Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Hidden Costs

Having heard of the many promotions offered by airlines for flights to Malaysia, the Swallow and her mate thought of taking advantage of a zero-dollar promotion offered by an airline for their year-end trip back to Malaysia. Making calculations of the airport tax and the fuel surcharge, the cost of taking a flight against taking a coach was a mere difference of S$30 for the whole family. It sounded like a good deal...

After signing up for the membership, they went through the whole process of entering the required information. To their disappointment, there were many hidden costs. Seats, checked luggage, in-flight meals, and travel insurance were just some of these. If they opt for non-premium seats, check in a minimum amount of luggage and take a no-frills flight, the total sum still came up twice the initial calculated cost.

Then there is the travel to and from the airport by taxis, both in Singapore and Malaysia, where airport surcharge and midnight surcharge have to be considered.

Their final decision? They will be booking seats in a coach...

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