Delta Lifts SkyMiles Expiration Without Adding a Fee

Travelers received a little good news from Delta Airlines. Delta announced its SkyMiles program will no longer have a rolling 24-month expiration for frequent flier rewards with no additional fees. While business and frequent travelers are likely somewhat unaffected by this decision, anyone who flies sporadically or uses a number of different airlines now has an additional reason to choose to fly with Delta. Families planning vacations can accumulate some great perks over the course of several vacations flying with Delta, though that may take ten years of flying with the carrier.

In addition, Delta will begin offering an economy comfort section on long international flights starting this summer. This special section of the economy class will offer 4 inches of additional leg room and carry a surcharge of $80 to $160 one way on top of the base ticket price. Still, travelers looking to stretch out will likely appreciate any concessions the airline can make, and anyone needing a few inches of additional space will gladly shell out a few extra dollars in the name of comfort.

While Delta is trying different tactics to appeal to customers, US Airways has announced hikes on baggage prices. Overweight bags of 50 to 70 pounds will jump from $50 to $90, while bags over 70 pounds will cost a whopping $175 for transport. Plus, the carrier raised the fees on customers traveling with more than two bags. The third through ninth suitcase will cost $125 each. Apparently, airlines have decided to reward anyone travels lightly, literally.

Airlines have been increasing fees and implementing a la carte charges for a range of products and services to offset rising fuel and operating costs. Airline carriers charge a base fee for items like checked bags, except for Southwest. Plus, other amenities can also be purchased such as in-flight Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, special seating and boarding and even a pillow and blanket. With so many fees and choices to make, airlines may soon have to offer menus to travelers and present them with a check at the end of the flight.

While airlines have similar structure as far as fees go, the fees are often different from carrier to carrier. So travelers should double check fees before booking nonrefundable tickets to avoid sticker shock at the counter or on the plane. The other factor anyone booking an airline ticket needs to realize is that the baggage fees and other fees are often one way prices, which means the flier needs to plan for the fee twice for round trips.

source: http://news.yahoo.com