Are All Fees Bad Fees?

June 28 2011 by Chris McGinnis

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Nobody likes to pay extra. Everybody hates that feeling of getting "ripped off."

That's one of the best things about Best Western...there are rarely any surprises at check out. That's because nearly anything "extra" a business traveler could need is usually included in the rate.

It's a different story with airlines. Over the last two or three years, they have changed their pricing model to offer basic air transportation only, then add on fees for what they feel are "extras." Their decision to adopt this new strategy has been a major factor in US airlines' profitability--additional revenue from fees amounted to nearly $6 billion in 2010.


Because it's something that passengers used to get for free, paying a fee to check bags is perhaps the most onerous. All airlines except Southwest and JetBlue now charge $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. Only one airline, Spirit, charges passengers for carry on bags.

However, some business travelers don't mind paying fees for things they could never buy in the past. Especially if the fees are for things that make them more comfortable or productive on the road.

For example, paying a fee for a roomier exit row or bulkhead seat is not so bad. In the past, you had to rely on luck, or charm to get a "good" coach seat. Now you can just pay the fee, get the seat and not have to worry about getting stuck with a bad one.

Paying a fee for food is not such a bad thing either...since airlines began charging for inflight fare, food quality and choices has improved. And there's a lot less waste. Paying a bit extra to board early, which ensures space in overhead bins for carry on luggage, is not such a bad thing, either.


In-flight Wi-Fi has revolutionized productivity on business trips, and most business travelers are happy to pay the $5 to $15 fee for Internet access while on a long flight. Interestingly, hotel chains like Best Western provide connectivity for free.

Do you think Wi-Fi is a right (like at Best Western) or a privilege (like in-flight)?

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