Latest Airline Surcharges and Regulations

Big changes are in the air. Since the attack on the United States in September 2001, we have seen many changes in our travels, especially air travel. There is much more security, especially screening at the airport and what we are able to bring on the plane with us, as we do our business or go on vacation. Now in addition to all the security we are seeing a great increase in airfares as the industry struggles with the current prices of fuel. If you have flown lately you are well aware of this.

For airlines to survive, they simply had to increase their fares to account for the increase in fuel prices. The way they are doing this is by charging every flyer a surcharge for fuel. This is not new; however, what has changed is yet another increase to the fuel surcharge.

One major airline in the USA has added an additional 20 dollars per trip and that number is expected to increase as the price of a barrel of oil keeps increasing. Other airlines will soon follow.

Now the airlines are adding baggage surcharges. Nearly all airlines are adding $25 for the second bag and a few are charging for all bags. This will increase the price of your trip by $50 or more. It will get to the point where it might become too expensive to fly for some people. Some airlines, like Southwest, still have no additional charges. This is because they were able to secure fuel at around 50 dollars per barrel this year, which is much less than the current rate. Look for Southwest to raise prices as their costs go up.

The price of fuel will dictate how many of these surcharges will stick and how much the surcharge will be. The airlines are looking to charge for all the space on the plane. One airline is even charging for reserve seating, including 5 dollars for a center seat. Look for charges on carry-on luggage in the not-so-distant future.

Be sure to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before you travel to see the latest regulations for checked and carry-on baggage. There have been some important changes in the last year or so you need to know, especially if you are not a frequent traveler. Most new regulations have to do with bringing liquids on the aircraft.

The biggest change is the ability to take liquids, gels, or aerosols on the plane. For a while you were not allowed to bring any of these on the plane, but recently the TSA and travelers have come to consensus that that is just not an option. For the children and elderly travelers, who require medications and nourishment, the rules are a lot more lenient.

New rules include showing security exactly what you are bringing onboard and it can be no more than 3 ounces of a particular liquid. All of the liquids must be put in one quart-sized plastic bag. It is rather annoying but remember it is for our safety and everyone aboard so be sure to read up on the requirements.

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