Travel
Kathy Kristof, whom I know from our earlier days when she was on the journalist side and I was an agency public relations executive, shares some practical insights on how to avoid spending unnecessarily on travel on vacations this summer and year-round. In her latest story for Kiplinger, Kathy zeroes in on two of the increasingly pesky expenses many of us consumers would appreciate learning to avoid: Airline Advance Seating Fees and Hotel and Resort Fees.
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| MommyBlogExpert.com |
Anyone who has booked a flight recently is all too familiar with the fees airlines charge for everything from baggage fees, to headphones, to in-flight meals and entertainment, to extra legroom. Now the latest addition is to get a jump on the competition and reserve a seat in advance by paying an extra charge. Why bother when generally, within 24 hours of the flight, you can pick you seat for free?
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| MommyBlogExpert.com |
Airline extra charges aren't the only added expenses travelers often find themselves up against. A word to the wise: beware the fine print when hotel shopping online. An ever-increasing number of hotels are tacking on resort and hotel fees that are not included in the base room price, and if you purchase them in advance you may find that these are not optional charges. Careful consumers can avoid these additional fees by simply reading the fine print before you push the buy button. Be especially vigilant when booking "express deals" like Priceline's "name your own price."
For more on how to save on your next trip, check out How to Avoid Two New (and Vexing) Travel Fees by Kathy Kristof on Kiplinger.com.
FTC Disclosure: Content inspiration was provided by Kathy Kristof and Kiplinger. No payment or other compensation was received in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
Janis, I am old enough to remember when all of the perks were not perks - they were just what we got for flying. Flying used to be a relaxing event and a beginning to a wonderful vacation or trip to see someone special, now it is pretty crazy. Thanks for heading me to a site that will help me out on my next trip.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I did not even know about the extra charge for reserving your seat ahead of time. That seems soooo wrong! I have been hit by hidden hotel charges though! And it wasn't cheap. That was an expensive lesson learned.
ReplyDeleteWe travel a lot and the one thing I can't stand is extra fees. We are very careful when we travel to not get hit with those fees.
ReplyDeleteI had friends pay ahead of time to sit with their young children and then find out once they get to the gate that they are all sitting separately. Who let's a two 4 year olds not sit with their parents? And the airline said they would have to ask passengers if they would switch.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that they now charge an extra fee for reserving your seat ahead of time. Man, what happened to good old customer service and having things included in the price of the ticket? I miss those days. These are great tips to help not be blindsided with hidden costs.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I do not ever really fly but if I do again and if I ever do with children? I must take into consideration your airline tips!
ReplyDeleteWow, great tips. I have been taken more than once by the 'small print' and it was not fun. Thanks so much for sharing this info...
ReplyDeleteHidden hotel charges are so irritating! This is a good list of things to know and be aware of to save extra charges. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteI will be doing some traveling in the new year so i will have to remember these great tips. Traveling is so expensive i want to save as much as i can.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like there is an extra charge for everything now. I will be using these great tips for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip to save some money! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThese are good to know. I haven't traveled in a while and I had no idea there charges for reserving your seat ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteGood to be aware of. I think that is rather misleading. Just give it to me all the base price so I don't have surprises!
ReplyDeleteThese are some good tips. I cannot stand having to deal with extra fees (which are often hidden)!
ReplyDeleteThose are great tips! I hate getting hidden charges while traveling.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. It can get expensive with all the "perks" you now have to pay for.
ReplyDeleteThese are really great tips. It seems like there are always extra hidden costs with travel. - Sarah, Must Have Mom
ReplyDeleteOh wow! This is great to know to avoid fees. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteResort fees can certainly add up! Thank you for the travel tips this time of year can be expensive!
ReplyDeleteI dont travel much (its been awhile) but I appreciate the travel tips!
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