With the economic recession underway, more airlines are trying to cover their expenses by imposing extra fees and surcharges on items that were once considered ?freebies? of travel. If you want super-soft pillows for a nap, or some extra leg room from a better seat, many airlines are now charging a few extra dollars for the services. Fee structures for baggage and seating assignments are also changing, allowing airlines to tack on extra charges when you check in more bags or reserve specific seats outside of the original seating arrangement. For the budget-conscious traveler, these extra fees can quickly add up and make airline travel less of a manageable expense.



Airlines such as Air Canada are charging passengers $2 CAD just to use blankets on the flight, a luxury that was once completely free for all travelers. Anyone with young children or even elderly travelers who often need extra blankets during a flight will now have to pay for the convenience; in these cases, it may be a good idea to pack a lightweight blanket or extra sweater in the carryon luggage.

Packing light really does mean packing smart as airlines begin to tack on fees for extra bags. Major airlines are charging up to $15 in some cases, simply to check in an extra bag on a domestic flight. This means more travelers will need to squeeze everything into just one bag and take extra steps to pack light.

If you're interested in getting the best seat, you may now have to pay for the convenience. Online seat change requests were once a free option for all travelers, but some airlines are now charging up to $10 when you decide to change seats from the original plan.

Food costs are also on the rise, and it's become even more difficult to find snacks and meals at a reasonable rate when you're on board. Many airlines are getting rid of complimentary snacks entirely for domestic travelers, but offer snacks at premium prices instead. Packing a few snacks in the carryon may still be a valuable way to save on this extra expense.