Goodbye, Mini Bar: Ditch the Travel Charges for Services You Didn't Use

Kiplinger's Personal Finance shows you how to avoid the most annoying fees and save thousands of dollars a year.

High-tech consultant Lindsay Wallroth estimates that she saves $1,440 a year by getting hotels to remove a "resort fee" that can add $10 per night to her bill.

"The resort fee is always a wonderful one," says Bob Jones with BookingWiz.com. "Hotels charge you because they have a swimming pool."

Jones says it should be easy to talk your way out of this fee, which is added by upscale hotels for amenities such as spas and golf courses. "Just say, 'I didn't walk through the garden you charge for,' " he advises. "Generally, they'll be courteous enough to remove it because they want you to come back."

Wallroth, who lives in Valencia, Calif., also objects to paying a mandatory charge for valet parking. Other hotel fees to watch out for: charges for telephone and Internet access, maid gratuity, mini bar, room service and energy usage.

Jones's rule of thumb: "Always challenge a fee, especially if you don't recognize what it is." To avoid charges from the get-go, call the hotel directly when you're booking (not the toll-free number) and speak to the manager, who's more likely to have negotiating power.

Fees can start piling up long before you reach your destination. Many online travel agencies, including Orbitz.com and CheapOair.com, charge $5 to $35 extra for booking airfare. Avoid that charge by going straight to the airline's Web site. Or use Kayak.com, Farecast.com or Airfarewatchdog.com to find the cheapest fare; all of them will redirect you to the airline when it's time to buy.

And stick with purchasing an e-ticket online. Buying a ticket by phone or in person, or requesting a paper ticket, will cost more.

The extra charge for checking a second bag is gaining favor with airlines faster than you can say, "Seriously?" At United, which started the trend, the charge is $25. But it gets worse. At Continental, Northwest and US Airways, each extra bag after the first two costs $100.

To avoid paying up, be aware of each airline's baggage policies (see http://kiplinger.com/links/baggagefees). OneBag.com offers tips on packing light.