Last week we reported that United Airlines and American Airlines were adding a $10 surcharge to popular holiday travel dates. Delta, Continental and US Air quickly followed suit, and before the week was over ‘peak holiday travel time’ also became the “additional $10 days”.
Bad news travelers: the three days of surcharges have multiplied. Originally, the $10 holiday travel surcharge would apply to travel on Nov. 29, Jan. 2, and Jan. 3). Now comes word that airlines are adding more days to the popular travel season, which means more fees.
Over the past few days, the airlines have expanded the additional fee to include airline tickets for travel over Christmas and during popular Spring Break travel weeks in March and April.
According to Farecompare, the additional $10 fee now applies to travel on the following dates: Nov. 29 – Nov. 30, 2009; Dec. 19, 2009; Dec. 26 – Dec. 27, 2009; Jan. 2 – Jan. 3, 2010; March 14, 2010; March 20 – March 21, 2010; March 28, 2010; April 11, 2010; and May 28, 2010.
The Cheapflights travel experts have weighed in on this new fee and offer the following tips to consumers:
- Book now. If you see a fare you like over the timeframe you want to travel, don’t wait – book your flight. While it’s possible that the price of an airline ticket will come down closer to the holidays, nothing is for certain.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. The airlines have come clean with their dates and you know if you travel on one of the ‘holiday’ travel dates, you’ll be charged an additional $10. Try to travel before or after those dates to save some money, and also consider an alternate airport in your destination, which might yield cheaper flights.
- Save money by traveling smart. Airlines have instituted checked-bag fees, fees for checking-in at the airport and fees for curb-side baggage drop-off. Save yourself money (and time) by checking in for your flight online and printing any luggage tags online from your airline’s website. Simply drop off your bags (at no additional fee) at the airport and make your way through security).
For information on cheap international flights, take a look at this advice from the Cheapflights team.
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