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The High Cost of Flying

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Flying for less has a hidden price tag

A cockroach under your bed can ruin the vacation of a The Cost of FlyingThe Cost of Flyinglifetime. A fly in your soup can spoil a meal. But what ruins a flight? Other than a crash, most of don't think too much about the "flying experience" when we're digging for rock bottom prices.

Until our flight's delayed or luggage goes on vacation without us.

SmarterTravel released its "Hell on Wings" survey this week, and if you're a frequent flyer the results aren't surprising.

What Smarter Travelers complained about:

  • Biggest peeve is value for dollars spent - most would rather spend more money than suffer bad service, cramped quarters and constant delays
  • 49% said it's actually harder to find lower prices because the nickel and diming drives hidden costs up
  • 57% said onboard fees (for drinks, entertainment and food) increased in 2007
  • More than half thought delays increased during 2007
  • 34% found it harder to redeem loyalty miles

    What Smarter Travelers applauded:

  • Southwest is the friendliest low-fare airline
  • JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach
  • Midwest is the highest ranked domestic carrier in the U.S.

    What do you think of the airline industry? Would you pay more for service or are you just happy to arrive alive?

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