People keep booking the 'cheapest' flight and missing the real cost

I just got back from a trip to Denver where my friend spent $89 on a flight, but then paid $75 for a checked bag and a $40 Uber from the far-out airport. I booked a $120 flight to the main airport and walked to the train for $3. Everyone chases the lowest ticket price without adding up the extras. Has anyone else found a better way to compare total trip cost?

3 comments

3 Comments

perez.elliot2mo ago

Is it really that big of a deal though? Sometimes the cheap flight still comes out ahead even with the fees. I just pick the option that causes me less stress, even if it costs a few extra bucks. Not every trip needs a full spreadsheet to figure out.

charles3262mo ago

So @perez.elliot, what's your actual breaking point for fees? Like, does a $29 basic economy ticket still feel worth it when they charge $40 to pick any seat and $65 for a carry-on?

jordanc682d ago

Exactly, I just read this article from a travel blogger who broke down how much fee waste actually happens on budget airlines. They found like 60% of people end up paying more than the "base fare" after all the nickel and diming. @charles326 asked a good question about that $29 ticket with the $40 seat fee and $65 carry-on. If you know you'll need both, you're already at $134 before you even sit down. Other times I just want a no-stress flight and the extra $50 is worth not tracking every single fee. It really depends on if you actually use the add-ons or just get stuck paying them.