Air travel in 2009 seems to be heralding in quite a different era.

Not to trivialize the changes that the airline industry has undergone in the past few years of course. The terrible events of September 11 have forever changed air traffic security procedures resulting in vast increases in costs to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Added to that gas prices have surged way past anything we ever thought possible further pushing up the cost of travel.

As if to add insult to injury, although gas prices fell, the resultant global economic slowdown has also put a spoke in the wheels of international leisure travel, causing a notable dip in ticket sales.

These circumstances have all conspired to bring us to the point we are at today.

Let’s look at a few of the most recent price increases or otherwise ridiculous cutbacks:

• Most airlines have cut out meals on domestic flights and as a matter of fact if you want a little snack come prepared to shell out $3 to $4 if you’re on an American Airlines flight.
• US Airways stopped offering pillows to economy class passengers in February 2009. Economy travelers can bring their own or buy a Power Nap Sak emblazoned with the US Airways logo for $7. The little kit includes a pillow, neck brace and fleece blanket. Jet Blue Airways has a similar package for the same price.
• British Airways instituted a charge for choosing your seat in advance. Economy class passengers can expect to pay £20 while business class travelers will pay £50 from  October 7th, 2009.
• US Airways and Continental Airways have both added a baggage fee as well. Continental Airways charges $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second. US Airways has the same fee but if you decide to pay it at the airport instead of online when you book your ticket, you get to hand over an additional $5 on each bag, just for the inconvenience.

This is all evidence that airlines have been adding seemingly spurious charges on to the end price just to plump up their bottom lines. Makes you wonder whatever happened to operational efficiency?

Most Recent Price Increase

The usual suspects Continental and United Airways, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways and Northwest have all banded together to implement a $10 charge, each way, simply for booking on peak days. The charge was originally only on the three days around Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, but it was extended to include a period extending into the first quarter of 2010.

The new peak dates subject to the charge are as follows:

• November 29 – November 30, 2009:  Weekend after Thanksgiving
• December 19:  Saturday before Christmas
• December 26 – December 27:  Weekend after Christmas
• January 2 – January 3, 2010:  Weekend after New Year’s Day
• March 14, 2010:  Sunday before many student spring breaks
• March 20 – March 21, 2010:  Weekend after many student spring breaks
• March 28, 2010:  Palm Sunday, weekend before Easter
• April 11, 2010:  Monday of Easter, weekend after Easter
• May 28, 2010:  Friday before Memorial Day

While a $10 fee each way may seem harmless, looking at the trend, and adding up the toll from food to seat requests to baggage charges you have to wonder… what next?

If consumers aren’t responsive we may be looking at paying for flotation devices and air masks down the road.

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Here is a look and just some of the pay-as-you-go airline fees that you can be responsible for, no matter where you are going or what airline you choose to carry you to your destination.

Direct Ticket Purchase
With some airlines, you have to pay more money if you order your tickets over the phone directly with the airline, instead of making arrangements on the internet.

Bag Check
What used to be free now can cost you $15 or more. Not every airline does charge a per bag fee for the first bag but you also need to know that some airlines will even charge you extra if you do not prepay that per-bag fee ahead of time via the internet. The rate usually increases with each bag you add. Also, if your bag goes over the weight limit, expect to pay upwards of $50 for each overweight bag and even more if you are flying internationally.

Flight Change Fee
If you have to change your flight for any reason, expect to pay between $50-$150 for each ticket or up to $250 for international travel.

Drink Fees
Who doesn’t look forwards to the free soda and peanuts on a flight? Well, depending on what airline you flight, that snack might be a pipe dream. While most airlines still offer at least a free non-alcoholic beverage, expect to pay $5-$7 for one cocktail on most airlines.

Pet Fees
If you have to travel with Fluffy or Fido, expect to pay $100 or more for your pet.

While a cheap getaway flight may seem right up your alley and within your budget, don’t be deceived at first glance. Take a good, hard look at what else you have to pay to fly so “cheap”. Sure, there are legitimately great deals out there, especially via the internet but know what you are getting into before you go. It may save you money by researching other modes of travel, such as driving yourself or taking a train.

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According to USAirways’ official baggage policy, carry-on baggage size requirements are as follows: Up to 45 in/115 cm (14 x 9 x 22 in or 36 x 23 x 56 cm); and up to 40 lbs/18 kg

Just because your bag fits in the above seat compartment, does not mean that it falls within size restrictions. On a round trip USAirways flight to Las Vegas last week, both mine and my husband’s bags were allowed as carry-on luggage; however, on the return flight both of our bags, along with about 50 other passengers’ bags were hijacked at the gate. Mine, exceeds the width dimension technically by 2 inches, so I can see why they asked me to check it at the gate through my final destination. But, my husband’s fell within the size requirements, along with many other passengers, and the gate attendant arbitrarily decided which bags to pull and which to not.

We were even told during boarding that since this USAirways flight was a full flight, there was no overhead room. Yet, upon boarding, nearly a quarter of the overhead bins were completely empty. At least we were not forced to pay the $15 fee.

It is no wonder that a recent TripAdvisor survey revealed that 54% of respondents consider checked bags the most annoying airline fee. Other poignant survey results reveal that 36% have been surprised by the cost of checked baggage fees at the airport and 19% said they always carry-on a bag to avoid additional fees, while 39% often do.

“It’s apparent that travelers are frustrated about checked bag charges and are looking for more clarity when it comes to domestic airline fees,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

Checked baggage fees range in price for first and second pieces, as well as for oversized luggage. Be sure to check your airline policy so no surprises happen at check in. Often, airlines will offer a discount if you pay in advance online for checking bags. This includes USAirways and Spirit Airlines. USAirways recently announced that it will charge $15 for the first checked bag if paid for online and $25 for the second; however, if a traveler waits to pay this fee at the airport upon check in, a $5 service fee will be imposed. “If you booked your flight before April 23, 2009, fees will stay the same for you,” according to USAirways Web site. “And remember, Dividend Miles Preferred members are exempt from checked bag fees.”

Those traveling transatlantic, military/active duty, unaccompanied minors, confirmed first class passengers often will have checked baggage fees waived as well.

During today’s air travel the best travel advice to avoid extra baggage fees and having your bags taken from you at the gate is to travel light and pack well. Ensure you have a piece of travel luggage that falls under the maximum size requirements to avoid any confusion. Be sure to check dimensions as many baggage pieces are sold as carry-on, but fail to meet size requirements.

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Photo Credit: www.spiritair.com

In 2008 the friendly skies have not been so friendly. Travelers have been hit with outrageous fees on top of fees for everything ranging from traveling with luggage to reserving a seat. Capacity has been reduced and routes eliminated. It is surprising the airlines have not started charging a reservation fee for oxygen in case of emergency. Seriously, getting through the ticket purchase process can be just as long and frustrating as going through an airport security line.

Last night, I had the honor of purchasing a ticket for my mother’s pending visit. Based on our locales there is only one airline and one daily flight for non-stop flights, so based on supply and demand theories a premium might be expected to be paid. Luckily, this single flight availability/route is on a discount airline, Spirit Airlines, so we have never had to pay an “outrageous” amount. When comparing other “nearby” airports, there are less expensive flights, but when considering gas prices and time to go an extra hour to this nearby airport, the savings are negated.

I have been purchasing Spirit Airline tickets for more than two years for this particular route and I have been lucky enough to score an insanely good sale price for certain visits. However, regardless of Spirit’s great sale offerings, I was disappointed in my purchasing experience.

The ticket price was acceptable and by waiting an extra day, an unexpected sale was announced which resulted in an additional $25 in savings, which was “lost” as I went through the reservation process and pre-paid the now $15 for first piece of checked luggage fee. But, hey, $25 is $25 and I am not complaining. My recollection of the luggage fee had been $10 for the first bag, so I was left wondering if prices had gone up for this “service”. Where I was shocked is when the seat reservation option came up. Spirit Airlines now charges $10 per seat, per flight, even for online reservations. This is unacceptable. If booking online, travelers should be able to reserve their seat as part of the process and ticket price.

While airlines reportedly are struggling, why tease a customer in with a sale fare only to bait and switch with fee on top of fee. As you approach the end of the buying experience, Spirit Airlines automatically tacks on its fee for its airline insurance, which provides zero protection if the airline goes bankrupt, and $9 for a trial membership in its $39.95 annual exclusive $9 fare club. Both of these items are optional and I did not opt for either, but I felt as though this “suggestive selling” was just more nickel and diming that was unnecessary.

Spirit overall I have had good flying experiences with and again, have scored amazing flight deals. I only wish the Burger King approach would be removed. I highly recommend visiting Spirit’s Web site, www.spiritair.com and sign up to receive its sale notices. A word of caution…be flexible and act quickly.

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“With the new restrictions implemented by the airlines, the last thing you want to worry about is cramming your gear into one suitcase, having your bag exceed the weight limit and being charged a high fine,” said Wanda Gierhart, president, TravelSmith Outfitters, Inc.

Advance planning will save money, according to packing expert Anne McAlpin, author of Pack it Up. “Always confirm in advance with your airline what their specific regulations/restrictions are.  And especially now, make sure you know exactly what, if anything, it will cost you to check your bags (or if they are overweight),” McAlpin explains.

To help ease packing anxiety, Laura McHolm, a storage and organizational expert for California-based NorthStar Moving Corporation, says “the key to packing the perfect suitcase is doing your homework before you go on your trip.”

McHolm has offered some suitcase organizing tips to deal with “the space crunch” put upon travelers by the airline industry:

• Determine what amenities are available at your hotel to eliminate taking items that take up space.
• Identify what you will be doing on your trip and what the weather is likely to be before you begin packing.
• Does the hotel have dry cleaning, laundry facilities and what is its turn around?
• HelenRae Luggage, the makers of the new stylish travel line, advises you lay-out clothes prior to your trip and bring only what you need based on the trip’s agenda. Don’t pack extra outfits ‘just in case.’

 Once you determine what you need to pack, McHolm suggests:

• Pick a palette and stick with it! Choose 2-3 basic colors so you don’t have to bring more than one purse or more than one pair of shoes, which takes up the most room in your suitcase.
• When you start to pack, pack from heaviest to lightest, leaving the most fragile items on top.
• Try folding clothes so that there is not a crease down the center and lay shoes toe to heel to maximize space. Don’t forget about the space inside of your shoes too!
• HelenRae Luggage suggests that accessories can change up a look without taking up much suitcase space.
• If you’re headed to a chilly destination where a sweater, coat and boots are in order, wear the bulkiest garments on the plane instead of using valuable suitcase space for them, according to HelenRae Luggage.
• Decide what to wear on the plane. Sometimes the biggest shoes can be a good thing as long as they are easily removed for security. Also, use your largest purse. This helps eliminate the space in your suitcase but gives you a pseudo-carry on for the plane. Don’t forget to figure this outfit into the mixing and matching for your entire trip. 

To help identify how to actually place items in your suitcase, McAlpin created the Packing Board that creates two layers in your luggage to 1) keep clothing from wrinkling and 2) make it simple to lift out the top layer to access items below. Her expert packing list is printed on both sides and illustrated step by step instructions are printed on the back of the board.

Additionally, Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler, says “It is a suitcase, not your closet. I can travel for a month in a 22″ rolling bag and have everything I need. It is about need, not want. Pack only for your planned activities and logical possibilities such as rain.”

Have you discovered any clever packing tips?

PHOTO CREDIT: www.smartpacking.com and www.packitup.com 

Avoiding Baggage Fees: Organized Packing Tips was created by and is property of American Consumer News.