Hidden travel fees and how to avoid them
A cheap fare or nightly rate can turn into an expensive trip once the extras are added. Here are the fees that catch travelers most often, where they show up, and how to pay less. Fees change often, so check current terms with each provider.
| Fee | Where | How to pay less |
|---|---|---|
| Checked and carry-on bag fees | Airlines, especially on basic fares | Check what your fare includes, measure your bag, pay online before the airport, or pack carry-on only. |
| Seat selection fees | Airlines | Skip paid seats if you don't mind where you sit; check in early. Compare with the next fare up, which may include seats. |
| Change and cancellation fees | Airlines, hotels, rentals | Book refundable or flexible rates when plans may change; use the 24-hour cancellation window for flights. |
| Resort, destination and amenity fees | Hotels | Compare total prices, which must now include mandatory fees. Ask what the fee covers. |
| Cleaning and service fees | Vacation rentals | Compare the total for your dates; longer stays spread the cleaning fee. |
| Hotel parking | Hotels, especially in cities | Check before booking and compare with nearby garages or transit. |
| Rental car extras | Rental counters | Know your own insurance and card coverage before you go; refill fuel yourself; check how tolls are billed. |
| Airport rental surcharges | Rental cars picked up at airports | Compare with an off-airport location a short ride away. |
| Foreign transaction fees | Some credit and debit cards | Use a card without them abroad. |
| Paying in US dollars abroad | Card machines and ATMs abroad | Always choose the local currency. |
| ATM fees abroad | Your bank and the ATM owner | Withdraw less often, and check your bank's fees before you go. |
| Roaming charges | Your phone carrier | Pick a plan or eSIM before you land, or keep data roaming off. |
General information. We don't sell travel or earn commissions from any provider.
One habit that catches most of them
Before you book, go all the way to the final payment screen and compare that number, for each option, with everything you'll actually need: bags, seats, parking and fees. The cheapest headline price often isn't the cheapest trip.
Then put the real numbers into our trip budget calculator.