Air travel is very convenient for those who need to cover great distances in a hurry. Although airfares have trended downward in recent years, the number of fees charged has more than outweighed the benefits of cheaper flights. According to NBC News, fees have been going up since airlines were ordered to unbundle their prices in 2008. The Government Accountability Office says that checked bags, priority boarding, reservation changes, and other services added up to $7.1 billion in revenue for airlines in 2016 which accounts for a substantial portion of their total incomes.
USA Today points out that many travelers are caught off guard at the airport by fees that are not addressed during the purchase of tickets. Buying tickets through different travel agents and online portals can further complicate matters if the differences between included options and a la carte additions aren't made clear.
