Which Fees Are Worth Paying? Which Are Not?

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

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2008 has been the year of the airline fee. In the winter and spring, we saw airlines adding charges for second-checked bags, perhaps the most surprising industry development in recent years—until American unveiled the first first-checked-bag fee in May. Since then more than half the country’s major airlines have added first-checked-bag fees, not to mention charges for onboard beverages, and have raised fees for everything from carry-on antlers to checked surfboards.

Many, but not all, of these new charges have drawn outrage from the flying public. For example, when JetBlue announced it would charge for onboard blankets and pillows, many readers were glad to be rid of the blankets and pillows most airlines use.

And so, I wonder: Are there any fees you don’t mind paying? Do some of these new policies actually improve the flying experience, and if so, how? And, of course, which fees do you absolutely resent having to pay? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

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