How Travelers Can Reduce Airline Add-On Fees

Airlines frequently separate core ticket prices from additional services, resulting in extra charges for baggage, seat selection, and in-flight amenities. Travelers face a variety of fees depending on their airline and booking choices.

Checked baggage fees on most U.S. carriers are typically about $30 for the first bag and $40 or more for additional bags, while some airlines such as Southwest include two checked bags at no extra charge. Seat selection fees can range from $10 to $50 for standard seats, and $20 to $100 or more for seats with extra legroom or preferred locations. In-flight Wi-Fi is often priced between $8 and $10, but some airlines like JetBlue provide it for free, and Delta has announced plans to expand free Wi-Fi on its flights by the end of 2025.

Budget airlines, including Ryanair and Wizz Air, generally include only a small under-seat bag in their lowest fares, with larger cabin bags or priority boarding costing between £15 and £40 per flight. Checked baggage on these carriers can add £20 to £60 per flight, depending on route and timing. Online check-in can help travelers avoid airport check-in fees, which may be $10 to $20 per passenger on some budget airlines.

Booking baggage and seat selection in advance, especially through online channels, is usually less expensive than paying at the airport or during check-in. Some airlines charge higher fees for seat selection at the airport compared to advance online purchase. Booking directly with the airline may also help travelers avoid third-party service fees and sometimes provides access to exclusive deals or complimentary perks.

What the numbers show

• U.S. airlines collected $7.27 billion in baggage fees in 2024
• Checked baggage fees on U.S. carriers are typically $30 for the first bag
• Seat selection fees can reach $100 or more for preferred seats
• Budget airline cabin bag fees range from £15 to £40 per flight

Travelers can offset some add-on costs by using travel credit cards that offer benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, or no foreign transaction fees. Packing light, wearing bulky items onboard, or using loyalty programs that waive baggage fees are additional strategies to reduce expenses. Tools like Google Flights and Kayak allow users to filter search results by baggage-included fares, making it easier to compare total trip costs rather than just base fares.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, tickets booked at least seven days before departure can be canceled without penalty within 24 hours of purchase. This rule provides travelers with a window to review fare details and reconsider their options if unexpected fees are discovered after booking.

Some airlines provide free Wi-Fi or plan to expand complimentary internet access in the near future, while others continue to charge for this service. Delta has announced its intention to offer free Wi-Fi on most domestic mainline flights by the end of 2024 and on international and regional flights by the end of 2025.

Travelers can minimize overall costs by researching airline policies, booking services in advance, and taking advantage of available credit card or loyalty program benefits. Comparing total fare costs, including add-on fees, can help ensure a more accurate understanding of the full price of air travel.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.