18 Expedia

$296+: San Francisco 4-star hotel nr Union Sq 3 nts w/air Parc Fifty Five Hotel - Union Square

$364+: 4-star Vegas hotel & flight w/Studio 54 club MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

Compare Rates
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Packages
  • Cruises
  • Cars
Enter your trip details
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
   
 
Compare Rates
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Packages
  • Cruises
  • Cars
Travelers:
Travelers: