The modern airline fee menu is a mess. If I had a nickel for every time I selected a $49 fare and somehow ended up paying $129 when it was all said and done, I’d… have a few nickels, I guess, which isn’t much, but it’s strange that it happened more than once.
My point is, things add up quickly when it comes to airline costs. The base fare gets you from A to B, and pretty much everything else, including bags, seats, changes, and even how you pay, costs extra.
This guide breaks down where those extras hide, how they differ by airline, and how to compare options without a spreadsheet. Let’s start with that last one.
Why Comparison Matters
Two fares can look identical and behave nothing alike. One “light” fare might include a standard carry-on, and another could treat that same carry-on as a paid upgrade. Some airlines charge more for aisle seats than for window ones, while others only charge for extra-legroom rows.
Before you commit, it helps to compare what’s included across carriers on the same route. Browsing all airline flights in one place makes it easier to spot which fare is genuinely cheaper once you factor in bags, seats, and flexibility.
What Counts as a Fee Anyway?
Think of your ticket like a build-your-own pizza. The dough is the seat from origin to destination. The fillings: carry-on allowance, checked bags, seat selection, earlier boarding, changes, and refunds, are the extras. Some airlines bundle a generous New York–style Meat Lovers pie by default, while others hand you the crust and a price list.
I should point out that “hidden” doesn’t necessarily mean illegal or secret. It usually means the cost appears late in the booking flow, inside a fare brand (like “Basic,” “Light,” or “Value”), or with conditions you’ll only notice if you click the little info bubble.
Where Fees Most Often Hide
There are a few places where airlines typically try to sneak in fees. Here they are, along with some tips on how to decode them:
- Carry-on vs. personal item. A personal item is usually a small backpack or handbag that fits under the seat. A carry-on goes in the overhead bin, and on some airlines (especially ultra-low-cost ones), that overhead space costs extra. If you see a rock-bottom fare, check whether a “full-size carry-on” is included.
- Checked bags. Prices depend on route, season, and when you pay. Paying during booking is often cheaper than at the airport. Watch for weight limits (e.g., 20 kg vs. 23 kg) and size caps. An overweight bag can cost more than the flight.
- Seat selection. Many airlines now charge to choose any seat in economy. If you skip selection, you’ll be auto-assigned at check-in. That’s fine if you’re solo, but less fine if you’re trying to sit together. Extra-legroom and exit-row seats are priced higher and can be moved around dynamically like mini airfares.
- Changes and cancellations. “No change fees” often applies only to certain fare classes or credits you must use within a set window. Basic fares can still be “use it or lose it.” Read the rules next to the fare name, not just the big banner.
- Airport and payment quirks. Some low-cost carriers charge if you check in at the desk instead of online, or if you print a boarding pass at the airport. Payment method fees pop up in a few markets, too. These are small individually, but annoying if you’re not expecting them.
- Onboard extras. Food and Wi-Fi are rarely included in basic economy. If in-flight internet matters, check the price and coverage on your specific aircraft type.
Why Airlines Do This
Over the last decade, airlines got very good at “unbundling,” a.k.a., selling add-ons a la carte. It lets them advertise lower base fares while charging for features only some travelers want.
For airlines, these add-ons, including things like bags and priority services that sit on top of the ticket price, are no rounding error: industry estimates put global ancillary revenue at roughly $148.4 billion in 2024.
The practical takeaway here is to assume the base fare is only step one. Then decide which extras you value and price the trip with them included.
Bottom Line
Airlines aren’t trying to trick every traveler. In fact, many are giving price-sensitive flyers a real way to save by skipping extras.
But if you do want those extras, the cheapest fare can become the most expensive option in three clicks. So, compare inclusions across carriers and price the trip you actually plan to take, and, in theory, you can easily sidestep the unwanted expenses.
