D.O.T. to the rescue!

For those of you who were totally freaked out by my previous post “Airlines’ Hidden Fees”, this one will be somewhat ‘comforting’. The U.S. Government has stepped in and will require airlines to be more ‘truthful’ in their advertising. If you subscribe to certain airlines to receive emails that announce their deals and sales, you may notice a jump in the cost of these ‘deals’. By the end of January, airlines most comply with these new regulations or will otherwise be fined.

“DOT rules require any advertising that includes a price for air transportation to state the full price to be paid by the consumer, including all carrier-imposed surcharges.” 

“Under DOT’s recently adopted consumer rule that enhances protections for air travelers, carriers will be required, among other things, to include all government taxes and fees in every advertised fare beginning Jan. 26, 2012.”

Just this week, Airtran was fined $60,000 for violating this regulation. The Department of Transportation will be even stricter once the regulation is in full effect.

Hooray for consumer protection!! Although, I’m not quite holding my breath on this. I’m pretty sure the airlines will find their way around this. Only time will tell….

To read the complete press release from the Department of Transportation: DOT Fines AirTran Airways for Violating Price Advertising Rules

Airlines’ Hidden Fees

The worldwide economic crunch has definitely affected the way we travel. Whether it be how often we travel, where we travel, or the way we travel (first, business or economy); one way or another, something has changed.

Not only have we the consumers changed our approach to travel but airlines have also changed what they offer and how they market themselves. I’m sure we’ve all seen those JetBlue commercials mocking what other airlines have put in place to squeeze extra money out of us – charging for “more legroom”, “bag in the trunk” (i.e. checked bag), etc. But sadly, that is the reality. Several airlines now charge for checked bags and ‘bigger front seats’. For those of us who are petite, and can efficiently fit everything into that 1 carry-on bag, these additional, “optional” fees won’t really be an issue – but how many of us are there out there?

I have to admit, these fees are a creative way of generating revenue.   

But back to the matter at hand: By now, we are all aware of the checked baggage fees charged by a majority of the airlines; but, did you know, one particular airline charges for a CARRY-ON bag, if it does not fit under the seat? Or that starting in January 2012, you will be charged to print your boarding pass at the airport? OR That you are charged a ‘passenger usage fee’ to buy tickets from the company’s website!?! I’m getting riled up just writing this post…

I knew of the first two, but the latter one caught me off-guard. During lunch at work, just before Thanksgiving, some of my co-workers and I were discussing current airline prices and holiday plans when, someone mentioned reading an article about Spirit Airlines increasing their ‘passenger usage fee’. I had just purchased my return ticket for the holidays using Spirit’s website and was sure that they were mistaken. To reassure myself, I went back to check my flight confirmation and under “Taxes & Fees” was listed “Passenger Usage Fee”. [Other airlines charge for over-the-phone reservations and in person with a ticket agent, but never bookings made directly on the airline’s website].  I was baffled. Spirit has found yet another way to charge an “optional” fee.

Spirit’s Fees Broken Down

For the article aforementioned see: Spirit raises website booking fee

Spirit charges for a carry-on bag that will go in the overhead compartment. In other words, if it doesn’t fit under the seat infront of you, be prepared to pay ($30 online, $40 at the counter). It is actually cheaper (traveling domestically) to check your bag than to carry it on – you save all of $2 in doing so.

Starting Janurary 24th, 2012 – Spirit’s passengers will be charged $5.00 to print boarding passes by Airport Agents at the counter and starting June 30^th, 2012 – Passengers will be charged $2.00 to print boarding passes at airport kiosks.

See here for more details on Spirit’s Fees

So, the next time you are online hunting  for a ticket and find an unbelieveable rate, before purchasing, remember to keep these fees in mind and factor them in, especially the baggage fees, to see what the real price of your travel will be. You can’t assume anymore that your first bag is free!