15 Hidden Airline Fees That You Can Totally Skip

Airlines have mastered the art of sneaking in charges that can drain your wallet before you even board. However, with a little planning, you can sidestep those and keep more cash for your destination. Here are 15 common airline fees you can avoid without sacrificing your travel experience.

Seat Selection Fees

Airlines love charging for aisle or window picks, but if you skip pre-selecting and let the system auto-assign your seat at check-in, you often avoid the cost altogether. Many regular seats come free, especially on legacy carriers like Delta and American.

Checked Bag Charges

Why pay $40 to check a bag you don’t need? A carry-on, packed well, covers most short trips. Use every inch, from compression cubes to stuffed sneakers. You’ll save cash and avoid the luggage pile-up after landing.

On-Air Snacks

In-flight snack boxes can be shockingly overpriced. Bring your own TSA-approved goodies instead, like protein bars or a sandwich. Pack them in a reusable pouch and enjoy gourmet snacking without the markup or mystery meat.

Early Boarding Upcharges

Airlines can charge for early boarding, yet the benefit is minor. Most groups are on the plane within 10 minutes of each other. Unless you need extra time for mobility reasons or overhead space is scarce, skip the fee and board with your assigned group—it makes little difference.

Airport Printing Fees

Printed boarding passes often cost extra, but airline apps make it easy to go digital. Download yours straight to your phone. It’s free and easier to manage than digging through your bag while rushing to your gate or standing in a security line.

Wi-Fi Costs

Unless you’re streaming or working mid-flight, skip the Wi-Fi charge. Pre-download podcasts, Netflix episodes, eBooks, and offline maps. Even Spotify has an offline mode. You’ll stay entertained for hours without paying $15 to watch your emails not load at 30,000 feet.

Travel Insurance From Airlines

When booking, airlines will nudge you to add trip protection, but it’s rarely the cheapest or most comprehensive option. Compare with third-party providers like Squaremouth or Allianz before you click “yes.” You’ll find better coverage at half the cost.

“Preferred Seating” Charges

Some airlines label standard economy seats as “preferred” and charge more when they’re literally the same as the free ones, just closer to the front. Unless you’re racing off the plane, scroll past these and save your money for something tastier than legroom illusions.

Dynamic Currency Conversion At Foreign Airports

When using a U.S. credit card abroad, airport vendors may charge you in dollars instead of local currency. This sounds helpful, but you’ll pay up to 5% more. So, always opt for local currency to dodge this invisible rip-off.

Extra Fees For Booking By Phone

Some airlines charge a booking service fee when you call instead of booking online. If it’s not a complicated itinerary, avoid the phone line and do it digitally. It’s faster, cheaper, and comes without elevator hold music.

Extra Payment For Frequent Flyer Miles

Airlines will offer you bonus miles at checkout, but it’s almost always a bad deal. You spend real money on uncertain benefits that may expire or lose value. Unless you’re just shy of a big redemption, skip the tempting “Buy Miles” pitch.

Lap Infant Tickets

Lap infants usually fly free on domestic U.S. flights. On international routes, however, many airlines charge roughly 10% of the adult fare for infants without a seat. Each airline has different rules, so confirm their policy before booking to avoid surprises.

Hotel And Car Deals Through Airlines

Bundling flights with hotels or rentals during checkout sounds convenient, but those packages can come with hidden booking fees or higher rates. Compare prices separately first to ensure you’re not paying extra for the deal label.

In-Flight Entertainment Rentals

Some airlines still charge for headsets or video access. Bring your own headphones and pre-load your phone or tablet with movies and games. It saves money and guarantees you won’t be stuck with fuzzy screens or someone else’s half-broken earbuds.

Same-Day Change Fees

Need to catch an earlier flight? Some airlines quietly allow same-day standby or confirmed changes for free, if you ask. Others waive the fee for elite members. Always check the rules before assuming a last-minute switch will cost you.