Latest news with #travelcosts
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
American, Delta and United charging higher rates for solo flight tickets, writer finds
A Minneapolis-based aviation writer says he's uncovered an airline pricing strategy that makes tickets for solo travelers more expensive. Kyle Potter, executive editor at Thrifty Traveler, says he discovered the practice as he went to buy a ticket for a flight himself. "I saw a $206 one-way fare to Newark this summer," Potter said. "I bumped it up to two passengers, then all of a sudden, I'm looking at $156 for the same fare." Potter ran more tests and found that Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines all were doing the same thing. Solo tickets cost more than tickets bought in a group for the same flight. "You start doing some math, double checking, 'What's going on here? Did I enter the wrong airport code? Did I change the date on accident?' It became pretty clear, quickly, this was a penalty for booking just one ticket," he said. "This isn't an isolated incident. This is a trend. This is something that airlines are doing in order to squeeze more money out of people who are booking just one passenger." Potter posted his findings online in a post that's now been shared thousands of times and viewed by millions of online users. He suspects airlines of charging higher rates for solo travelers to increase costs for business fliers who would typically expense the price of the ticket. WCCO has reached out for comment to Delta, American and United, with Delta being the only airline to respond so far. In an email, a Delta spokesperson said the company is "limited in what it can say about pricing," though they said "this pricing structure is not new to Delta or the airline industry." Potter said after his interview with WCCO that an insider tipped him off that Delta's policy would be reversing course. Higher prices for solo tickets remain for the other two airlines. "It feels like a game of cat and mouse. Every time we find something out, weeks, months later, there's some new system, trick, to push you into a more expensive fare, or hide a cheaper fare from you," Potter said. "I think there just needs to be more accountability – and I don't know if that's something individual travelers can achieve."
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Worcestershire couple save money with EU passport for pet dog
A Worcestershire couple have obtained an EU passport for their dog to save money on travel costs Nicholl, a consultant neurologist from Hagley, Worcestershire, and his wife Suzanne, registered their Jack Russell terrier Lily in Belgium, after travelling became "increasingly expensive".They said the paperwork alone in the UK had risen from £170 to £280 for a return trip, not including was born in Stourport and the couple visit Europe once or twice a year, with the idea coming from a local vet, Mr Nicholl said, adding: "Essentially, she's got freedom of canine movement now." Explaining how it came about, Mr Nicholl said: "Last month, we went over to see my daughter in Amsterdam and then drove back through Belgium."Because you have to get the worming tablets before coming back in the tunnel, we just booked an appointment with the vets and sorted it." 'Goes in her little suitcase' Mrs Nicholl said: "It's £280 for one trip to Europe, return, if you're a British dog."If you're an EU dog, you pay for the passport, which is 80 euros for a whole year, so the difference is cost and ease – we haven't got to bother the vet before we go to France now."She's got that passport, so it goes in her little suitcase and Bob's your uncle." In a visit to meet the jet-setting pooch, BBC Hereford and Worcester came up with a taste test to discover how Belgian Lily had become after gaining her new passport with a British dog biscuit and a piece of Belgian waffle, Lily went straight for the waffle. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Forbes
These Are The Cities Where You Have To Pay The Highest Tourist Taxes
Palm Tree-Lined Street Overlooking Los Angeles at Sunset As tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, more destinations worldwide are implementing, or increasing, tourist taxes to drive revenue for their local economies and reduce the negative impacts of over-tourism. But, when breaking down the costs of their holidays, many travelers might not realise how much these seemingly small tourist taxes can add up to throughout a trip. In some cases, they may even add hundreds of dollars to your vacation costs. Whether you're planning a weekend city break in Europe or a getaway to a US hotspot, it has never been more important to know exactly how much tourist tax you'll need to pay. To help travelers navigate these somewhat hidden costs, vacation rental company Holidu has created a comprehensive guide that highlights the tourist taxes in different cities worldwide. The site also has a handy calculator at the bottom that helps you work out exactly how much tourist tax you'll have to pay in your chosen city destination. Coming in as the most expensive city for tourist taxes is Los Angeles. This California dream destination sees visitors flock year-round to experience its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, but what many may not know is that the city imposes a substantial 15.5% tax on total accommodation bookings. For an average-priced vacation rental at $275 per night in the city, this translates to an additional $43 in tourist tax each day, which could add as much as $300 to a week-long holiday. If you plan to visit the City of Angels, you'll want to budget in the cost of this tax. The U.S.'s 'Big Apple' takes second place in the rankings of the most expensive tourist tax cities, with its combination of a $3.50 per person nightly fee alongside a 14.75% tax on total bookings. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., this is a great way for New York to generate revenue from the 60 million tourists that visit the city each year to support its infrastructure and services, keeping its wheels turning year-round for globe-trotting visitors. Another U.S. destination to make the top five ranking, the country's capital of Washington D.C comes in third place, as it imposes a 14.95% tax on accommodations, resulting in an average nightly tax of $41 on a typical rental priced at $275 per night. Many travellers are happy to pay the cost though, given the city's iconic landmarks and plethora of cultural attractions like the White House and the Washington Monument, to name but a few. And it's this larger tourist tax fee that helps maintain these Washington world-class attractions and sights, many of which offer free admission to visitors. Some might say, therefore, that the added tourist tax is a worthwhile investment for the city's accessible attractions. The entertainment capital of the world takes fourth place in the rankings with its 13.38% accommodation tax, which adds approximately $28 to the nightly cost of an average $200 a night holiday rental. Known for its world-class casinos, exceptional shows, and extensive entertainment, Las Vegas puts its tourist taxes to good use to fund its education, tourism promotion, and infrastructure, amongst other initiatives, helping it to further attract visitors and enhance its reputation as one of the world's most thrilling destinations for a getaway. Rounding out the top five ranking is Montreal, Canada's UNESCO City of Design, known for its exceptional innovation. The city imposes a 3.5% tax on accommodations priced over $30 per night. While, compared to U.S. cities, this percentage may seem modest, it results in a notable $28.50 nightly tax on an average $95 per night accommodation, which is what proportionally makes it one of the highest tax rates in the ranking. Tourists should know that the tourist taxes in this city go towards the Tourism Partner Fund, helping to support and promote the wider province of Quebec's tourism industry, making them a worthwhile investment. While several cities around the world have long enforced a tourist tax, there are some which are only just considering rolling one out for visitors as a way to support their local economy and reduce overtourism: The capital of Scotland sees its fair share of tourists visiting for its historical significance and architectural beauty, and soon, travellers heading to Edinburgh will be expected to pay a tourist tax from 2026 onwards. This will be a 5% levy on various overnight accommodations in the city, which will be capped at five nights in a row, according to Edinburgh Council. With the levy in place, this is expected to increase to £50 million ($67 million) a year, which the city will invest in supporting, enhancing, and protecting Edinburgh's worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live. Thailand is also considering introducing a tourist tax before the end of 2025. Set to be as much as 300 baht, or $9.23, this one-off fee will be enforced for those entering the country by air, land, or sea. The tax will fund the country's tourism-related infrastructure, as well as insurance for tourists, but the full details are still being finalised. The costs are planned to be integrated into Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) too, which launched at the beginning of May 2025.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Here's how to save money on your summer vacation, despite rising prices
You could save money on your summer vacation this year despite inflation concerns. Here's how. There's good news and bad news for the nearly 50% of Americans who say they're planning on taking a trip this summer despite inflation concerns, a recent analysis finds. First, the good news: While some expenses are up, there are a number of ways to save on your vacation. To start, look at flight costs. As a result of economic uncertainty, bookings are down slightly compared with one year ago, according to an analysis from NerdWallet. As a result, travelers can find deals on airfares, which are down roughly 8% compared with the same period one year earlier. Hotel room rates are also down, falling 2.4% over the past year. Rental car costs are down by just over 2%, according to the analysis, which looks at data from travel categories, such as airfares an lodging, tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Consumer Price Index. Travel costs overall are down 2% compared with Memorial Day weekend a year ago, NerdWallet's Travel Price Index shows. The relief comes as overall prices rose 2.3% through April 2025, according to the latest data from BLS. Americans who plan to travel are prepared to spend $300 more this summer compared with last summer, the analysis found. "A lot of people are still taking those big international trips this year that they booked many, many months ago," NerdWallet's lead travel writer Sally French told CBS News. But while airfares are down, ride-share fares are up, as is the cost of entertainment. Overall, the cost of vacation-related activities is 3.4% higher this year from a year ago, while the cost of eating at restaurants has risen nearly 4%, according to NerdWallet's analysis. "There are a lot of unanticipated expenses that cost more and these are the things that can really add up," French said. "There are the Lyft and Uber rides, there are the parking expenses, there are the tips." Here are some ways to save on your summer trip. Be flexible about when you travel, and where you go, to score deals on airfare. Set a budget for dining out to avoid overspending. Skip fancy restaurants, and try a deli for a memorable meal instead. Use credit card points and redeem airline rewards to cut down on travel costs.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Bombshell study reveals the travel companies still ignoring new rules on dodgy add-on costs - and how they could be breaking the law
We all know how frustrating shopping for flights and holidays online can sometimes be. You're reeled in by a very low price – and then end up with a much bigger figure by the time you get to the check-out, thanks to extra admin and booking fees. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act – a new law that came into force in April – was meant to stamp out those pesky add-on costs. But, in a new investigation, Which? has found that many well-known travel brands, including Megabus, Wowcher and loveholidays, are potentially breaking the law by ignoring or at least dragging their feet on the new rules. In the most extreme cases, travellers could find themselves paying hundreds of pounds more than the upfront price. When looking at booking a hotel resort using comparison sites Kayak and Trivago, Which? found a huge variation in prices between the cheapest and most expensive hotel deals, including at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas. The experts at Which? found a week's stay in July was just £371 on loveholiday, while and both said the price is closer to £700. Loveholidays claimed its price 'includes hotel fees and local tourist tax'. When Which? contacted loveholidays, it admitted the price did not include the full hotel fees that and took into account. Instead, there was a staggering £257 extra to pay when you checked out. Excalibur, like most hotels in Las Vegas and many other hotels in the US and the Caribbean, has what it calls a 'resort fee' – a mandatory charge for services you may or may not use. This allows it to advertise a price that you pay in advance, and another hefty sum when you leave. This is legal - although heavily criticised even in the US - but websites aimed at the UK market are required to tell customers about these fees from the start, under the new DMCC Act. Which? claim that after the consumer champion contacted loveholidays in February, it tweaked the listing very slightly, removing the claim that its price includes hotel fees and adding the caveat 'depending on your hotel's policy, you may also be asked to pay additional hotel fees'. Which? also claims that loveholidays said it will ensure it is compliant with new laws before they come into effect but when the consumer champion checked in May, it claims this had not happened. It adds: 'Unlike many of its rivals, it still did not show the resort fee for the Excalibur.' Loveholidays' listing now says: 'Your hotel may charge additional fees, which must be paid there,' but does not reveal that these unavoidable fees could add hundreds of pounds to the cost of your stay. When Which? contacted loveholidays again, the holiday site apparently didn't give a statement but did suggest it was looking into showing resort fees in its prices. Until it does, Which? says it believes the company is breaking the law. Experts at Which? add: 'Some other less well-known sites are also failing to include resort fees but most of the big ones - including Expedia, and do include them.' Which? found a similar problem when it looked at holiday deals on discount website Wowcher. A week's summer holiday to Malta, which initially appeared to cost £1,278 had a £9.99 'administration fee' at the point of checkout. In February, Wowcher told Which? it was reviewing how its admin fees were implemented and would make sure it continued to comply with any applicable law. However, in May Wowcher was still applying the £9.99 admin fee, according to Which? Meanwhile, when Which? looked at budget coach company Megabus, it also found issues. The experts initially found a one-way ticket from London to Birmingham for a bargain £5.99 on the Megabus website, only to be hit with an extra £1.50 booking fee at checkout – putting the price up by 25 per cent to £7.49. Megabus told Which? in February that it would comply with any new regulation. However, when Which? checked again in May for a journey on the website,it claims a £1.50 booking fee still appeared just before payment. The experts at Which? add: 'The fee is not mentioned anywhere earlier in the purchasing process on the site. 'On the National Express website there is a disclaimer that headline prices exclude a £1.50 booking fee. This is clearer than Megabus.' Megabus told Which? that it's 'committed to offering transparent and affordable travel' and it would update its prices to ensure the booking fees are clearly shown at the start of the booking process by the end of May 2025. The DMCC Act means the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can issue fines of up to £300,000 or 10 per cent of worldwide turnover (whichever is higher) without having to go to court. Trading Standards can also enforce the rules. In the first 12 months of its enforcement the CMA has said that it will prioritise clear infringements of the law and practices that are particularly harmful to consumers. This includes 'fees that are hidden until late in the buying process,' among other issues. Which? believes that travel brands are still using these dodgy add-on fees to squeeze more money out of customers, which would be against the law. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: 'Sneaky fees and add-ons can significantly change the final price people pay for holidays and the difference between the advertised price and the final total can reach hundreds of pounds in the worst cases. 'We've uncovered examples of brands ignoring new rules that are there to protect customers from being hit with unexpected fees and we believe they could be breaking the law.' In response to Which?'s study, Megabus said: 'We are committed to offering transparent and affordable travel for our customers. 'We are currently making updates to our website - due to be completed by the end of this month - to ensure that all fees, including our £1.50 booking fee, are clearly highlighted at the start of the booking process. 'We fully support efforts to improve transparency in pricing across the travel industry and will continue to ensure our practices align with the latest regulations.' Wowcher added: 'Wowcher has implemented various changes to its website to ensure compliance with the DMCC Act. 'This has included providing an estimate of its variable admin fee within its pricing 'splat' which appears clearly and prominently on our deal pages prior to the customer reaching checkout. 'Our intention is to ensure that our website is clear and transparent for customers, allowing them to make purchase decisions with confidence on the Wowcher platform.'
