The Airline Holiday Travel Grinch Strikes Again

October 12, 2009 at 9:11 AM | by kjb | 0 Comments

We thought this would happen, and we�re not too thrilled about it: The holiday surcharge that was introduced last month on some airlines has slowly crept into new dates as well. At first it was just Thanksgiving and New Year�s Day; however, now it seems like every major holiday except for Flag Day is associated with a $10 each way fee.

According to fare tracking website FareCompare, some airlines have now added additional dates in which these holiday fees apply. November 30; December 19, 26, and 27; March 14, 20, 21, and 28; April 11; and May 28 all now may increase your airfare cost by about $20 round trip when the surcharges are tacked on.

This really hits us harder than the usual airline baggage fees. If the airlines want to charge more for these travel times, just build it into the fare. It�s always cost a little more to go home for Christmas, but please don�t slap us with any additional fees.

It seems that Delta, American, United, Continental, and US Air have all added these charges to dates around various holidays. For now carriers like JetBlue and Southwest have avoided the urge to splurge on travel fees. Right now it appears that Independence Day as well as Labor Day are safe in 2010, but you better book your flight soon, or else it may cost a few extra bucks.

Related Stories:
· Airlines Expand $10 Surcharge On Busy Travel Days [AP, via Google]
· This Year's Holiday Season To Be Hampered By Airline Grinch Fees [Official Site]
· Airline News coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: rowens27]

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