Taxes and Fees on Airline Tickets Explained
The price you pay for a ticket is more than the fare. Understanding the parts helps you compare offers properly and spot anything you do not recognize.
What a total usually includes
- Base fare: the airline's price for the seat.
- Government taxes: national ticket taxes and per-flight-segment taxes set by governments.
- Airport charges: fees collected at the airports you use, such as passenger facility charges and security fees.
- Carrier surcharges: extra charges some airlines add, most often on international tickets.
- Optional extras: bags, seat selection and meals, which are separate unless the fare includes them.
Why totals differ between airports
Because airport charges and taxes depend on where you fly from and to, the same airline can have a slightly different total from one airport than another. International tickets add more kinds of taxes.
Travel agent service fees
If a booking service charges its own fee, it should tell you the amount before you pay and show it on your confirmation. At TravelFarez, any service fee is stated up front, separate from the airline fare, taxes and carrier charges.
Changes after you buy
Changing a ticket can bring an airline change fee, a fare difference and, if you booked through an agent, an agent service fee. Ask before you request a change so you know the total.
Questions to ask before paying
- What is the total for all travelers, in dollars?
- Are bags and seats included?
- Is there any service fee on top?
- What happens if I need to change or cancel?
See the change and cancellation guide and our refund policy for the last question.