Tips and tricks for affordable flights
2010-05-03
With the travel industry facing hard times in the wake of the recent economic recession - and those problems only exacerbated by the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland - travelers can expect flights to be a bit pricier for the foreseeable future. Fortunately for those individuals with summer vacations ahead, there are ways to successfully navigate the maze of fees associated with airline travel and keep vacation costs relatively low.
One of the industry's largest attempts to recoup losses has been the much publicized baggage fee that has been introduced at a majority of service providers. While nearly all have begun charging for checked baggage, one has begun charging for carry-on luggage as well, leading some analysts to wonder how long before this practice catches on.
Travelers will want to research the flight provider before purchasing their ticket, as a low gate fair can easily be offset by exorbitant baggage fees.
Choosing one's seat in advance could also come at a premium, as a number of companies have started charging fees to select where they will sit throughout the flight. While many companies provide this service free of charge, fliers can avoid fees by not selecting a seat beforehand and merely accepting a random assignment before departure.