Flying these days can seem like a leap into the great unknown. You don’t know if the security lines are going to be long (and now that the Clear Lanes are kaput everyone has to wait), you don’t know if you are going to arrive on time and you don’t know what extra fees you are going to be charged. It’s like a whole new traveling checklist: booking fees, check; baggage fees, check; charge for a meal on a 6-hour flight, check; more fees, check, check and check. It appears that there is a fee for everything these days and these once-included services don’t come with any better guarantees. You can still pay $15 to check your bag and there is no extra promise that it won’t get lost. That $15 covers extra insurance, right? Wrong!

USA Today has been sensing the traveler grumblings in its recent article “Struggling airlines launch more 'a la carte' fees at fliers.” While airlines are strapped for cash amid rising fuel costs, fewer travelers and increased costs of doing business, many travelers feel that they are not being transparent with passengers. These “a la carte” charges are not going to go away anytime soon because the airlines need to offset decreased revenue. So, if you hate being charged for the extras, avoid them. Pack light whenever possible, bring a snack for those longer flights and make sure you have the correct dates before you book a flight to avoid charges (stay tuned for travel savings tips in July’s Top 10 column).

USA Today has also made a great breakdown of many major airlines and the fees they charge for various services. To see who is charging for what click here.