Avoid "HIDDEN" Airline Fees

Here's some advice that’ll help you avoid some of those extra airline fees, courtesy of MSN.

• If you HAVE to check a bag, know this: The steepest checked baggage fees are tacked onto bags that are overweight – usually over 50 pounds. It may seem logical to try and cram everything into one suitcase, if your bag ends up being oversized, it could end up costing you up to $175! So you’re probably better off using two suitcases.
  
• Food and beverage fees? More than half of all airlines now charge for SNACKS and meals. So pack a brown-bag meal ahead of time. As far as beverages go, you can fill up an empty water bottle after you pass through security.
  
• Bring your own headset. A handful of airlines are now charging anywhere from 1 to 5 dollars for headsets that allow travelers to tune into the in-flight video entertainment. So try bringing your own iPod earbuds or headphones aboard.
  
• More airlines are charging for items that used to be basic, pillows and blankets. Air Canada provides a "comfort kit" with a blanket and inflatable pillow for $2. A lot of airlines don’t clean the pillows and blankets between flights and a travel expert. So you’re better off bringing a sweater and a neck pillow of your own anyway.