Are hidden fees on the rise when booking flights? Here are some common travel surcharges

▲ The trend of additional fees for air travel is on the rise. (Photo / Dingzhi / Illustration)

By Rita

It’s hard to imagine a time when you could pay once and have everything included. But now, baggage fees, late check-outs, and extra legroom all come at an additional cost. Doesn’t it seem strange? You’ve already paid, so why are there so many extra charges? Sadly, experts say this trend is only going to get worse.

According to CNN, these extra fees can be divided into three categories:

1. Additional airline ticket fees
In the past, changing a flight didn’t cost anything, but now, anyone with experience knows it can cost several thousand New Taiwan Dollars or more.

2. Frequent flyer programs
Originally, these programs were designed to build customer loyalty—frequent flyers who booked with the same airline would be rewarded with opportunities for cabin upgrades. But nowadays, due to severe overbooking, upgrades are increasingly hard to come by, which also raises questions about how rewarding these programs really are for travelers.

3. Additional hotel fees
It’s common for in-room food and drinks to come at an additional cost, but some hotels also charge for Wi-Fi, room service, and more.

How to avoid these unnecessary fees?

First, don’t assume that certain costs are included when traveling—especially the terms and conditions of airlines and hotels should be reviewed in advance.

Experts believe that the list of hidden fees may only grow in the future. It’s predicted that even children who sit on an adult’s lap may eventually have to pay. As for hotels, travelers might be charged extra based on room location, such as rooms near emergency exits. With many hotels going digital, personalized human service may also become a premium-paid feature.