Planning a vacation is exciting, but even the most carefully planned getaway can come with hidden travel fees that quietly chip away at your budget. In fact, the “junk fee” issue is so prevalent that the Federal Trade Commission just introduced a new rule aimed at protecting consumers from those unexpected costs. The “Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees” took effect May 12, 2025, and requires businesses to disclose all mandatory fees upfront.
Does it stop resorts, airlines, rental car companies, or event venues from charging you those fees? Heck, no. So, plan to do some research if you want to save money while traveling this summer. Here are some common hidden travel fees along with some tips to help you avoid (or at least minimize) them.
1. At the Airport
Baggage Fees
Checked bag fees are standard on all airlines—including Southwest, which famously ended its free checked bag policy on May 28, 2025. For standard-sized bags under 50 pounds, plan to pay around $30-$40 for your first bag and more for additional bags on most domestic flights. If your bag is overweight or oversized (exceeding 62 inches in most cases), you could pay even more.
Avoiding Baggage Fees
- If possible, pack light and stick to carry-on only.
- Check your airline’s baggage policies. Some airlines charge for carry-ons, too.
- Weigh your bags before leaving home.
- If you plan to shop while you travel, carry a portable luggage scale to avoid (or prepare for) heavier bags on the return flight.
Seat Selection Fees
If you have a long flight or you’re traveling with others, the right seat can make all the difference. But even in economy class, that window or aisle seat may cost you. Spirit Airlines, for example, charges an additional $12 to $900 when passengers self-select their “Big Front Seats,” which offer a wider seat and extra legroom.
Avoiding Seat Selection Fees
- Let the airline assign your seat for free.
- Compare seat fees across flights and airlines when booking.
- Look for frequent flyer perks that offer free seat selection as a perk.
Boarding Pass Printing Fees
You need a boarding pass to get through security and board a flight. Unfortunately, some airlines charge as much as $25 per passenger to check in with an agent and print those necessary passes (looking at you, Frontier).
Avoiding Boarding Pass Fees
- Check in online within 24 hours of your scheduled departure. (Although Frontier still charges $5 per direction for check-ins via their website.)
- Use the airline mobile app (if available).
- Look for airline kiosks that offer free printing and avoid checking in at the counter.
2. Lodging Surprises
Vacation Rental Cleaning Fees
Cleaning fees are standard with short-term vacation rentals, especially through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. These one-time fees can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the size of the property, location, and the host’s policies. In some cases, the cleaning fee might even be more than the nightly rate. So, if you failed to notice the fee when booking, that could make an otherwise affordable stay surprisingly expensive.
Avoiding Excessive Cleaning Fees
- Sort your search results by total price to compare fees across listings.
- Look for listings with transparent cleaning expectations—some charge less if guests handle basic tasks like taking out trash or starting laundry.
- Read reviews to see if previous guests thought the cleaning fee was reasonable.
- If you’re staying multiple nights, spread out the cost by avoiding short one-night stays with high fixed fees.
- Message the host before booking to confirm what the cleaning fee includes and whether there’s room for flexibility.
Resort and Amenity Fees
Many hotels and resorts charge daily fees that cover amenities like pools, fitness centers, Wi-Fi, or beach towels. Yes, even if you don’t use them. These resort or amenity fees typically range from $20 to $50 per night and are often added at checkout. If you forget to factor that in, the added fees can significantly increase the cost of your stay. Some urban hotels now charge similar “destination” fees, even when the amenities are minimal. Hilton and Marriott hotels, in particular, have been cited for charging destination fees at some of their urban properties.
Avoiding Resort and Amenity Fees
- Read the fine print before booking. These fees are often listed separately from the room rate.
- Use booking filters or websites that show total price with fees included.
- Look for hotels that explicitly advertise “no resort fees.”
- Join the hotel’s loyalty program. Some waive fees for members.
- If you don’t use the amenities, politely ask at checkout if the fee can be waived. Hey, it’s worth a shot.
3. Transportation Headaches
Rental Car Extras
The base price for a rental car can quickly increase once add-ons and surprise fees are factored in. Common extras include insurance coverage you may already have, toll passes, fees for additional drivers, charges for returning the car early or late, and steep surcharges for one-way rentals. These hidden costs can add hundreds on top of your expected total.
Avoiding Rental Car Extras
- Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars before agreeing to added coverage.
- Bring your own toll pass if allowed, or avoid toll roads altogether to skip convenience fees.
- Add additional drivers in advance and specify who will be driving. Some companies waive the fee for spouses or loyalty members.
- Stick to your return schedule—some companies charge early return fees or adjust your rate.
- Compare total prices (including one-way fees) before booking a different drop-off location.
Hotel and Venue Parking Fees
Parking at hotels—especially in big cities or resort areas—can come with a hefty price tag. Overnight parking costs average about $25 to $70 per night, with valet parking often adding to the cost. Some hotels automatically charge for parking even if you don’t have a vehicle, and street parking alternatives may be limited, unavailable, or unsafe. And, unfortunately, exorbitant parking fees aren’t limited to hotels—concert halls, convention centers, stadiums, and other event venues often charge for parking, too. Rates vary widely, from $10 at smaller venues to $70 or more at major city events or valet-only lots. But prices often spike for special events like the Super Bowl, Comic-Con, CES, or a Taylor Swift concert.
Avoiding Parking Fees
- Search for hotels or venues that offer free or discounted parking.
- Use satellite maps or parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find nearby public lots or street parking.
- Look closely at the rules for hourly parking. Many lots and garages have steep price increases after 3 to 4 hours.
- Take public transportation, a shuttle, or a rideshare service to avoid venue parking altogether.
- At hotels, confirm whether parking is optional or automatically included in your rate.
- Ask about parking validation or event-specific discounts that may reduce or eliminate fees.
Smart Planning = Savings
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean skipping the fun; it just means knowing what to expect. Because these days, hidden fees lurk behind every swipe, click, and booking confirmation. You can, however, avoid, minimize, or prepare for those fees if you know where to look. Before you lock in your plans, dig into the details. Read the fine print (yes, every time). Treat every “starting from” price with a healthy dose of skepticism. Use sorting tools that showcase the total price (including taxes and fees), especially when using third-party booking sites.
After you’ve booked your trip, build your travel budget. For every category, from food to flights, include a buffer for surprises. Your future self—and your wallet—will thank you. Above all, remember, when you’re saving up for a big trip, we’re here to help. Whether it’s opening a dedicated vacation savings account or getting tips on travel budgeting, Maps has your back.
Want more travel tips?
- Check out our 12 money-saving travel tips.
- Discover some budget hacks for summer fun.
- Learn how to spot (and avoid) vacation rental scams.