Now that the 2011 travel year is winding down, articles abound across the Internet regarding 2012 travel predictions and future airline fees. Unpredictable fees,  along with American Airlines‘ bankruptcy, may make it more difficult for some travelers to find a convenient flight, and/or one that is in their price range. In an article by Brett Snyder, author of The Cranky Flier blog,  next year’s airline fares are unpredictable. The fares will be driven by fuel prices and passenger demand. In his article “What will 2012 bring in air travel?” Snyder states demand for air travel has been strong. Therefore, airline rates will continue to rise. However, if demand starts to waiver, the airfares may drop in price.

American Airlines will reduce services in some markets as part of its restructuring.  Southwest will no longer service many AirTran markets since the airlines’ merger is proceeding.  All this will lead to fuller and fewer flights for passengers.  Also, if fuel prices spike, airlines will raise their fares and cut back on flights.

Don’t expect those extra fees to go away anytime soon.  As we all know airlines have started to nickel and dime travelers with new fees.  The airline that seems to have this down to a science is Spirit Airlines. In reviewing Spirit’s baggage fee page, it appears the only thing they do not charge extra for is an infant sitting in a passenger’s lap.  Carry-on luggage (currently free on other airlines) is an additional charge from $20-$30 per bag.   Since I just witnessed a lady who unpacked half of her carry on bag just to get it in the overhead compartment, I wonder what she would have done if she still had to pay a fee for her bag.

Spirit Airlines is well known for offering $9 airfares, but then tacked on additional fees for checked and carry-on luggage, advanced seat selection, and a passenger user fee which can be up to $17 each way for tickets booked online. All these fees are “optional” since technically a passenger does not need them to travel on a plane.  The passenger doesn’t need luggage, nor advanced seat selection, and they could drive to the airport and purchase the ticket at the counter.  As history reflects with airlines, if one airline can charge an additional rate the others are sure to follow its example.

One theory among travel experts is that more airlines will start ” bundling.”  Passengers will have options to choose from to fit their budget or travel demands.  Frontier Airlines is already offering bundles.  Good, or bad, this seems to be the new way that airlines will be able to dig deeper into travelers’ pockets.

How many of us have been intrigued by the insanely low advertised airfare – UNTIL we read the fine print.  Good news, starting January 24, 2012, the Transportation Department will enforce a rule that any advertised air travel price must include all the government taxes and fees.  Previously, the Transportation Department allowed the government-imposed fees listed separately on advertised fares.  This resulted in that dreaded fine print disclaimer which could add 20 percent to a ticket price.  However, keep in mind that this fare would not include any additional extra fees, such as baggage fees since these are optional.

However, the some airlines are not on board with this new rule and have filed suit against it stating that “that it violates their commercial free speech rights.”  The rule was part of a about a dozen passenger protections proposed by the DOT in 2010.  We all will have to wait to see if this rule is upheld through the courts.

One way to avoid extra fees is to use ParkSleepFly.com.  You receive a night’s stay at a hotel, parking for the duration of your trip, and a shuttle ride to and from the airport.  All at one low price.  The park sleep and fly package is often cheaper than parking at the airport alone, plus you get a great night’s sleep prior to your trip.  ParkSleepFly.com has hotel partners at major airports and a lot of regional airports, too.  Stay the night before, after or both and you’ll be glad you booked this total parking package.  Look, you are going to have to pay for your snacks on the plane, and maybe a beverage.  Don’t be overloaded with all those extra fees.  Book your hotel and parking package now for a great rate, which also includes the shuttle service.  Stay the night before your flight, and save your money for that extra bag of trail mix you’ll want for your flight.

Related articles

• New US Airline Rules (cheap.co.uk)
• Frontier Airlines Changing to No-Frills Carrier (fox4kc.com)