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Airline fee chart

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Airline fee chart

Posted by George Hobica on Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Here we list, airline by airline, fees for ticket changes (non refundable fares); booking fares in person or by phone, kids flying solo, bringing a pet into the cabin, and booking fares other than online. As you can see, Southwest has the lowest and fewest fees, followed by other low cost carriers such as Airtran and Spirit. Note that most of these fees, unless otherwise noted, are for domestic flights; fees for international services may be higher. Last revision: Nov 2 2011.

See also: New airline frequent flyer program fees 

Airline

Ticket change fee domestic/international Booking fares on phone/in person Unaccompanied minors (double for round-trip) Pet in cabin (double for round-trip) Advance or premium economy domestic seat selection (double for round-trip)
Airtran  $75 (will follow Southwest's policy, below, upon full integration of the two airlines)
 $15  $39 $49 for nonstops; $59 $69 for connections; per family  $69 $6 (advance seat assignment); $20 (exit row)
Alaska  $50 $100 online ($75 otherwise)  $15/$15  $75; per family  $100  not applicable
American  $150/$150-300  $20/$20  $100; per family $100 not applicable
Delta  $150/$200+  $25/$25  $100; per family $100  $5-$25
Frontier  $100 $150 $50 for economy fares, $0 for Classic and Classic Plus fares
 $25  $40 $50 per segment, per family Not allowed $15 and up each way per segment for exit rows and rows at front
JetBlue  $100  $15  $75; each child  $100  $10 and up per segment each way for seats with 36 inches of legroom
Spirit  $80 online ($90 otherwise) Lowest fares available online only 

$75 $100; per child

 $85 $100 not applicable 
Southwest  $0 (you get a credit good for a year)  Lowest fares available online only  $25 $50 per child $75  not applicable
United  $150 domestic, $250 for international
 $25/$30  $99 $150 $99; per family  $125  varies
US Airways $150/$150-$250   $25 domestic, $35 international; at ticket offices $35 domestic, $45 international  $100; per family  $100  $5-$30 per flight (aisle and window at front of economy cabin), although some passengers will be assigned these seats without paying by "luck of the draw"

 

 

 

 

Categories: Airfare Tips

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I think change fees are ridiculously expensive. If it's done online, why is so expensive? Bought a $100 tix on Alaska and now have to pay $75 to change it? Highway robbery!!
by sdjules on Friday, January 13, 2012
According to their website, American Airlines charges $125 each way for a carry-on pet and the carrier counts as either your one carry on or personal item. They also charge for the first checked bag. Add the following after the "aa . com" to get pet info: i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=Nav#Fees
by htdggr on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
I work in reservations for one of the airlines listed above. I recommend travelers check with each airline website for fees. Some of the above listed fees need to be updated.
by dmark183 on Wednesday, December 07, 2011
looking for cheap tickets
by nita on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Frontier now offers pets for a fee (125$ I think).
by LuckyLou on Friday, November 11, 2011
FYI: Frontier $0 booking fee online/phone, minor fee $50, $50 change fee, Pet in cabin $75, Cargo $150.00 all seats can be assigned at the time of booking
by Girl7 on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Your information is not correct, check with the airlines and update
by Girl7 on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I am always giving an eye to this kind of tips. This might be helpful in my career.
by Flight attendant on Monday, May 02, 2011
Ummm, I have not flown since 1989. Now, I find it necessary to do so. Me and two children (ages 12 and 10) need to fly roundtrip from Birmingham Alabama to either Fayetteville, NC or Raleigh, NC preferably from June 11 to June 18 (Saturday to Saturday), but could be Fri,Sat,or Sun to Fri,Sat,or Sun depending on prices. We need this to be CHEAP. Apparently, we just missed a 59.00 deal that American Airlines had going. Can u help us find something inexpensive? Thanks
by momofyani1 on Saturday, April 16, 2011
THank you for this group. Maybe it would also be good to take alook at Hawaiian Airlines lowering their fares from Pago to Hawaii which is 3 to 4 times the cost of flying the same distance from CA to HI. The only reason why Hawaiian Airlines would probably hike its prices such would be that they are the only Airlines and know they can get away with it.... you pay 400.00 approx from Hawaii to Cal and return... but PPG to HNL and back 1,200.00 RT.... unbalanced bucket of apples if you ask me...
by Hawaiian Airlines Fares on Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Hawaiian Airlines charges 25.00 per lb. if over the designated pound per baggage.
by Baggage per lb on Hawaiian Airlines on Tuesday, January 04, 2011
I am all about some sort of movement against ridiculous pet fees. Why haven't the animal rights activists and pet publications and pet owners themselves rioted over this yet?? I intend to email every airline i can think of to tell them just how shallow i think this fee is. My dog is not even 5lbs and i have no option but to take him in cabin with me. He could not survive the flight otherwise. And i'm sorry, but i refuse to pay more than my own seat fare for something that i could carry on in my pocket. They might as well charge me for my computer...it weighs more and is much more intrusive. Aslesohs.
by Tabu on Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Let's band together and start a campagne to promote the start of Pet Friendly Airlines! Send emails/mail/calls to airlines, twitter, blog, write to travel magazines to build awareness! Our campagne can be called "fly free with Fido"
by Travel Pooch on Friday, October 01, 2010
Thanks for this! Frontier's site says they take in cabin pets for $75. Maybe something new.
by boysenme on Friday, June 04, 2010
I really like this! I linked to it from a blog I wrote here: http://blog.portofinolakes.com/
by avance on Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thank you for the taking the time to compile this, I think the obvious bargain here is Airtran. I usually fly continental but some of the fees can soon increase an otherwise cheap flight.
by Lovelinks on Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I found this post very useful.Keep up the good work!
by furniture on Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Ok here's the thing. Airline tickets haven't increased in price in over five years while fuel prices have continued to climb. All airlines are going into survival mode. There is no alternative. Everything is now going to be al la carte. If you want it... pay for it... They can't keep up with the slumping economy and rising fuel costs. The way I look at it is if they don't start charging these additional fees there aren't going to be any airlines to fly on. Frankly I want to keep my job.

by prada handbags on Thursday, October 01, 2009
By the way, I will depart on Spirit. Impressions I will share later.
by statik8 on Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Thnx for the interesting post.I found it very useful for myself.Keep writing

good lUck
James80

by download movies 2009 on Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thanks for putting this handy chart together. it makes it much easier when searching for a cheap airline to have them side by side like this, allowing you to see instantly the pros and cons of each one. It will save me loads of time thanks!
by Financial Spread Betting on Saturday, September 26, 2009
very interesting but i think we should look wider to see more.
by Luda on Friday, September 18, 2009
Thanks, I just booked a flight a called them to setup this.
by Mike on Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What is it about
by Tol7tuy on Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Many thanks for the information.
by statik8 on Tuesday, September 08, 2009
I've read two suggestions to avoid the scandalous pets fees:

-Get Service Animal status for your pet.
-Don't tell them what you are carrying on. TSA doesn't check what's on your ticket when they screen people with pets through. A friend's brother has done it for years, but I have been unwilling to try so far.

by Herb on Friday, June 19, 2009
For your list:

Swissair pet in cabin $200

I just booked a flight a called them to setup this.

by z on Monday, May 11, 2009
I have a very small chihuahua that has traveled in cabin with me for several years and it the beginning I did pay the fee, but now there is not one single domestic airline that charges less than $150 RT so I stopped telling them I was bringing a pet with me. Im not NOT not, going to pay "FEE" that is equal to or more expensive than my ticket for my teeny tiny little dog that doesn't bother anyone or make a peep the whole trip. Here's a thought what about a "fee" for babies or toddlers that scream/cry/or kick my seat the entire way there, is that not more disruptive and warrant a fee than my dog that no one knows it there!!!! I would like to thank the person who designed my dog travel bag for it looks just like a large purse and no one is the wiser....yet.
by Carol on Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thank you! Very needed information.
by Luna on Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thanks for a really good info
by Tol7tuy on Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Pssst.....good for you!!!!!
by on Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Merad: Have you tried a "back door" approach with Delta? What I mean is this: If you have Gold status, I'd call their preferred customer line and ask to speak to a supervisor. They all have the ability to make exceptions. Or if you belong to their Crown Room they might be able to assist. Just a thought...............
by on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Lisa.. Southwest's change "fee" was probably because the fare went up. You do have to pay a fare difference but I'm pretty sure that if the fare stays the same there's no fee.
by on Thursday, March 12, 2009
Just looking around for my daughters dog and noticed that UA says 125 not 175 now for one way fee for in cabin dogs. A shame as they do NOTHING for the dogs.
by Midwest Dad on Friday, April 17, 2009
would like you to put me on your e-mailing list
by airfarewatchdog on Saturday, February 14, 2009
JetBlue has raised the price on the "more seat room" seats. Please get current. Thanks
by ADKWINTER46ER on Saturday, February 28, 2009
You can sign up for the free airfare alerts by following the information sign up box on the home page. It's easy.
by on Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hi,

This was very informative article. Thanks man...

by Cheap Airfare on Sunday, March 01, 2009
My pet, small Shihtzu, has traveled with me for the past three years. We have live in two places and she goes back and forth with me two or three times a month. When Delta's fee was so low, I used them exclusively. When they changed to $75.00 and then to $100.00 each way, I still considered myself lucky because I found their flight attendants and other service people to be more pleasant. I now have attained "Gold" status which enables me to board early (better with Abby-the-Dog) and have seats closer to the front. However, when the pet fee went to $300.00 RT, I the fee was more than the cost of my ticket. OUTRAGEOUS!
I have emailed Customer Service numerous times about this issue.
They cannot possibly make a significant profit charging $100.00 RT more for pets, since the number is limited to 2 Coach, 2 First Class. But the extra $100.00 IS significant to me. The last "crock" excuse I got from them was that having a pet onboard required extra cleaning labor and supplies to protect their customers with serious allergies. Questioning a Delta flight attendant confirmed that reasoning is a flat-out Lie.
As stated earlier,, my pet is considered one of my carry-ons is tucked under the seat in front of me during the flight, and never makes a peep. My seat mates are surprised when I am deplaning because they never knew she was there.
My flights are now with airlines who charge $200.00 RT or less. I am boycotting Delta even though I miss the extra perks of Gold Membership.
Thank you for providing a forum where I can "unload".

by merad on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Northwest ("part of Delta") has raised its one-way pet fee from $80 one-way to $150 one-way, just like Delta! I think they modified (lowered?) some other reservation-related fees to match Delta's.
by Dan on Friday, December 05, 2008
I dobn't know if you've picked up on this one. Used to be that if you booked with USAirways and then saw the same itinerary for less, you could call and they would issue you a credit for the difference. Not any more.

Now they (USAirways) charges a $150 per ticket fee to claim the lower fare. When asked why, they explained it was do to "handling costs". The whole transaction took less than two minutes.

by Dwer on Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I was just thinking about Airline fee chart and you've really helped out. Thanks!

by Yachtcharter Griechenland on Saturday, January 10, 2009
My family used to fly to Denver each year, sometimes 2 - 3x per year, but we have started driving. The "junk fees" have driven travel costs up so high that we can make the 2-day drive (including gas, meals & hotel) for much cheaper that flying. With 2 children, we have alot of baggage. Also, the extra fee for seat selection is ridiculous, we need to have seats together, and we will be penalized for needing to sit together. Unless a perfect stranger wants to take of my 2 year old, we need to all sit together. The airlines better get their heads out of their.......wallets and get rid of these stupid fees. The economy sucks right now, as if anyone didn't already know that, so people will be trying to cut spending whenever possible. So, greedy airlines, I think more people may start driving, riding the rails, or taking the bus. (AMTRAK/Greyhound, here is your chance)
by usedtoflynowdrive on Sunday, February 01, 2009
Actually, Delta now charges $300 RT for a pet, $150 each way. It went from $50 (March) to $150 (Aug) in one year. RIDICULOUS!!! They must want people to NOT fly. Hell I think people should just take the bus and see the sights. But then again, Fido ain't allowed there either. I'm moving to Switzerland.
by KLLH on Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Here's another fare for your chart: US Airways charges $29.95 for a paper ticket. This is not necessarily due to a special request on the traveler's part, either.

After selecting a flight to Newport News VA on Air Tran, Travelocity came up with Lower Cost Options (just a few $ cheaper). I chose one that flew out of MSP on US Airways and returned via Air Tran. (It was only $2 cheaper but less total time. ) BUT, the printout came out higher so I looked closer. Turns out "a paper ticket" was required for my trip (I redid the flight with only Air Tran and did NOT get a paper ticket charge so it is US Airways.) at either $29.95 (2nd Day) or $39.95 (Next Day), eventhough this was 19 days in the future.

by Lukey on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
This story is very useful. Really I like it. Thanks for sharing with us.
by Cheap Airfare on Thursday, November 20, 2008
Chart correction:
Continental charges $15 (per person) for bookings on the phone. $5 more if you pay for the ticket at the airport.

by George on Thursday, November 13, 2008
Delta has revoked it's $50 2nd bag checked fee and under certain circumstances you can file for a refund online. Meanwhile they have revoked their $49 award booking fee but have not offered any compensation. I asked for a $49 voucher toward a future flight since I paid for 2 award tickets 6 weeks before they revoked the fee and I have not started my trip yet. I got back foolishness about their policy of booking last minute, less than 21 days, for a flight.....I booked 2 1/2 months in advance and will depart Dec. 3rd! Although I supplied all of the info they needed they ignored my clear emails, which I have posted on the message board.......incompetence is rife at Delta! Do I really want a voucher from them for a future flight (I don't think so.....)
by on Thursday, November 13, 2008
Frontier is my favorite airline even though it causes me a lay over to use them. But Southwest is looking better and better. I have had a couple bad experiences with Southwest but will give them serious consideration next time I travel.
by Katrina on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Actually you need to update the chart to show that Northwest does charge for making reservations over the phone. See the following:

The following Miscellaneous Charges have been collected:
Miscellaneous fees and charges associated with your reservation are listed below.
Please note that not all fees paid to Northwest will appear below; the information is based on data available in your Reservation Record at this time and will not include fees paid at the airport.

Fee Type/Reference Special Service Ticket Number Method of Payment Amount
Call Center Ticketing Fee Master Card ************XXXX USD 10.00

by Jim on Friday, May 30, 2008
look at that chart and tell me, is it any wonder that Southwest is ranked high in customer satisfaction AND is profitable! You would think that the other airlines would be taking notes.
by Sally on Thursday, May 29, 2008
With the sneaky FEE's appearing from the airlines..(supposedly due to Gas cost's)
Should one assume that they will sneek in a new fee shortly...
Pay Toilets plus Tissue per sheet. ?????

by R.T.Mills on Thursday, August 07, 2008
SW Airlines has charged me $50 to change my ticket on 2 different occasions. I was surprised to see your $0 comment.
by Lisa on Monday, September 08, 2008
You didn't post that Air Tran also charges
$6.00 to chose a regular seat in advance for each leg of the trip.

by Gloria on Thursday, May 29, 2008
I guarantee you that I will not pay an airline a fee to book my reservation. Whoever was/is the moron that came up with that idea should be sent to an instution for the mentally insane- along with the corporate criminals who are his boss. It is stupidity such as this that is causing problems for the airline industry. If customers don't make reservations- how can the airlines have a customer base. I advocate ALL customers NOT to make reservations for three days, then we would see if the airlines would recind this assinine charge.
by David on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Can we add our "Best Care in the Air" Midwest to this list? Is there a fee yet for their Alterra coffee & warm chocolate chip cookies?
by Sue - Milwaukee on Thursday, May 29, 2008
I'm concerned about the seating situation. My son is physically handicapped and getting him down the aisle even w/ the aisle chair is extremely difficult. I have been told that the bulkhead is reserved for the handicapped but this is hit or miss. Are they going to charge us for Jeff and his dad/me to sit in the bulkhead.
by tigrrfan on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Pet fees are the biggest joke. They prey on pet-owners who have to pay sometimes more than their own ticket, lose a carry-on and actually costs the airline LESS in fuel. (Most pets have to weight less than 10-15 lbs to be carry-on, conversely, most people's carry-on baggage weights 20-25 lbs).
by NewYork10011 on Thursday, May 29, 2008
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