Billshrink has a great infographic and article about hidden airline fees. I wouldn’t really consider them to be hidden, because generally they’re right there on the airline’s website. The airlines call it a ‘build your own package’ kind of thing these days too, saying that before, the charges were there but bundled in to the ticket prices.

It’s a pretty good graphic to keep around, but do note that the AirTran Airways entry is slightly incorrect. If you’re a Corporate/Elite/Business passenger, the bag fees are waived for the first two bags. Oversize/Overweight fees are NOT waived, however. If you do a business class upgrade at the airport ticket counter, they will waive the bag fees for your flight even if you only upgrade to Business Class on the first flight segment.

Also, Southwest Airlines is now charging for extra baggage. “Excess Baggage: Effective June 17, 2009, your 3rd through 9th bag or item will incur a charge of $50 per piece, and any bag or item thereafter will be $110 per piece.”

United and US Airways are both screwing customers by raising the baggage fee at the airport, but I understand their reasoning behind it.

Oh, and about Wifi – mostly it’s all provided by Gogo Inflight Wireless anyway, so the prices are pretty consistent. The service is excellent, too.

Have a good trip!

Tags: money, travel