Planning on using your frequent flyer points to book a free ticket?

If so, plan in advance, as the airlines are offering only a limited amount of seats on each flight.

When choosing peak travel dates many airlines are now charging double the amount of points!

The airlines created the frequent flyer programs 20+ years ago to reward their business travelers. Now the airlines sell miles to many credit card companies. This is one the biggest money makers for the airlines.

Short on points? Many airlines offer an option to purchase additional points by contacting them directly.

Once a “free ticket” was really a free ticket. Now there are many costs involved.

When calling Hawaiian airlines to book your frequent flyer ticket it will cost you $10.00 per booking, while American airlines & Delta will charge $20.00. Frontier, Midwest and United airlines & Continental are $25.00 per ticket. The most expensive ticket goes to US airways of $55.00 for domestic ticket or $70-95 for an international ticket. Southwest, Spirit and AirTran do not charge for phoning in to redeem your miles.

When booking a frequent flyer ticket online all airlines were waiving the booking fee with the exception of US airlines. They will be charging between $25-50 per ticket.

In addition to the booking fee there are also taxes and fees. This will vary depending on the airlines and your desired destination.

Please keep in mind all rates are subject to change without notice. For the most up to date rules and rates please contact the airlines directly!

Marie Glodt
Travel to Maui
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Baggage Fees for Domestic flights in the United States

More “hidden airline fees!” By Marie Glodt @ Travel to Maui

In today’s blog I wanted to comment on baggage fees imposed by the airlines. This is ever changing so please keep this mind when traveling.

It is always a good idea to call the airlines directly a day or two before you depart! This is a good time to reconfirm your flight times and see if the baggage fees have changed since you booked your trip. Many airlines will not honor an earlier rate quoted.

Most airlines are now charging for the 1st & 2nd bags. On your first bag expect to pay from $15.00-25.00 if it is under 50#. The second bag will be range from $25.00-35.00. The exceptions to this rule would be JetBlue & Southwest airlines. JetBlue will allow the first bag at no charge. The second bag would be $30.00. Southwest is currently not charging for the 1st or 2nd bags as long as it is within the weight and length restrictions.

Do you have a 3rd bag? Then you can plan on paying an extra $50-125 for that bag.

Is your bag over 50 pounds? As long as it is between 51-70 pounds you will be paying an additional $25.00-100 depending on the flight. If your bag is between 71-100 pounds you will be charged an extra $75-175.00.

If your checked luggage is 63-80 total inches be prepared to pay $100.00 or more with Delta, United, Spirit, US Airways or American airlines. This size luggage is not allowed on Hawaiian airlines.

Coming in future blogs: club membership fees, frequent flyer costs, buying miles, my “staycation on Maui”, honeymoons, spa & romance packages to Hawaii, and the South Pacific.

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