The fare menu of modern airlines is a disaster. 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… I’d have a few nickels, I guess, which isn’t much, but it’s strange that it’s happened more than once.
My point is that things add up quickly when it comes to airline costs. The base fare gets you from A to B, and almost everything else, including luggage, seats, changes, and even how to pay, costs extra.
This guide breaks down where those extras are hidden, how they differ by airline, and how to compare options without a spreadsheet. Let’s start with that last one.
Why comparison is important
Two rates may look identical and not behave similarly. One “light” fare might include a standard carry-on bag and another might treat that same carry-on bag as a paid upgrade. Some airlines charge more for aisle seats than window seats, while others only charge for rows with extra legroom.
Before you commit, it’s helpful to compare what’s included between airlines on the same route. Browsing all airline flights in one place makes it easier to spot which fare is actually cheaper once you factor in bags, seats, and flexibility.
What counts as a fee anyway?
Think of your ticket like a pizza you build yourself. The mass is the seat from the origin to the destination. The fillers: carry-on baggage allowance, checked baggage, seat selection, early boarding, changes and refunds, are the extras. Some airlines include a generous New York-style Meat Lovers pie by default, while others give you the crust and a price list.
I should point out that “hidden” does not necessarily mean illegal or secret. It usually means that the cost appears late in the booking flow, within a rate brand (such as “Basic”, “Light” or “Value”) or with conditions that you will only notice if you click on the small information bubble.
Where fees are most often hidden
There are some places where airlines often try to collect fees. Here they are, along with some tips on how to decode them:
- Carry-on item versus personal item. A personal item is usually a small backpack or purse that fits under the seat. Carry-on luggage goes in the overhead bin, and on some airlines (especially ultra-low-cost ones), that overhead bin costs more. If you see a rock-bottom fare, check to see if a “full-size carry-on” is included.
- Checked bags. Prices depend on the route, season and time of payment. Paying during the reservation is usually cheaper than at the airport. Be aware of weight limits (e.g. 20kg vs 23kg) and size limits. An overweight suitcase can cost more than the flight.
- Seat selection. Many airlines now charge for choosing any seat in economy class. If you skip the selection, you will be automatically assigned at check-in. It’s okay if you’re alone, but not so much if you try to sit together. Extra legroom and exit row seats are priced higher and can be moved dynamically like mini airfares.
- Changes and cancellations. “No change fees” often applies only to certain classes of fares or credits that you must use within a set period. Base rates can still be “use it or lose it.” Read the rules next to the fare name, not just the big sign.
- Airport and payment characteristics. Some low-cost airlines charge if you check in at the counter instead of online, or if you print a boarding pass at the airport. Payment method fees also appear in some markets. These are small individually, but annoying if you’re not expecting them.
- Extras on board. Food and Wi-Fi are rarely included in basic economics. If inflight internet is important, check the pricing and coverage for your specific aircraft type.
Why do airlines do this?
Over the past decade, airlines have become very good at “unbundling,” that is, selling a la carte add-ons. It allows them to advertise lower base rates while charging for features that only some travelers want.
For airlines, these add-ons, which include things like bags and priority services that are added to the price of the ticket, are not a rounding error: industry estimates put global ancillary revenue at about $148.4 billion in 2024.
The practical conclusion here is to assume that the base rate is only the first step. Then decide which extras you value and quote the trip with them included.
Conclusion
Airlines are not trying to deceive all travelers. In fact, many offer price-sensitive travelers a real way to save by avoiding extras.
But if you want those extras, the cheapest rate can become the most expensive option in three clicks. So, compare inclusions between airlines and price the trip you actually plan to take and, in theory, you can easily avoid unwanted expenses.
