Flying Cheap: Danger of Hidden Fees

Even if you've booked a cheap flight, there are still hidden fees and little aggravations that can add up to be expenses

if you aren't prepared. It's easier than ever to book a great airfare online. However, beware of extra charges like

baggage check costs and booking fees. Don't let a few hidden fees blow your travel budget.

Remember that dirt cheap flight you booked online? The airlines remember, and they have no qualms about

recovering some of that lost income via inconspicuous fees. Checking baggage? Think again. Many airlines are

charging just to check one bag these days. Even if there is not a fee to check your first bag, be on the lookout.

Additional checked bags can rack up fees of more than $25.00 a pop. So, you may want to do your research before

buying a second suitcase for bringing home your vacation souvenirs. Some airlines even weight your bag. If you’re

not a light packer, it can cost you. Review baggage guidelines before you fly to avoid unwanted aggravation at the

check-in counter.

Perhaps you prefer speaking to a live person over booking your flights online. You may want to become a little more

internet savvy. That person on the other line costs money, and the airlines like to pass the buck on to you. Expect to

pay anywhere from $5.00 to $20.00 to book airfare over the phone.

Bringing your under 2-year-old with you? Even if they don't take up a seat, they can still rack up a charge. There's not

a good way to avoid this (unless somehow you have free child care), but be sure to be informed about any fees for lap

children. There are plenty of other unbudgeted expenses that will pop up while you travel - don't let your kid's airfare

be one of them.

Going across country for your cousin's wedding? Don't pack your great-grandmothers vintage diamond necklace -

wear it. There is a limit of items airlines will cover if your luggage is lost or stolen. Jewelry is not covered. Keep

valuables with you to prevent losing sentimental heirlooms or expensive jewelry forever.

Frequent flyer miles, online deals, and credit card rewards can all put airfare within your reach. However, airlines

have found a variety of ways to pump up their bottom line by tacking on ridiculous fees. Doing your research on

possible fees before you fly can avoid aggravation and keep your flight cheap.

Adapted for educational purposes by Sergio Pérez Tabares

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/flying-cheap-danger-of-hidden-fees.html

1. - Say whether the following sentences are TRUE OR FALSE according to the text. Copy the evidence from

the text. No marks will be given without the evidence. (1.5 point).

1. You must be careful about checking if there is not a fee to check your first bag.

2. All companies charge you for one bag.

3. The airline company wants you to book your flight online.

2.- Choose ONLY THREE of the following words and write a synonym(=), an antonym(=), a definition or a

sentence (only one of these four) to show that you understand their meaning in the text. Use your own words

(1.5 points)

a) hidden d) avoid

b) beware e) plenty

c) income f) ridiculous

3.- You have lost your luggage and you go to the lost luggage section at the airport. Here is part of the

conversation. Some sentences have been left incomplete. Complete the blanks suitably. (2 points)

Ground attendant: Good morning madam, how can I help you?

Traveller: Good morning, I can’t (1)............................................................................................................

Ground attendant: Well, madam, can (2)...............................................................?

Traveller: Sure, here it is. This is the third time this year. I am completely indignant at this company...

Ground attendant: Please, madam. Could you (3)..........................................................?

Traveller: I know, I know. I will try, but it is really hard and I lose my nerves. I had many presents for

my children and...

Ground attendant: Well, it is probable that your luggage is at any other airport. It is just a matter of time that your

luggage is back. Could (4).............................................................................?

Traveller: Sure, it is black with golden handles.

Ground attendant: Were (5)....................................................................................................?

Traveller: Yes, some presents for my children and some perfume.

Ground attendant: Thanks. Do (6)...........................................................................................?

Traveller: No, I don’t.

Ground attendant: Would (7) ........................................................................................?

Traveller: 645812203

4.- What would you say in or about these situations? Choose ONLY FOUR of the situations. (2 points)

1. On a plane, some children are jumping on their seats next to you.

2. Someone is sitting on your plane seat.

3. At check-in desk, you are going to be charged an excess luggage fee.

4. The passenger next to you is snoring quite loudly.

5. You feel dizzy on a plane.

6. You asked for some milk on a plane, but it tastes sour.

5. - Write a composition of about 100 words on ONE of the following topics. (3 points)

a) Pros and cons of working on a plane.

b) Are Binter fares fair? Discuss.