Stop Paying for "Air"
How to Avoid Hidden Fees

The Scam: Airlines charge 50% more if you add bags after the initial booking, and 200% more if you pay at the airport.

The Fix:

• Weigh at home: If you are 1kg over, wear your heaviest jacket/shoes. Usually saves 2kg of weight.
• The "Duty Free" Hack: Airlines rarely weigh the yellow Duty Free shopping bag. Put your heavy book or water bottle in a shopping bag after security but before the gate. (Use caution).
• Pre-pay: Always add baggage during the initial checkout. It is the cheapest price you will ever see.

The Scam: "Select your seat now for $15 or we might separate you."

The Fix:

• Check-in exactly 24h prior: When online check-in opens, algorithms usually assign seats from back to front or row by row. If you check in early, you get a seat assigned for free.
• Skip for short flights: For a 45-min DXB-Doha flight, does the middle seat really matter? Save the $15 for lunch.
• Ask at the desk: Be nice. Agents at the airport can often move you for free if the flight isn't full.

The Scam: $10 for a cup of instant noodles.

The Fix: Bring your own empty water bottle and fill it after security (DXB has fountains). Pack sandwiches. It is perfectly legal to bring food through security (just no liquids/gels over 100ml).