Return to main articleTop Travel Myths | 2008
Myth: Airlines are indistinguishable.
Reality: Not long ago, most domestic airlines had virtually identical policies and services. Travelers decided which flight to book based almost entirely on price, departure times, and whether the route was nonstop. But travelers can no longer expect parity in terms of things like amenities, loyalty programs, and unaccompanied-minor policies. Baggage rules are especially all over the map: low-fare carriers Skybus and Spirit Airlines charge for all checked bags, whereas JetBlue and Southwest allow two pieces free of charge. Most legacy carriers still allow two complimentary checked bags, but United and US Airways started charging $25 per second checked bag early in 2008. And ticket-change fees vary from free (Southwest) to $40 (JetBlue and Skybus) to $75 or $100 Current Advice: There's a lot more to a flight than its price. Travelers should take careful note of the range of different policies and fees and factor them in before booking a flight.
(most other carriers).
