Have you traveled lately?

I haven’t for a while, so no wonder I was so surprised by some of the new airline practices, charges and fees on my recent flight across country.

Because of the complicated multiple-destination itinerary, I thought it would be easier to talk to a reservations agent – rather than book the flight online. United warned me that they charged $15 to book a ticket by phone or $20 to talk to a real person at the counter. Add to it $75 for a paper ticket and a $100 for any itinerary changes, and I was in for a big surprise!

I knew that these days airlines are running lean operations and you have to pay for just about anything – meals, curbside check-in, extra luggage. But I didn’t expect additional charges for exit row seat assignment, or a penalty for changing the seat once you have purchased your ticket.

With the average price of domestic tickets already at an all-time high since 2000 (at $378 roundtrip), it may cost you more that you expeted this summer. I personally gave up flying for work a long time ago. Every time I am asked to go somewhere for a client, I suggest that we meet via WebEx, and after initial hesitation, it usually works out beautifully.

If only we could do family vacations this way too!