The hidden costs of traveling can catch us out if we're not careful and one of the most common cost surprises can be extra fees at the airline check-in counter before you even start your holiday.

 

In 2013, excess baggage fees cost travelers $3.35 billion, according to a report by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and it looks like 2014 saw travelers paying even more.  While the total revenue from airline baggage fees for 2014 has not yet been released, figures from the first three quarters indicate that airline baggage fee revenues for 2014 will likely exceed that for 2013 and the trend is not letting up.  The first 3 quarters of 2014 saw airlines rake in $2.65 billion, with the final figure for the last quarter yet to be confirmed.  Traditionally the final quarter's revenue exceeds any other quarter, which would put the total dollar intake for extra baggage in 2014 beyond the previous year's.

  

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