In a disturbing and continuing upward trend, travelers are being surprised by a number of hidden fees just when we’ve gotten used to hauling our limited luggage through security to avoid baggage fees and carrying our own blankets, meals, and pillows thanks to the fees charged by airlines.
These days, travelers have to be aware of hidden fees imposed by just about everyone, and they can really add up quickly!
When you stay at a hotel
Hotels have begun imposing resort fees, which are extra per-day charges tacked onto your hotel bill. Unfortunately, this is another example of simply gouging customers because most travelers have no idea what services they are getting (if any) for these extra fees and hotels aren’t required to pre-disclose them. Plus, the traveler pays taxes on the fees on top of everything else.
When you rent a car
Rental car companies may not tell you about airport fees, which can be $10, $15, or more per day. You won’t be aware of these fees unless you do some research because they’re charged to your card when you return the car and not before.
When you see a game
Ticketing fees and convenience fees are being added to sporting events, as well as a new fee called a delivery fee, which is added to your charge to print the ticket or send it in an e-mail.
When you find a great airfare
Some time ago, we wrote about online airfare purchase websites catching travelers by surprise by automatically adding travel insurance to their purchase, and apparently passenger outcry has prompted at least one company, Travelocity, to implement opt-out so that the checkbox is not already clicked when you make your purchase. This change won’t occur until January 2012, however, so be cautious when making travel supplier purchases until that time.
Note: here at Travel Insurance Review, we encourage you to purchase your travel insurance from an independent, third-party because you have greater control over your coverage, you can add necessary options, and you can compare plans to select the best price.
