Hidden airline fees and how to avoid them

Check what's included

First things first, always check what is included in the flight you book, and then check to see if you can get a better deal. You may see a really tempting flight price, but if it doesn’t include food or luggage, you could end up spending a lot more in the long run. 

Shop around

Some cities have multiple airports, and one is often cheaper to fly to than the other. You can also save money by organizing self-transfers between flights and mixing and matching the airlines that you book with. So, shop around before you book. 

Baggage fees

Even after you’ve found the best deal, there will still be lots of sneaky fees, and one of the biggest is baggage. Flights always used to include at least a carry-on bag, but this has changed in recent years. Luckily, there are ways to cut these fees down. 

Check that your case is the right size

So, the first thing you want to do is make sure that your case is the right size. Check the measurements online and buy some luggage scales (which you can get for less than US$5 online) to avoid risking additional charges at the airport.

Personal item only

A great way to save money is not to pay for any luggage and only take a personal item, which is always included free of charge. This item must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you, so it will be something like a small backpack. 

Take a pillow

You are also always allowed to take a travel or neck pillow with you on flights, and it does not specify what they should be stuffed with. So, if you choose to fill your pillow case with underwear, then no one needs to know…

Become a packing pro

Just making sure that you pack effectively can free up a lot of space so that you can travel with cheaper luggage. Things like using packing cubes, rolling instead of folding, layering heavier items at the bottom, and stuffing smaller items into corners or into shoes, etc.  

Digitalize your luggage

Digitize what you can to cut down on weight and space. Things like swapping books for e-readers and downloading documents onto your phone rather than bringing them with you are all great space savers. 

Bring a fanny pack

As a final note on the luggage front, it is highly recommended that you bring a fanny pack (or something similar) with you, to keep your passport, phone, and wallet handy—and not risk your overstuffed bag exploding whenever you try to extract them!

Don’t be tricked into paying

The most important thing is not to be tricked into thinking you have to pay for a seat. You will be asked many times if you want to, and you’ll have to scroll right to the bottom of the booking screen to say no, but they have to allocate you one, so don’t fall for it. 

Get there early and ask

It may seem obvious, but so many people don’t even think to ask, and this is often the best way. Sometimes you are randomly allocated a middle seat, but there are window or aisle seats available, and if you’re one of the first to board, you may be able to snag it! 

Onboard extras

Now, moving on to those little extras that you can get charged for once you’re already on board. Sometimes you might assume certain things, like food or drinks, are included, but that’s not always the case. 

Bring a water bottle

You should always bring a water bottle with you when you travel, as they have refilling stations located around the airport and will fill it for free for you on board. This helps the environment, saves money, and makes sure you stay hydrated in the air.  

Get downloading

Some planes will charge for in-flight entertainment, and some will also charge for Wi-Fi. So, make sure you have everything downloaded on your phone before you go. Things like music, maps, and films can all save you from having to pay. 

Parking

Parking at airports can be very pricey, but often nearby hotels have deals for passengers. Booking online beforehand is also a money saver, and long-term parking is always cheaper than short-term. 

Deals and discounts

As with anything, a great way to save money is with deals and discounts. You can use airmiles, loyalty programs, and also check if certain credit cards have partnerships with different airlines. There are lots of discounts out there if you look for them.