Airline Fees That Could Cost You $100 or More: How to Avoid Them

Flight Change Fees: $50 to $300

Making a small adjustment to a flight you’ve already booked might not seem like a big deal, but even a minor change could set you back hundreds of dollars. This fee won’t cost as much if you’re flying domestically, you make the change well in advance of your travel date, you’re flying a large carrier, or you have a higher-tier fare.

On the other hand, if you’re flying internationally or you make the change shortly before your flight, be prepared to pay upwards of a few hundred dollars. You’ll also pay more if you’re flying with a budget airline or you have the most basic economy seats.

Cancellation Penalties: $0 to $1,000

There’s a huge range in what airlines charge for canceling your trip. Some, like Alaska Airlines, have done away with cancellation penalties for changes made at least 24 hours in advance, but if you fly with an airline like United, you might have to pay up to $1,000 depending on your fare’s terms and conditions. Higher fees are more likely if you cancel international flights.

However, cancellation penalties usually fall somewhere in the middle of this range. For instance, if you’re flying with Jet Blue and have a refundable basic economy ticket, you’ll be charged $100 for cancelling North American flights or $200 for all others. That said, nonrefundable flights usually can’t be cancelled. Instead, you’ll be issued an airline credit (and will have to pay a $25 phone cancellation fee).

Seat Selection Costs: $15+ Per Flight

Seat selection fees are a nasty one since you’ll often be charged a fee for each leg of your flight. So, while a direct, domestic flight might charge you only around $15 per person or per leg, a long-haul flight with many layovers can cost much more, especially if you’re flying internationally.

Bear in mind that premium fare seats will cost you more to select or upgrade since these typically come with more legroom.

Overweight and Oversize Bag Fees: $30 to $400

Checked bag fees are one thing, but your luggage could face an additional fee if it’s over the weight or size allowance. Some airlines have fees that vary by weight or size while others charge a flat fee. For example, Alaska Airlines charges a flat $150 for most bags over the size or weight limit. Keep in mind that you’ll still be charged a checked baggage fee. So, using our example, you’d be looking at a cost of $185 for a single large bag.

Again, fees vary greatly depending on airline and destination. For instance, Hawaiian Airlines charges a $400 overweight bag fee for flights to Japan, Korea, and American Samoa.

Kids and Pets Fees: $50 to $200

Sometimes, you’ll have to pay an additional fee for unusual situations, like an unaccompanied minor or the ability to fly with your pet in the cabin:

• Unaccompanied minor: The exact price varies by airline. Some, like Alaska Airlines, charge a flat fee of $50 per child, while others, such as United, charge up to $150, plus the price of an adult fare, for the trip.
• Pet in the cabin: Airlines charge different fees depending on where the pet stays during the flight. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for your pet to fly domestically. If you’re flying internationally, be prepared to pay up to $200.

How to Avoid These Hidden Costs

It might seem like avoiding additional fees is impossible, but with some forethought and smart strategies, you can avoid paying more than necessary:

• Learn about your carrier and fare: If you’re booking with a budget airline or choosing a fare that doesn’t offer flexible changes or cancellation, you will pay more to adjust or cancel your flight. If you don’t want to pay additional fees for baggage or adjustments, consider booking a higher fare.
• Purchase your flight with a co-branded credit card: Depending on the card and airline, you might enjoy perks like additional free bags, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, or the ability to change your flight without being charged.
• Sign up for a loyalty program with an airline you fly often: The more you fly, the higher status you’ll earn. Elite status often comes with benefits like additional checked bags, free seat selection, security upgrades, and airport lounge access.
• Be smart about booking your travel: You can save money if you can anticipate additional costs. For example, if you know you’ll need to check a few bags, search for an airline that includes at least one free bag. Or, if you know you have a trip coming up, book as early as possible before fares jump.
• Read the airline’s baggage policies: Instead of telling yourself you’ll figure out your luggage situation as you pack, decide how many bags you’re willing to pay for when you book the fare. This way, you won’t be hit with hefty baggage fees when you check in for your flight.

The Bottom Line

It’s hard to overstate how important knowledge and preparedness are worth when flying. The more you know about your airline and fare, the less likely you are to be hit with unexpected fees, especially if you make changes to your travel plans.