How to find and stop hidden fees

May 16, 2024

By Kim Komando

When I’m booking air travel, it seems like the price goes up with every click. By the time I pay to check a bag or two, that “great deal” isn’t looking so, well, great. 

So of course airlines are fighting the Biden administration’s “junk fees’” rule, which would make them show their fees upfront for checking bags, carrying on a bag, and changing or canceling a reservation. 

Virtually every major airline (American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian) is suing to stop this rule. Yeah, and they probably don’t want you to know their checked-baggage fees are going up again (at least, for American).

Airlines aren’t the only ones

It’s called price obfuscation, and I bet it’s happening in your online shopping carts all the time. You see one price when you hit “buy,” and as they tack on more fees, you’re less likely to notice them. 

Concert tickets are some of the worst offenders, with service fees, order processing fees, delivery fees and facility charges. 

The price obfuscation for concert tickets got so out of control, some states finally made Ticketmaster show “all-in pricing” — your actual ticket cost — instead of the ticket price you think you’re paying. 

• 🎶 How to avoid it: When you can, buy tickets at a physical box office to avoid some of the fees. 

Hotels stays: Many hotels tack on a “resort fee” they claim is for amenities. Some local governments charge a tourism tax, too. It can add up! 

• 🧳 Ask about the charges: If your hotel’s “resort fee” is for a closed pool or a gym you’re not using, politely ask if it can be removed from your bill. 

Online shopping: That outfit was a good deal … until you saw the shipping and handling fees. 

• 🛍️ Do your own legwork: Literally. If you’re purchasing online for a store with a brick-and-mortar shop in your town, get it shipped there for free and pick it up. 

Restaurant service fees: Some restaurants charge an automatic gratuity percentage for parties of six or more, but others take it even further with “cost of living” or other fees added to your final dining bill. California lawmakers got fed up (I had to) with it and eighty-sixed the practice in the state.

• 🍴 Last course of action: Check your receipt before you tip more than necessary. It could be (at least partially) baked in.

One more before you swipe: If you’ve ever encountered a “convenience fee” or “service fee,” they’re two of the most confusing of fee types. 

Some businesses charge a percentage or flat fee to offset the processing fees credit card companies charge them. Yeah, it’s legal, but businesses are also legally required to disclose the fee before you pay. Want to avoid it? Nostalgia wins again — carry cash.

🤣 You know what’s interesting? I’ve heard U2 has never paid any legal fees. Their lawyers all work pro Bono.