First, with airlines more competitive than ever before travelers can expect some of the lowest prices - but they come with a catch.
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Expect to pay for a carry-on bag, overhead storage or the option of choosing your seat.
This year, it's just all about the fees: the more you pay, the more you get.
American Express says airlines are now offering discounted prices and more upgrades - for a fee. On the other hand, all these extra upgrades are given away for free to frequent flyers.
And coach class is getting even more bare boned.
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United is rolling out its Basic Economy this month. With a few exceptions, it limits carry on items to just one personal item that fits under the seat.
To that end, American Express travel says for that reason more people are just paying for the perks and luxury of first class. In fact, bookings were up more than 200 percent last year.
But the prices are dropping all around and with that, a new round of mega search sites like FLYR and Hopper are selling price insurance policies that lock-in the lowest airfares.