Airlines Tack On Even More Fees

Blame the airlines' nickel-and-diming ways on a month's worth of oil prices that have topped $100 a barrel. By the International Airline Transport Association's estimates, every dollar jump in oil prices generates an additional $1 billion in fuel costs for the airline industry. "Right now, the airlines haven't met a revenue source they didn't want, need or like," says Terry Trippler, owner of TripplerTravel.com.

At first, carriers tried to improve their profit margins by cutting staff and increasing fares. But in order to stay competitive with low-cost carriers, they could only boost ticket prices by so much. (Because the Department of Transportation requires airlines to tack on fuel surcharges in the base price of the fare, directly translating their added costs to your ticket would likely price them well beyond competitors.) And so, the airlines are seeking other sources of revenue that can be charged well after you've booked your ticket.

Delta, for example, just increased fees for everything from curbside check-in (now $3 a bag; it was free) and oversized bags ($150, up from $100) to phone booking ($25, up from $20) and traveling with pets in the cabin of the plane ($100, up from $75). On top of that, a new $25 fee for checking a second bag will go into effect May 1.

Delta's fees are just the latest in a litany of new charges announced by the major carriers in recent months. As is the case here, once one carrier starts charging for a given convenience, the rest quickly follow suit. "It's never long before the others realize, 'gee, that wheel rolls, we don't need to reinvent it,'" says Stephanie Abrams, host of the Business Talk Radio show "Travel With Stephanie Abrams."

Unfortunately for travelers, if they want to avoid being charged for services they'll likely use, they'll have to do some extra research before buying their ticket. Instead of booking with an airline that offers the lowest fare, it's important to factor in the added cost for such things as the number of bags you plan on checking and whether you'll want food or extra legroom during the flight. (You'll need to hunt down policies on individual airlines' sites to accomplish this.)

Want an easier solution? Keep your travel simple. "The consumer who will fare best is one who travels light" — literally and figuratively, says Anne Banas, executive editor for SmarterTravel.com, a travel advice site. The more you require services or make any special requests, the more likely fees will be attached.

Use our guide to see four increasingly common charges, plus which airlines are still (somewhat) fee free:

These added fees have spurred more people to lug carry-ons onboard. So even if you're traveling light, be prepared for less space in the overhead bins, and stricter rules on what can be brought aboard, warns Trippler. Delta has already rolled out a carry-on approval tag that must be on all bags.