I’m not the first to notice that airline fees and charges are going up. But rarely do they effect me. I usually don’t check a bag, I pack my own food for flights and I generally drink water or tea (if I’m in need of a little pick me up) while in-flight. But this past weekend, on a flight back from Salt Lake City, I was forced to take notice of these charges.
I had been visiting SLC for the Outdoor Retailer show where the city’s convention center is transformed into an outdoor gear-lover’s delight. With nearly 1,000 manufacturers exhibiting, it’s an opportunity for buyers from outdoor stores such as REI and Cabela’s to see what’s new for next year. For me, it’s a chance for a sneak peek at what’s happening in the world of travel from companies such as ExOfficio, Keen, SteriPen and others.
Many of these companies are interested in having me test out their gear for my WanderGear Wednesday blog. Most of these items get shipped to me at a later time as they are size-specific. However, I do end up walking away with lots of other swag – namely lip balms, suntan lotions, mosquito repellents and other liquid goodies that won’t make it through airport security.
All the swag is great but I didn’t want to pay to check a bag – even if that meant shipping a box back via flat rate priority. I was flying Delta which charges $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag on flights booked after July 16th, 2009 in economy class. (Note that this is ONLY if you pay in advance – if you wait to pay this fee AT the airport, they’ll tack on another $5.) Because I booked before the 16th, I shouldn’t have been charged for my bag but this became moot when I was bumped up to first class (yippee) where, as far as I can tell, all checked bags are free.
As a person who so rarely EVER checks a bag, I was a bit miffed that there was the potential I’d have to pay at all. I work hard to find the best deal I can on my airline tickets, hotels and car rentals. I didn’t then want to throw additional money at the airline (nor do I want to for my hotel or car rental agency) for an incremental charge.
So, with my new first-hand experience that we are indeed getting nickled and dimed for every “extra”, I figured rather than getting upset by these ridiculous additional fees, I’d make a commitment to make smarter purchases and create more valuable relationships with those I do business with. I must add that this goes far beyond the airline industry. I bank with Chase, formerly WAMU, and recently discovered a host of poor business practices from Chase, including the fact that they have more than doubled my wire transfer fees – something I have to do often to other countries.
Companies rely on us being too busy or simply too lazy to research the details of their fees. But taking a bit of time to know exactly what you’re getting into could very well save you money and hassle down the road. By patronizing companies that treat you well as a customer, you’re letting their competition know that their behavior won’t be tolerated. Let your dollar do the talking. This isn’t just about saving you money – it’s letting the company know that charging you for every service isn’t the way to do business. Here are a few ways you can let your wallet do the talking next time you fly:
- Don’t buy the sub-par food or drink that airlines offer. Bring your own meal or snacks or book your flight through Continental, which still serves meals on longer flights.
- Carry your own headphones and use those for in-flight entertainment rather than being charged the $2 – $5 for the airline’s pair.
- Know what the charges are, if any, for your first, second or more bags.
- Know what the weight and size restrictions are for both carry-on and checked bags. You might get dinged heavily if you’re flying with sports or musical equipment.
- Compare the above info BEFORE you book – the $50 savings on the cost of your ticket can dissipate if you check just one overweight bag.
As a side note, Jon returned from SLC with me on the same Delta flight. Even though he also has Elite status and should have been upgraded along with me, we were given two excuses why he wasn’t: his Elite status had not been transferred over from NWA yet and, from another Delta representative that his ticket type did not allow for upgrades. (We suspect it was because he booked through Expedia).
I have some empathy for the airlines in this economic downturn. But making your customers feel unwelcome is not going to help increase your profits. As consumers, we need to reinforce the customer-centric behavior of those airlines that we appreciate.
By the way, Airfare Watchdog has a convenient chart that lists U.S. carriers and their baggage fees. But, be sure to check with the airline either before you book your flight or prior to flying, as these rules are in constant flux. And remember that for a family traveling on a ski vacation, additional fees can mean hundreds of extra dollars added on to your vacation.
Travel Well,
Beth
Photo credit – check-in line: hoyasmeg
Photo credit – woman at counter: Mario Carvajal
Related links:
Pretty Young Thang
Medical Tourism: Dental Work in Bangkok
Understanding Travel Insurance
How Not to be a Trashy Tourist
Tips for Reverse Culture Shock
Using Your Cell Phone Abroad: A Primer
Booking Advice in Today’s Climate
Jim Ranlet says
I’ve got two words for you: Take Southwest.
Beth says
Well said!
Nancy D. Brown says
Hi Beth,
Great tips. Here’s a post and video of Travel Writers Sharing Lost Luggage Tips, http://www.nancydbrown.com/journal/2009/7/27/travel-writers-share-lost-luggage-tips.html
Donna Hull says
Beth, great tips for avoiding airline fees. I like your proactive approach. We can whine and complain or find a way around the charges.
As a side note, today, my husband wanted to move our fee-based Chase VISA card to a non-fee card. Earlier this year, he was told that it would be no problem. Today, both a service rep and her supervisor said, “No, we can’t do that. You’ll have to close your card go online and start from scratch no matter how many years you have been doing business with us.” The worst part, they both blamed it on new legislation from Washington D.C. Perhaps they were telling the truth. No matter. We’re no longer doing business with them. Cards have been cut up and thrown away.
Caitlin says
Warning – Continental’s food might be free but it’s almost inedible. They gave me some sort of hamburger that had been boiled in a bag. It looked so disgusting I couldn’t even bring myself to take it out of the wrapper.