Fuel Surcharges Weaseling Their Way Back

They're baaaaack... fuel surcharges. You remember them from not so long ago when you had the "privilege" of paying that extra fee for higher fuel charges. Cruise lines charged up to $12 per person per day, airlines charged $10-$25 per ticket, even taxis got on board and charged a flat rate fuel surcharge added to the base fare. No one was immune. Then the price of oil dropped and thankfully so did the fuel surcharge.

Alas, here we are again... the price of oil increasing and so are the incidents of fuel surcharges. Many international air carriers have started adding fuel surcharges ranging from $10-$15 per ticket, and some are even gouging those flying on miles (it was rumored that British Airways charged a passenger flying on miles $500 for the fuel surcharge!). I'm sure the fuel surcharges are not far behind for American carriers, perhaps some have already started charging.

Cruise lines have not formally announced fuel surcharges but they are gearing up for it and no one will be immune, not even those who have booked a future cruise. Warnings of fuel surcharges have ranged from $9 per person per day to $12 per person per day. They do, fortunatley, cap the fuel surcharge to a maximum of double occupancy for 7 nights. Third and fourth passengers in a cabin do not pay the surcharge either.

Some travel vendors who sell package vacations and tours are holding tight on their air prices, provided you book sooner than later. They can guarantee flight prices packaged in their tours only so long, but if you are thinking of traveling, a package or tour is your best value at this time.

With gas at $4.09 per gallon in my area, it will be short time before airlines and cruise lines burn through their oil futures and pass on surcharges. It's bad enough we are paying fees up the, wel, you know... baggage fees, seat selection fees, paper ticket fees, etc. The only advice I can give my clients is it's a cost that you have to build in to your vacation, just like spending money, or meal allowances, and don't stress over it. Yeah, it stinks, but your alternative is to not travel? I think not!

Travel Fees: The Norm, The New Norm, And The Strange

I've been subject to many travel fees over the years but recently they have really increased. As the travel and hospitality industry try to keep rates low and entice travelers, they tack on or increase fees. I've been recently subjected to resort fees in Vegas and elsewhere in the US, service fees from travel vendors, and baggage fees on airlines. Can you believe paying $25 per bag on an airline? Yup, I paid $50 for my bag and my husband's ba to fly just last week - and that was each way! Sure, rates and fares are low but you have to watch out for the hidden (or not so hidden) fees that can really add up. You need to weigh the costs between low fares or rates and additional fees that may be attached. It's all about the convenience you want and the cost you are willing to pay when traveling!

What is the strangest travel fee that you've encountered?

The single biggest news story in 2010 has been about all of the extra fees that airlines are charging as a way to supplement flagging revenues. In the second quarter alone, the airline industry picked up $2.1 billion in extra fees and charges. In our October Readers' Choice issue, on stands now, we reported the somewhat unsurprising news that among all the many clever new fees, your absolute least favorite charge was the dreaded baggage fee. (Fortunately, with some planning and the right bag it is possible to get by with a carry-on and avoid the checked-bag fee.)

Consumers and travel industry professionals are starting to rally together. A collective of groups submitted a petition with thousands of signatures yesterday via the web site, MadAsHellAboutHiddenFees.com, to the Department of Transportation. The goal? To force the airline industry to create greater transparency about fees during the booking process. (Look for the final ruling in Spring 2011.)

While baggage fees (and airlines in general) are getting most of our attention, I'm curious to hear about other weirdo charges you've noticed on a bill recently, whether on a cruise, at a hotel, or at the rental car checkout counter.

What are some new and bizarre—and perhaps patently unfair—fees you've been stuck with in your travels?

Why not post your own experience with fees here or check out responses at Budget Travel.

Posted by: Nina Willdorf, Editor in Chief, Friday, Sep 24, 2010, 3:58 PM