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Posts Tagged “

surcharges

gas

Is This $0.10 Credit/Debit Surcharge On Gasoline Allowed?

Reader Brian wants to know how to tell a "surcharge" applied to a credit/debt card transaction vs a convenience charge? More »

Oil!

Fuel Surcharges Hit Delta's Frequent Flier Program

Delta informed their beloved frequent fliers yesterday that effective August 15, all flights booked with SkyMiles will carry up to a $50 fuel surcharge. The airline also announced the impending release of an exciting "new multi-tiered Award program." More »

airlines

Department Of Transportation Says Airlines Can't Charge Extra Baggage Fees After Ticket Purchase

The Secretary of Transportation announced earlier this month that airlines shouldn't surprise consumers with extra baggage fees after they've already purchased a ticket:

Passengers should know what to expect, and what to pay, before they buy a ticket or pack their bags, which is why we are calling for carriers and travel agents to disclose baggage fees in their internet and print ads before anyone purchases a ticket.  We also are making it clear that airlines may not impose increased fees or new restrictions for baggage after a passenger has bought a ticket. 

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buddy passes

Why Airline Buddy Passes Suck

This week, travel guy Christopher Elliott talks about the growing worthlessness of buddy passes—the travel vouchers airline employees get for family members, or unhappy customers sometimes get as a peace offering. For examples, "on American Airlines, it’s often less expensive to buy an advance-purchase ticket than to use a buddy pass, once you factor in all taxes and fees." And Continental will add a $100 to $400 surcharge per buddy pass starting this Monday, rendering the "perk" of a buddy pass entirely moot. More »

surcharges

Budget's Free Frequent Flyer Miles Promos Will Cost You

Michael writes, " I was just reserving a budget rental car, and for some reason decided to actually read some of the fine print." Buried in the text was something called an "FTP Surcharge," which basically amounts to a participation fee for any frequent flyer promotion they offer their customers. More »

Airlines continue to hesitantly flirt with hefty fuel surcharges. Delta, Northwest, and Continental imposed a $20-$40 surcharge over the weekend after previous efforts by United, US Airways, and American failed to stick. Sidestep their pricey dance by purchasing airline tickets between Tuesday afternoon and Thursday evening. [Rick Seaney]

gouging

Dollar Rent A Car Charges $2.00 "Top Off Fee," Even If You Return With A Full Tank Of Gas

No longer content gouging customers who return their rentals with less than a full tank of gas, Dollar Rent A Car is now assessing a $2.00 "top off fee" for cars that have already been topped off.
"I couldn't believe it," said Steven Dentali, who was charged the fee in October after renting a car from Dollar Rent A Car in Manchester, N.H. "I said to them, 'You're telling me I'm penalized no matter what? There's no way around me having to pay something?'"
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If you're a customer of a small bank or credit union with limited access to fee-free ATMs, consider asking your financial institution to look into joining pre-existing, surcharge-free ATM networks like MoneyPass or Allpoint.

Virgin Atlantic, British Airways Admit To Collusion, Prepare To Issue Vouchers Virgin Atlantic and British Airways admitted last week to the Department of Justice that they colluded to levy excess fuel surcharges ranging from $10 to $100. Despite the admission, both airlines claim that passengers weren't really overcharged.

you can run but you can't hide

Bank of America To Raise ATM Surcharge to $3

US PIRG says they've obtained legitimate documentation that says Bank of America will be raising their ATM surcharges for non-customers to $3 at most locations. The change will take place on July 31st. More »