Struggling airlines continue to find new ways to nickel and dime passengers.
American and United have announced they will tack on an additional $10 for flights on three peak travel days around Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
The dates—the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the two days after New Year’s—are typically among the busiest travel days of the year.
The airlines are officially calling the $10 fee a fuel surcharge.
Meanwhile, British Airways will soon begin charging passengers to reserve seats more than 24 hours in advance.
Holiday Travel 2009 Forecast: How to Get the Best Travel Deals
Starting October 7, passengers will have to pay between £10 and £60 (about $16 to $96) to get a head start on choosing their seats. Customers can still wait to pick their seats for free within 24 hours of take-off, but risk losing their desired position.
This new fee targets passengers with preferences to window, aisle or emergency exit seats and families looking to sit together.
By Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com.
PeterGreenberg.com Links:
- Holiday Travel 2009 Forecast: How to Get the Best Travel Deals
- The Travel Detective on Additional Airline Fees
- Extra Fees Provide Big Boost to Some Airlines’ Profits
- Airline Losses Greater than Projected
