CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you fly often, you'll want to listen up.
Surge pricing, the concept of raising or lowering the price of goods and services based on demand, will soon affect how you travel. Also known as dynamic pricing, surge pricing was most recently in national headlines when Wendy's announced it wouldn't test the method after receiving a ton of blowback online.
JetBlue recently announced it plans to implement dynamic pricing for checked bags. While many passengers were upset, NerdWallet analysts say dynamic pricing has always been a part of the airline industry, with ticket prices rising and falling based on supply and demand. What's new is how these companies are fluctuating the price of add-on fees.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
NerdWallet said airlines are increasingly relying on these add-on fees — like seat selection — for revenue. Here are some tips to help you get ahead of rising prices when booking a flight, courtesy of NerdWallet.
- Get a sense of which airlines tend to charge higher fees overall and avoid those carriers if they want any add-ons at all. For example, NerdWallet found that Frontier Airlines charges $157 each way in basic add-ons, while Southwest doesn't charge anything.
- You should also skip seat selection fees when possible. Those fees are sneaky and difficult to compare between airlines. This can be difficult for families, who prefer sitting together.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.