Airline Fees For Phone Reservations, Priority Seat Selection, Meals, Alcohol, Pets, and Food And Drinks -- today, picking the right airfare may not be the overall cheapest airfare.
Many factors go into your total airline ticket these days, thanks to new fees being implemented by the major airlines for everything ranging from snacks to alcohol on board. These fees can add up quickly.
Want to see what the major airlines are charging unaccompanied minor fees for kids flying solo ages five thru 17, Please click here for more.
For a chart listing the latest baggage fees being charged by the major airlines, please click here.
It's always best to contact your airline or check the contract of carriage on their website for any last-minute changes.
If we had to rank the airline with the more friendly fees, Southwest Airlines wins hands down. Please note that fees and policies are subject to change at any time.
| Airline | Reservation by Phone (per person) | Priority Seat Selection | Meals | Beverages / Snacks | Alcohol |
Standard Change Fees
|
| American | $20 | None | $3-$10 | Free/None | $7 |
$150
|
| Air Tran | $15 | $6-$20 | None | Free/ $2-$4 bev. | $5 |
$75-$100
|
| Alaska | $15 | None | $6 | Free/ $6 | $6 |
$75
|
| Continental | $20 | None | Free (flights 2+ hours) | Free | $5 |
$50-$100
|
| Delta | $20 | None | $2-$8 | Free | $7 |
$150
|
| Frontier | $25 | $15-$25 extra legroom | $3-$7 | Free | $5 |
$100
|
| Hawaiian Air | $15-$25 | None | Free | Free/ $5.50-$10 | $5 |
$100
|
| JetBlue | $15 | $10-$30 | None | Free | $6 |
$100
|
| Southwest | Free | $10-$30 (Business Select) | None | $0-$3 | $5 |
varies
|
| Spirit | $20 | $20 exit row/ $15/$12/$8 front/ middle/back of plane | None | $2-$3 | $6 |
$100
|
| United | $25 | $9 + varies by route up to $109 or $425/ year | $3-$7 | Free | $6 |
$125
|
| US Airways | $25-$35 | $5-$30 | $3-$7 | Free/ $3-$8 Snacks | $8 |
$150
|
| Virgin America | $15 | $35/ $55/$110 short/ medium/ long haul flights | $6-$8 | Free (beverages only) | $5-$6 |
$50-$75
|
