Kay Robinson: BBB Report

Jet fuel prices have risen 83.6 percent in the last year, according to the International Air Transport Association, and almost every airline has found opportunities to pass this cost on to consumers through fees or charges for what used to be free features and services.

Clearly, summer travelers are in for a few changes at the airport — including new or increased fees — and the Better Business Bureau is offering a heads-up on what travelers can expect when flying this summer.

Despite less than stellar economic news, Americans are taking vacations. More than 25 million Americans will travel abroad this summer — a 2.6 percent increase over last year — according to AAA’s summer forecast for foreign travel.

Consumers and airlines are both feeling the pain at the pump. United Airlines, for example, stated that it will pay $9.5 billion for fuel this year — $3.5 billion more than last year. In addition to raising rates or cutting back on staff, many airlines are opting to charge travelers additional fees or institute new policies on travel.

Earlier this year, United Airlines decided it would charge customers $25 if they choose to check a second bag. United has now decided it will charge customers $15 for the first checked bag, effective for tickets purchased after June 13. Fees for special handling or overweight bags will also increase. United estimates the baggage fees will generate an additional $250 million in revenue.

United isn’t the only airline to start charging for checked bags. American Airlines is already charging customers $25 for a second checked bag and, effective June 15, began charging customers $15 for the first checked bag.

Continental Airlines said it would begin charging $25 each way if a customer wants to check a second bag. US Airways said it would begin charging $15 per checked bag for flights booked on or before this past Wednesday. JetBlue is charging customers $20 for the second checked bag.

Spirit Airlines, a budget airline that previously charged for checked bags, is raising its fee for checked bags from $10-15 to $20-25 each way, depending on if the fee is paid online or at the counter, respectively.

Most airlines do not charge baggage fees for international travel, but travelers should check the airline’s policy for specific details before heading to the airport.

Thirsty or hungry travelers need to either brown bag it or make sure they have cash on hand if they plan on snacking or drinking onboard the plane. Another way some airlines are cutting costs is by charging travelers for all beverages and food. US Airways has stopped serving free snacks — traditionally a bag of pretzels — and in August will begin charging travelers $2 each for non-alcoholic beverages, including juice, soda and bottled water. Spirit Airlines charges customers $3 for non-alcoholic beverages and more for snacks.

Effective in October, United Airlines will institute a policy requiring minimum stays for domestic flights.

Most travel will require a 2-3 night or weekend stay at the destination. The policy applies to specific destinations, ticket price, and length of flight so travelers should check United’s Web site for more details.

Travelers with pets can also expect to pay more for flights.

JetBlue recently increased the fee for in-cabin travel from $75 to $100, one way, for small pets.

Effective in August, United will charge $125 for pets to ride in the cabin, up from $85 earlier this year.

Pets traveling in the United cargo hold will cost $500 roundtrip. American, Delta, Continental and US Airways all charge $100 for pets to ride in the cabin.

Delta recently reported that it plans to add a fuel surcharge of up to $50 for booking frequent-flier tickets under its awards program. The new fee takes effect on tickets booked on or after Aug. 15.

Delta will charge a $25 fuel surcharge on tickets booked within the United States and $50 on tickets booked for travel elsewhere, including the Caribbean, U.S. Virgin Islands, Latin America and other international destinations.

Also, American Airlines has begun charging $5 to book frequent-flier tickets and US Airways will charge up to a $50 processing fee for frequent-flier tickets booked on or after Aug. 6.

Kay Robinson
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