Ticketing Secrets

I don't know if you've been traveling much lately, but I have. And the fares have been skyrocketing. In fact, my upcoming trip to Hawaii is costing more than any other trip. More than Europe. More than Asia. And certainly more than Mexico.

But most of my trips are on United, an airline that just gives me the total fare. I gripe. I bitch. I moan. I threaten that I'm going to fly Southwest. But, in the end, I pay - and give up all the "amenities" like comfort, drinks, meals, and checked baggage that used to come along with cheaper fares.

I mean, they don't even give you peanuts any more. Peanuts, for God's Sake.

On September 1st, I'll be jetting down to Mexico City and flying US Airways. They're a Star Alliance partner which means I can accrue United miles (a major factor nowadays). Plus, they're cheaper than United.

For example, the exact same itinerary purchased through United.com will cost me $760.00 roundtrip. And I mean exact. The same planes, the same routing, the same flights - all on US Airways code sharing with United. It's the same trip and it costs two hundred dollars more.

And I can't figure out why.

Meanwhile, on USAirways.com they offer what looks like very cheap rates to Mexico City. At first, you think you're going to Mexico City for $393.00 roundtrip. It's only when you get to the checkout page that they pull back the curtain to reveal the Wizard: government fees and taxes.

BWI to MEX - Fare Basis GH14XC............$196.50
MEX to BWI - Fare Basis GH14XC............$196.50
Total Fare .............................................$393.00

Tax: US International Arrival ................ $ 15.40
Tax: US International Departure ........... $ 15.40
Tax: Mexican Tourist Tax .................... $ 23.20
Fee: US Immigration ............................ $ 7.00
Fee: US Animal & Plant Health Insp ...... $ 5.00
September 11 Security Fee .................. $ 7.50
Fee: US Passenger Facility Charge ....... $ 10.50
MX-DEPARTURE-INTL-73 ................... $ 24.80
Total Per Passenger ............................. $501.80

Wow. Taxes and fees account for 27.6% of the fare. That's a whopping amount of tax and for what? Just what is this "September 11 Security Fee" and what does it pay for? Departure and arrival tax? I thought they wanted us to leave.

All this money in fares, taxes and fees just so that the TSA can hassle you at the airport, racially profile you and take away your peanuts and checked baggage. Sheesh.