Let Me Tell You About the Surprising Costs of Flying
Hi folks! I consider myself a master of bargain travel. I once pulled off a trip to Hawaii for less than $2,000 with only 3 months notice! But my recent Vegas trip for a bachelorette party bucked that trend, big time.
The biggest headache? My flight. Complex to book and a real strain on the wallet. Living in the NY/NJ area usually benefits me with the choice of three major airports to scout for deals. This time, I found a cheap-ish flight with Spirit airlines from LaGuardia to Vegas. The downside was that it had three stops.
But the real shocker came after booking. Extra charges for any baggage beyond a purse or laptop! A backpack and small check-in bag would cost $71. Per flight! That’s an extra $213 each way because of the three-stop trip. So, my ‘bargain’ flight actually ended up being the priciest option!
I dumped Spirit quickly. Managed to scoop up a just-below-$300 deal with Delta! Using their Gold Delta Sky Miles reward at checkout meant my bag flew free. The catch? I must remember to cancel the reward next year before the fee kicks in.
I’m usually chauffeured by my parents to and from the airport. But recently moved to New York City, so that’s another cost on me. The subway trip to the airport was cheap at $7.75. But coming back home in the early hours, before starting a new job? No way was I going on an hour-and-a-half subway trip. I opted for a cab ride which set me back by $71.
But hey, the weekend was a blast, and the bride-to-be had a great time!
However, I must admit, I overlooked the cost of hanging out at the airport while planning this vacation. The stretch between an early hotel checkout (10 AM) and my flight (4:30 PM) involved a last brunch with the girls and picking up dinner there for the plane. Not to forget the $20 I blew on water bottles as I was nursing a cold.
I can’t wait until teleportation becomes a reality – even though I bet that will cost a bundle too. But think about it, no more overpriced airport and plane food, or unwelcome late-night cab rides!
So, was all this a vent about how Spirit Airlines let me down? Guilty as charged. And let me tell you, trying to grab economical flights to Vegas during the Billboard Music Awards? Not the wisest of moves.
Let me know if you too have been irked by hidden airline fees!