March 6, 2009

• Do you know how to shop for a deal?

  I tend to think of myself as a good shopper.  I know how to compare, I know that it’s important to look for the fine print, check chipping costs, and make sure that the bargain-size costs less per ounce than the standard package (often it doesn’t).  But I’m constantly surprised by hidden charges and fees. 

  This morning I was reading the MSN Money columns and discovered this gem regarding air-travel:

  For airlines, one huge advantage of fees is that they don’t show up in most reservation systems when consumers are shopping for airfares. That’s because airlines aren’t required to advertise fees that only certain customers will pay, like those checking baggage. As a result, head-to-head price comparisons at booking sites like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com become more difficult, and prices listed in travel-agency computers won’t tell the whole story. What’s more, low teaser rates can lure fliers, even if the ultimate cost of the travel is higher.

   

  It’s possible, though a lot more work, to compare flights by calling the ticket counter at the airport and asking about the flight you need.  But other than that, it’s difficult to have any assurance that you are getting the lowest fare.  Airlines know we shop around and they know where we shop around so they’ve come up with this means of getting our business by advertising the lower fares and getting more money from us than we plan to pay. 

   

  What hidden fees have you discovered? 

   

  We need a consumer bill of rights that stipulates full disclosure of all fees before the purchase is finalized. 

  • 2:17 pm
  • 6 Comments