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Airline Fees Often Leave Many Travelers Confused

DENVER (CBS4) - The extra fees airline many passengers are paying these days are really adding up for the airlines.

In new numbers released Monday the airlines raked in $3.4 billion for checked baggage fees and $2.3 billion in fees collected when passengers changed reservations.

Starting later this summer the airlines will be required to post all their fees. It may help to avoid a situation like last week's crime at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. American Eagle gate agent Frankie Lee Walton Jr. was arrested for charging a passenger a fictitious change fee of $120, which he then pocketed. He required cash, which meant a trip to the ATM, and then offered no receipt. That was the passenger's red flag.

After interviewing numerous travelers at Denver International Airport on Monday, it became pretty clear most people don't know what fees they might be facing when they fly. Watch Consumer Investigator Jodi Brooks' report about that in the video clip below.

"I don't," Richard Stewart said. "I didn't check into it. I mean, that's what they want so I just paid it."

Many fliers admit they are unaware of the fees or understand how much they have to pay until they arrive at the airport ticket counter.

"I just trust whatever they say," flyer Slobodan Ilic told CBS4. I have no idea if it's right or not."

Ilic's sentiment is easy to understand. It's confusing. There are fees for bags and fees for oversized bags. There are fees for changing tickets, changing reservations and even making a reservation over the phone.

"It is enough. The airlines most of the time are booked, fees are there, and then all of a sudden ... Wham! $25 here. $25 there," Tom Morris said. "When's it going to end?"

Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (credit: CBS)

There are fees to board early, to get an assigned seat, to get more leg room, to earn extra frequent flier miles. And one day you just might pay for that carry-on bag.

"We really don't like it," Clay Callaway said.

New rules from the Department of Transportation that go into effect Aug. 23 will require airlines to "prominently disclose all potential fees" on their website before a ticket purchase.

"They just want to nickel and dime you to death," Richard Stewart said.

Until then travelers just need to do their research before heading to the airport. Most airline employees are honest, but it is hard to know every little rule and regulation. If you do have to pay something extra -- be sure to get a receipt. And if they only want cash consider that a red flag.

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