✈️ Are seat assignment fees a scam?

LATEST NEWS
Flying Southwest? First Bag Will Now Cost You $35

After five decades, Southwest Airlines is ending its iconic "bags fly free" policy. Starting May 28, passengers will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second — unless they qualify for exemptions.

Who still gets free bags?

• Business Select/Choice Extra and A-List Preferred: 2 free bags

• A-List and Chase Rapid Rewards cardholders: 1 free bag

Also changing: Flight credits issued from May 28 will now expire in 6 or 12 months, ending the airline’s no-expiration policy.

The move follows pressure from activist investors and could generate $1.5B annually, though Southwest risks losing loyal customers. Expect more changes soon — assigned seating and extra legroom fares arrive in 2026.

✈️ United Now Requires Check-In 45 Minutes Before Departure

Starting June 3, United Airlines is changing its domestic check-in deadline to 45 minutes before departure — for all passengers, not just those with checked bags. Previously, travelers without luggage could check in as late as 30 minutes before takeoff.

United says the shift aligns with its baggage cut-off and brings it in line with industry norms. While you can still arrive close to boarding, miss the check-in window and you risk losing your seat.

📌 Pro tip: Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight to avoid surprises.

TRAVEL TIP
The Grossest Thing in Your Hotel Room Isn’t What You Think

According to epidemiologist Brian Labus, the grossest — and riskiest — thing you can do in a hotel room is use the ice bucket without a liner. In one norovirus outbreak, guests used ice buckets while sick, and since buckets are often only rinsed, not sanitized, viruses spread to the next unsuspecting guest’s drink.

While things like comforters may seem sketchy, they pose less risk than invisible threats like poorly cleaned ice buckets. Labus stresses that inspections for hotel rooms should be taken as seriously as those for restaurants.

Bottom line: travel smart, use ice bucket liners, and don’t panic — gross doesn’t always mean dangerous, but it pays to be aware.

WONDERING!
✈️ Are seat assignment fees a scam? 

Not quite—but they’re often unnecessary. Airlines have made billions from these fees, but that doesn’t mean you always have to pay.

When it is worth paying:

• On long flights for added comfort

• If you need a specific seat (like an aisle or extra legroom)

• When traveling with companions and want to sit together

When you can skip it:

• If you're flying solo and don’t care where you sit

• If you’re a family with young children—most airlines won’t separate you

• If you’re budget-conscious and okay with a random seat

What airlines don’t tell you:

• You will get a seat if you have a ticket

• Seat fees are driven by profit, not necessity

• Pricing is controlled by algorithms, not actual costs

Want to fight back?

• If enough people stopped paying, airlines might drop these fees

• Fly with fee-free airlines like Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Virgin Atlantic

💺 Bottom line: Only pay for a seat if it genuinely improves your comfort or travel experience.

SMART CRUISING
🚢 Why Booking Two Rooms Can Make More Sense!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 One Cabin Isn’t Always Cheaper
Many families assume that sharing one cabin saves money—but that’s not always true. In some cases, booking two separate rooms offers better value, comfort, and flexibility, especially as children get older.

🛌 More Room, Less Stress
Two cabins provide twice the living space, two bathrooms, and often better sleep arrangements. This can be a game-changer for larger families or those with teens who need their own space.

🧩 Family-Friendly Cabin Options
Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, MSC, and Norwegian offer options designed for families:

• Connecting rooms across cabin types

• Family staterooms with bunk beds or split bathrooms

• Multi-room or multi-level suites with kid-friendly extras like slides or private patios

🛳️ Smart Booking Strategies
Families can book adjacent rooms or balcony cabins across the hall for flexibility. Cruise policies usually require younger kids to stay in a room with a parent or guardian, but older teens may be allowed in nearby cabins.

💰 When Two Rooms Cost Less Than One
Sometimes, two double-occupancy cabins are cheaper than one family suite, especially after perks like onboard credit or discounts are factored in. It’s all about comparing your options and understanding what adds the most value.

🛎️ Bottom Line:
Choosing cruise cabins is about more than just price—it’s about finding what works best for your family’s needs, size, and travel style. Don’t assume that one room is always better. Sometimes, splitting up really pays off.