Hidden travel fees often surprise budget-minded travelers; they can be sneaky, unexpected charges that exceed the price of airfare. Whether an upgrade fee is charged just before boarding your flight or a ground transportation charge for renting a car, these fees can add up quickly and dent your holiday budget.
That’s why if you’re looking to make the most out of your next vacation without breaking the bank, knowing what hidden costs lurk in wait and how to avoid them altogether pays off. In this blog post, we’ll look at 10 insider secrets for avoiding hidden travel fees such savvy travelers like yourself can have peace of mind when planning their upcoming adventures. Read on for some valuable insights!
Airline Seat Selection Fees
Despite a noticeable increase in recent times, the overall cost of airfare has decreased for an extended period. This may appear to be beneficial news; however, it conceals an underlying pattern: Airlines are attaining more profits from additional charges while simultaneously lowering the basic price of airfare.
Seemingly mandatory and notoriously irritating, charging for the selection of seats is the most up-to-date ruse. At checkout times, this fee often appears and quickly incenses those unaware.
Avoiding these fees is typically the most sensible course of action, as you can often bypass the seat selection process and allow the airline to allocate seating for you later. Despite this risk, not having to pay additional costs can be worth it, even if there is a chance that you will end up with an uncomfortable middle seat.
Resort Fees
Hotels have become progressively assertive in applying “resort fees” to bills, covering amenities formerly considered integral; such services include newspaper delivery, access to the exercise room and pool, and sometimes even the business center. Moreover, many establishments also charge for a safe in the room without regard for whether it was ever utilized.
As the practice grows more widespread, travel pros are aware of increased fees levied on hotels, including housekeeping charges, concierge prices, energy fees, and lodging online or with internet charges. Even more frustratingly for customers is an added charge for keeping luggage secure.
Vacation Rental Cleaning Fees
Everyone desires a spotless vacation rental, but nobody wants to pay sky-high cleaning fees that can end up costing more than the original price of the rental. It is nearly impossible to avoid these charges entirely since most properties have them as part of their policy. However, it is possible to ensure you are not overcharged by being mindful and researching beforehand.
The total price can be hard to filter and compare on many vacation rental platforms, such as Airbnb, but the search screen usually provides this option. This simplifies the process of comparison shopping significantly by making prices visible before reaching the checkout.
Baggage Fees
One suggestion to save money when traveling is to pre-pay for checked luggage rather than paying at the terminal. However, it’s necessary to ensure that you read and abide by the rules and restrictions for luggage concerning weight limits and fees associated with your ticket.
One of the most common yet unexpected expenses associated with traveling is due to overweight luggage. This is a mistake I make all too often – frantically opening my suitcase to try and rearrange items to avoid the dreaded excess baggage fees, only for my underwear to end up scattered on the floor at the airport. Investing in an inexpensive travel scale can be a great idea to save yourself from such stress and costs, ensuring that you don’t exceed your airline’s weight restrictions and thus avoiding extra charges.
Miles Or Flight Upgrades Fees
Miles can be a great way to save money on flights. Using miles to reserve your flight or upgrade, you should always double-check the rules for their use beforehand. Generally speaking, you may need to pay a portion of the costs out of pocket and utilize your miles for the purchase. Understanding how and when you can use your accumulated miles will help ensure that you get the most value out of them and that they are working hard for you!
Phone Ticketing Fees
Many airlines charge fees ranging from $15 to $25 if you book your tickets via telephone. This charge is because some airlines offer discounted fares for certain destinations, exclusively available when booking via the telephone. Therefore, to redeem these promotional prices, customers must pay this additional fee when making their reservations over the phone.
Airline giants like American and Delta have already cut out the charges for phone bookings, making this kind of service gradually fizzle out. However, United still applies a $25 fee to those beneath Premier Platinum status, ruling out this option unless they own a qualification.
Mentioning technical errors with the airline’s website almost always leads to fee waivers for phone ticketing; this is the best trick for customers to avoid such fees.
Hotel And Airport Parking
Sometimes people don’t factor in the expense when they face the choice of whether to rent a car or use public transportation like an Uber/Lyft or a taxi: parking their vehicle at an airport or hotel can be up to $50 per night, particularly in places with higher costs of living like Los Angeles.
If you don’t need to use a car heavily, public transportation and ride-booking apps like Uber or Lyft should be considered instead. These options are typically more affordable and practical, as they save money and the stress of locating a parking spot and turning in the rental car before departure.
Using the American Express Platinum Card, obtain up to $200 per year in Uber credits divided each month. Doing so gives one a much better option than costly alternatives like long-term parking placements.
Seat Selection Fees
Flights are becoming increasingly expensive, and to avoid being seated in the middle, you now have to pay for your seat. However, it is worth remembering that if you are looking to economize, there is no obligation to pay for a particular seat selection on the aircraft – this can greatly reduce costs.
To avoid airport seat fees, it’s important to note that cheaper flight tickets may come with added baggage and seat charges. If extra space is desired, look into a bulkhead or exit row seating though both may incur a dedicated fee. With careful planning, flight fees can be avoided when possible!
Roaming Charges By Verifying Phone Coverage
Avoid the pricey blunder of spending on unnecessary roaming costs from your smartphone. Before you embark on a journey, verifying and activating an international cell phone plan to use GPS navigation and keeping in touch with other traveling companions via text messages is wise. Forgetting this may result in expensive roaming charges that could have easily been avoided.
Foreign Transaction Fees With Credit Cards And ATMs
It’s wise to check in advance with your credit card company to determine if any foreign transaction fees are associated with using your credit cards and ATM cards abroad. Doing so can prevent unwelcome surprises when you return from vacation and review your statement. To avoid such charges, consider getting a travel rewards card that does not charge foreign transaction fees; there is a variety of options available for you to choose from.
Conclusion
Planning for every eventuality regarding unseen travel fees is important when budgeting for trips or daily excursions. With a little research, you can set yourself up for success in everything you do. By following the 10 insider secrets featured in this blog post, your travels and activities will hopefully be pleasant and without hidden surprises.
Of course, the best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with your destination’s local culture and customs to ensure a hassle-free experience. Keep a close eye on fees involving food, transportation, postage, telephone charges, currency exchange rates, and taxes – all expenses should generally be accounted for.
Utilizing these tips and tricks as much as possible on your next tour abroad or domestic getaway will help relieve some of the stress associated with traveling and make it easier to enjoy a worry-free journey!
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