State surveys airline fees at Logan Airport

By Katie Johnston, Globe Staff

Airlines charge for checked bags and extra legroom, and the state is all over it.

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation on Friday released the results of a four-month survey of fees charged by the airlines that serve Logan International Airport. From April to July, the consumer affairs office compiled information on fees charged by 26 airlines for booking over the phone, changing flights, bringing a pet, and other services.

Among the state’s findings:
- Delta Air Lines charges $100 each way for unaccompanied minors.
- American Airlines charges $25 to book a ticket over the phone and $35 to do so at the airport.
- Lufthansa charges $250 to rebook a ticket.

Before booking a ticket, the state advises, passengers should ask themselves how many bags they will bring, if their travel plans are subject to change, and if they want to select a certain seat.

“Travelers should closely examine airlines’ policies that may affect how much you will pay,” Barbara Anthony, undersecretary of consumer affairs and business regulation, said in a statement. “You can avoid many fees with some attention to detail and a little work.”