In 2004, German flag carrier Lufthansa was the first airline to introduce Wi-Fi in the sky. Since those early days, in-flight connectivity has come a long way. For many years, travelers were used to excruciatingly slow connection speeds and sky-high pricing, but as of late, airlines have been installing faster satellite-based networks that rival speeds on the ground. And better yet, many airlines are making onboard internet a free perk for passengers. In fact, another major airline recently announced it was joining in on the trend — find out which U.S. airlines offer free in-flight Wi-Fi below. 

American Airlines Wi-Fi

In April 2025, American Airlines — the world’s largest airline by passengers carried — announced that it would be introducing complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi beginning in January 2026. The carrier says that when the service goes into effect, it will be offered on more than 2 million flights a year and on more planes than any other U.S. domestic carrier.

There’s a small catch, though: You have to be a member of AAdvantage, the airline’s loyalty program, to log on to the free internet, but it’s free to join AAdvantage if you’re not already a member. Also, free Wi-Fi won’t be offered on every single aircraft, at least to start. In a press release, American said that it will be available “on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of its fleet.”

Currently, American passengers can connect to the internet starting at $10 per flight, but that price can jump up to $35 for longer flights. (Monthly in-flight Wi-Fi subscriptions are also available.)

Delta Air Lines Wi-Fi

While American’s announcement should be welcome news for the airline’s flyers, Delta passengers have been surfing the web for free since 2023. The Atlanta-based carrier was the first of the “Big Four” U.S. airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, and United) to announce free fleetwide high-speed internet, available to members of the airline’s SkyMiles loyalty program.

As of mid-2025, the service is available on over 800 aircraft. Passengers will be able to connect to Wi-Fi for free on the vast majority of domestic flights, with the exception of certain aircraft like Boeing 717 and Delta Connection regional aircraft. Free Wi-Fi is currently available on select long-haul international flights. On flights where it’s not yet available, passengers can still pay to connect to the internet on board.

United Airlines Wi-Fi

In September 2024, United Airlines announced it was installing high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on more than 1,000 planes in its mainline and regional fleet. In a press release, the airline touted that “customers will soon enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air that they enjoy on the ground,” with access to live streaming, gaming, and connectivity across multiple devices.

Starlink internet debuted on the first United aircraft in May 2025, with an early review from The Points Guy noting the service is “every bit as fast as advertised.” The airline said that it would take several years for complimentary internet to be introduced fleetwide. As on American and Delta, Starlink internet will be available to customers who have signed up for the airline’s free loyalty program, MileagePlus.

In the meantime, United offers Wi-Fi for a flat rate of $10 on U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights (like Canada and Mexico), while MileagePlus members can get a discounted rate of $8 per flight. On other flights, pricing will depend on the route length and destination.

Wi-Fi on JetBlue, Southwest, and Other U.S. Airlines

Free in-flight connectivity is old news for one U.S. airline: JetBlue. The New York-based carrier has been offering Fly-Fi — the airline’s name for its high-speed broadband satellite internet service — for free on every flight since 2013. JetBlue was the first major U.S. airline to make in-flight internet free, calling itself a “trailblazer in onboard technology.” 

Southwest offers fleetwide Wi-Fi for a flat rate of $8 from takeoff to landing. (The service is free for A-List Preferred and Business Select customers.) Passengers can also take advantage of free in-flight messaging and use the internet to stream entertainment to their devices. As of May 2025, the airline was reportedly testing free Wi-Fi, so look out for a future announcement. 

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines also offers high-speed satellite Wi-Fi for an $8 flat rate, which is available on a majority of the fleet, while select T-Mobile customers can log on for free for 60 minutes during the flight. 

After not having Wi-Fi for many years, budget airline Spirit has recently introduced high-speed Wi-Fi, which is free for elite members and those who purchase a Big Front Seat. In-flight Wi-Fi plans for all other customers start at $5.99 per flight, as of mid-2025. 

However, Frontier, the other major budget airline in the U.S. (and Spirit’s main rival) has yet to offer Wi-Fi on any of its flights, even for purchase. But given where the industry is headed in terms of in-flight connectivity, we expect that to change in the near future. 

If you’re heading out on a cruise — whether it’s your first cruise or your 10th — there are a few unspoken rules and helpful tips that can make your experience smooth sailing from start to finish. From what to pack to when to show up at the port, here’s a quick guide to cruise etiquette every cruiser should know.

Review the Inclusions

What’s included in your cruise package will vary. Basic packages cover accommodations, meals in the main dining areas, and some onboard entertainment. However, speciality dining, alcohol (even those tempting welcome drinks with the umbrellas), and shore excursions are typically extra. 

Cruise lines might offer a drinks package, which allows you to order as many drinks as you want during the cruise for a flat rate. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruise Lines both offer a variety of drink packages, including options for soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and even wine-focused plans — making it easy to choose the one that best fits your preferences.

Keep in mind that some cruise lines do not allow guests to bring beer or spirits on board, so B.Y.O.B. isn’t a reliable way to cut costs. Some lines, like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, permit each guest to bring a single bottle of wine or Champagne. Others, like Viking Ocean Cruises, have no limits on alcohol quantities brought on board. It’s important to check your specific cruise line’s policy, as rules can vary from one line to another.

Also consider gratuities: Many cruise lines will add an automatic daily gratuity to your bill for each person. Some cruise lines will bake gratuities into the fare, or sometimes you can book a special package that includes gratuities. Any additional tips for onboard staff are at your discretion.

Check the Dress Code

While casual attire like T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts are perfectly acceptable during the day, the dress code on a cruise ship often shifts in the evening. “Smart casual” is a good rule of thumb for evening wear if you’re eating in the main dining area. On formal nights, women typically wear cocktail dresses, while men are expected to wear suits and ties. Be sure to check your cruise line’s dress code policy so you can pack appropriately.

Often, cruises will hold theme nights, so you may be able to ditch the formalwear for something a little more fun. Check out what your cruise line has planned. Some lines, like Carnival, throw themed events like an ’80s Rock ’N’ Glow Deck Party, ’90s Night, and Superhero Night. It’s a great excuse to dress up, let loose, and have a good time. Just remember that swimsuits and bare feet are generally not permitted in any of the dining areas or specialty restaurants on a cruise ship. 

Double-Check Your Documentation

As departure day approaches, carefully review all emails from the cruise company concerning any pre-cruise checklists, medical information, and documentation requirements. You’ll need a form of government ID, and most cruise lines prefer a passport. If you’re cruising to a foreign country, make sure you understand the entry requirements and whether you need to apply for a visa in advance. 

Closed-loop tours are the exception. You’ll be able to disembark at a foreign port of call for a shore excursion traveling only with a driver’s license, making these cruises very popular for U.S. citizens without a passport. Lastly, have your reservation number, proof of booking, or boarding QR code handy when you arrive at the terminal — it will help you get on board quickly and smoothly. 

Don’t Arrive Too Early

One important piece of information you’ll receive in the pre-cruise email is the scheduled arrival time at the port. Because cruise lines typically welcome thousands of people aboard, these arrival times are staggered to avoid long waits, overcrowded piers, and chaotic boarding. Although it may be tempting, don’t arrive at the dock earlier than scheduled. You’ll just end up having to wait — usually under the hot sun and without access to any amenities — while all the passengers who were scheduled before you board.  

It’s also worth reviewing the parking options at the port, so you can plan your arrival accordingly. Many cruises offer parking in the cruise ship terminal (for a heftier cost) or cheaper off-site parking with shuttle access. 

Pack Practically

Cruise lines are less strict than airlines when it comes to luggage limits. Most companies permit passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage for their cruise duration. Carnival Cruise Lines, for instance, suggests one checked bag and one carry-on for cruises less than five days. If you’re cruising for longer than five days, two pieces of luggage are suggested. The weight limit across most cruise lines is 50 pounds per bag. A carry-on bag is always allowed.

Your cruise line will also send you luggage tags ahead of departure. Make sure to tag your luggage with your name, cruise line, sail date, and cabin number before you get to the pier. This helps speed up the process of getting your bags to your room. But don’t stress if you forget — porters at the terminal can print a tag or tag your bag for you. When you arrive at your scheduled boarding time, porters will take your checked bags, and they’ll be delivered to your cabin later that day. (It’s a good idea to have a few dollars handy to tip them for their services.)

Be sure to pack a few essentials in your carry-on that you might want right away, such as a change of clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, or flip-flops. It could be a few hours before you see your checked bag again, and you don’t want to miss out on pool time while you wait.

Review Banned Items Before Boarding

Like at airports, you will pass through security before embarking, including a baggage scanner and metal detector. Your checked luggage will be X-rayed as well, so make sure you’re not carrying any prohibited items. 

Each cruise line has its own rules, but generally, banned items include weapons, explosives, fireworks, perishable or homemade food, drones, heating appliances (though curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons are usually fine), segways, bicycles, scooters, extension cords, power strips, and any alcohol beyond the allowed limit.

Before walking out the door to go on vacation, there are several household matters you should attend to. Although it’s easily overlooked, setting the thermostat to an ideal temperature should always be on your to-do list. However, the suggested range varies depending on the time of year, the length of your trip, and other factors. Here’s a closer look at what government agencies and HVAC experts say about the ideal thermostat setting for when you’re on vacation — follow these tips and you can rest easy during your travels.

Consider the Time of Year

No matter the time of year, the goal is to set your thermostat so your house remains in good physical condition without racking up a high energy bill. However, the ideal temperature varies depending on the season.

During summer, Energy Star (a program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) suggests keeping the thermostat set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home for maximum energy efficiency. But if you go on summer vacation, the HVAC company Service Experts says to raise the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees above normal, without exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends setting temps at 85 degrees when you’re away from home. Setting the thermostat at this level puts less of a strain on the air-conditioning unit, resulting in a lower monthly energy bill. This may be especially important if you’ve already maxed out your vacation budget and are looking to keep other costs low. 

At the same time, the 85-degree setting prevents the home from becoming too humid, which could potentially result in the formation of mold or damage to fragile furniture. This temperature also keeps the home from becoming too blisteringly hot when you walk in the front door after returning from vacation.

As for wintertime, the U.S. Department of Energy advocates setting the thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re home. When you’re away, lower the thermostat to 60 to 65 degrees. This cuts down on expensive heating bills, as there’s no point in warming an empty house. But keeping the thermostat in the low 60s also prevents the home from becoming too cold, which could result in frozen or burst pipes. 

In fall and spring, temperature is a bit more unpredictable. If the forecast calls for warm weather, set it 5 to 10 degrees above normal. If it’s colder, lower the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees.

Other Factors To Consider

Another important consideration is vacation duration. If you’re only going to be gone for a quick weekend away, it may not be worth worrying about changing the temperature. The HVAC company American Air and Heat suggests leaving the thermostat alone if you’re gone for just a day or two. While it wouldn’t hurt to change the thermostat if you’d like to, there’s less of a need during short trips.

You should also take into account the specifics of your home. For example, do you live in an older building with poor insulation? Is your living room filled with fragile wooden antiques that could suffer from excess humidity? Do you own plants that thrive in warmer or colder environments? 

Knowing that personal circumstances differ, don’t be afraid to set the thermostat closer to normal while you’re on vacation. The costlier energy bill may be worth the added peace of mind. For instance, if your pipes are especially fragile and at risk of freezing, keep the thermostat set closer to 68 degrees during any winter trips. Or, if you’re worried about excess humidity damaging old paintings, keep it set in the high 70s instead of the mid-80s while you go on your summer vacation.

Unplug Before You Unplug (on Vacation)

Now that you’ve got your thermostat covered, there are few other often-overlooked items on a good pre-vacation checklist. For instance, leaving certain devices plugged in uses energy and also poses a fire hazard if they short out. 

While you should always leave important devices or appliances such as security cameras or your refrigerators plugged in, nonessential electronics such as a TV or computer can and should be unplugged. These devices still consume energy as long as they remain plugged in (even if they’re turned off). The same goes for countertop kitchen appliances such as the coffee maker or toaster — all of these can be unplugged while you’re gone. This helps save money on your energy bill and lessens the risk of any electronics shorting out.

Tend to Your Mail

Another task that vacationgoers may forget is dealing with mail. An overstuffed mailbox or package-riddled porch is an obvious sign that the house is empty, which may attract thieves. Avoid ordering packages leading up to a trip, or leave a note for the delivery driver to leave the boxes around back (where they’ll be out of sight) if possible.

The USPS Hold Mail service is a free and easy tool for anyone to use while they go on vacation. The post office will hold your mail at a local facility for up to 30 days, so you can pick it up or have it delivered when you’re back from your trip. Sign up here and request a hold on your mail up to 30 days before your trip and anytime up to 3 a.m. Eastern Time the day before. This service is available Monday through Saturday.

Be sure to check out these additional tips for maintaining a secure home while traveling. As the old adage goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The more planning you do before your vacation, the more you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip.

While walkability scores highlight amenity-dense cities with ample transit access, they don’t always reflect how easy a city is to walk around in, especially if it’s hilly. San Francisco, for example, ranks very high in walkability but is also famously steep. For those who rely on wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids, steep hills can make getting around a real challenge, and gentler, flat terrain can make all the difference. Check out 10 of the flattest major U.S. cities based on their elevation range — each offering exciting attractions, accessible transportation, and smooth sidewalks.

Long Beach, California

Elevation range: 245 feet

Located just south of Los Angeles, Long Beach offers picture-perfect sunsets, sunny days for sailing, and plenty of flat, walkable sidewalks. The Aquarium of the Pacific is home to over 500 species of marine animals, as well as accessible facilities with ramps and elevators. 

Another popular site is the Queen Mary, a historic British ocean liner turned hotel and tourist attraction in Long Beach Harbor. While the ship is not fully wheelchair-accessible, it has been made accessible wherever possible. After spending a leisurely day at the beach, check out Pine Avenue, the hub of downtown Long Beach’s restaurants and nightlife.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Elevation range: 243 feet

On the shores of Lake Michigan sits “Brew City” — otherwise known as Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Miller Brewing and Pabst Brewing have roots in this storied beer town, and today, dozens of craft breweries line the city’s streets. Fortunately for travelers with limited mobility, getting around downtown is easy.

Milwaukee’s breweries, museums, and parks are thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and Boerner Botanical Gardens. The Milwaukee RiverWalk, winner of the Urban Land Institute’s Global Award for Excellence, is a 3.1-mile pedestrian path that connects restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and other attractions.

Chicago, Illinois

Elevation range: 214 feet

Less than 100 miles south of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan, you’ll find another flat, walkable city. The Windy City is known for its historic architecture, world-class shopping and entertainment, and expansive green spaces. 

Navy Pier is a popular family-friendly destination that offers flat, wheelchair-friendly pathways, elevators, and restrooms, along with rides, games, shopping, and seasonal events such as fireworks. Millennium Park, home to the Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “the Bean“), also has wide, flat walkways and ramps, allowing you to explore at your own pace. For a rainy-day retreat, opt for the Art Institute of Chicago or the Adler Planetarium (the oldest planetarium in the country), both excellent options for those with mobility concerns.

Jacksonville, Florida

Elevation range: 206 feet

Jacksonville is located in northeast Florida on the St. Johns River, where visitors might catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins playing in the brackish water. It’s easy to take a leisurely stroll through this city thanks to its ample sidewalks and flat terrain. 

You can get where you need to go at your own pace, whether it’s a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball game or a weekend cafe trip to the artsy Riverside neighborhood, where the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is located. Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach — all within city limits — also boast wide sidewalks where visitors can walk for miles exploring seaside boutiques before chowing down on local seafood.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Elevation range: 197 feet

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a smooth, wide promenade boasting 3 miles of beachfront pathways, along with popular sites like the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier and the Neptune Statue. All along this buzzing boardwalk, guests can find boutiques and restaurants, many with live entertainment on evenings and weekends. If you prefer sand beneath your feet, access ramps are available at every beach access point from 1st Street to 58th Street. 

Plus, you don’t have to travel far to attend some of Virginia Beach’s best annual events — many are held right at the beach. Outdoor concerts, surfing events, naval air shows, holiday festivals, and art shows are just a few of the popular events that take place within walking distance of the boardwalk.

Wichita, Kansas

Elevation range: 193 feet

This south-central Kansas city might not be on your vacation radar, but Wichita offers big-city attractions while keeping true to its Midwestern charm. Now a hub for the aviation industry, Wichita has evolved far past its Wild West roots. 

Today, remnants of its past can be discovered at Old Cowtown Museum, a recreation of 19th-century Wichita. The museum is situated on the Arkansas River Path, boasting 10 miles of flat, paved, multiuse trails along the city’s waterfront. It connects attractions such as the Wichita Art Museum and Exploration Place, a family-friendly science center.

Fresno, California

Elevation range: 176 feet

While many California cities are known for their hilly terrain, Fresno, tucked away in the San Joaquin Valley, is one of the state’s flattest major cities. After a day exploring the Fresno Chaffee Zoo (where wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent) or shopping in the Mural District, visitors can enjoy Fresno’s burgeoning culinary scene, a result of the city’s diverse cultures. 

While tacos or pho might be high on your list, don’t forget to try some raisins — Fresno (along with its suburb Selma) is dubbed the “Raisin Capital of the World.” Fresno also makes a convenient home base for visiting nearby Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks.

Detroit, Michigan

Elevation range: 125 feet

Michigan’s largest city flourished during the 20th-century automotive industry boom. Today, remnants of its heyday can be seen around the city, including at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The Detroit Opera House was also founded around this time, and opera, ballet, and Broadway performances are still held at this historic venue today, all with accessible seating options. 

Nearby, the Detroit Riverwalk is a 5.5-mile scenic paved path with stunning views of the city skyline and public art installations. Holiday events, food truck festivals, and other family-friendly events are held at the Riverwalk annually.

Sacramento, California

Elevation range: 107 feet

Sacramento is California’s best big city for leisurely getting around, thanks to its generally flat terrain. California’s capital has plenty to do and see, including the historic California State Capitol Museum and the Old Sacramento Waterfront, a 28-acre riverside neighborhood with tours, parks, and museums that offer a glimpse of the city’s gold rush roots — all connected through flat, paved walkways. Sacramento also prides itself on its “farm-to-fork” movement, bringing together local farmers, major restaurants, and award-winning chefs.

Miami, Florida

Elevation range: 52 feet

There’s a reason why Miami is consistently ranked among the most-visited cities in the United States: World-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and gourmet dining experiences are all within walking distance of Miami’s many waterfront hotels. The Baywalk and Riverwalk are two overlapping waterfront paths, each boasting nearly 5 miles of pedestrian walkways along Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.

Across Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach is just as accessible as its urban neighbor, boasting wide, palm tree-lined sidewalks and miles of flat, beachside terrain. The beachside restrooms are ADA-compliant, and the city offers free beach wheelchairs for rent. With its commitment to accessibility, Miami ensures that all visitors can enjoy its diverse attractions and lively culture.

About the data: To compile this list, we consulted terrain analysis from researcher Nate Rasmussen, who charted the elevation range (the difference between the highest and lowest point within each city boundary) in the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Check out the full report here.

When they’re available, direct routes are usually preferable for air travel. However, nonstop fares can be far more expensive, and sometimes airline schedules dictate that a layover is unavoidable. But if any disruptions arise on the day of travel, you may find yourself facing the prospect of missing a connecting flight — perhaps through no fault of your own. If that happens, it’s helpful to know your rights and responsibilities ahead of time. Here’s what you should — and shouldn’t — do when you miss a connecting flight (and how to avoid the chance of doing so in the first place).

Always Book a Through Ticket

The first thing you should do to make life easier in case you miss a connecting flight requires some advance planning. Before you even get to your travel day, start by always booking a through ticket. This means that your entire journey, even if it involves multiple connecting flights or airlines, falls under a single itinerary. That way, if the inbound leg is canceled or delayed, forcing you to miss your next flight, it will typically be the airline’s responsibility to ensure you make it to your final destination. 

Conversely, if you choose to book separate tickets (as can often be the case if you book with low-cost carriers) and the first part of your journey doesn’t go according to plan, you’ll usually be on the hook for a costly last-minute replacement ticket for the next leg. The second airline has no obligation to rebook you, so to avoid potential headaches, book a through ticket or, if that’s not possible, leave plenty of time for your layover.

Know Your Rights

A missed connection can result in a lot of unexpected costs, including overnight accommodation, meals, and onward transportation. Your rights will vary depending on the circumstances.

While an airline will always rebook you on the next available flight, there’s an important distinction depending on whether your delay or cancellation was deemed controllable or related to factors outside the airline’s control. Airline-caused delays can include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling. On the other hand, noncontrollable delays often have to do with weather or air traffic control constraints, for example.

Each airline sets its own policy in the event of controllable delays or cancellations. The Department of Transportation has a helpful dashboard that outlines those commitments.

You’ll note, for example, that all major U.S. airlines offer to rebook the passenger on the same airline at no additional cost, but only some will rebook you on a partner airline. And while most airlines offer a complimentary hotel stay in the event of a cancellation that results in an overnight layover, one airline, Frontier, does not. But all airlines will offer meal vouchers if the delay or cancellation results in a passenger waiting three or more hours. If your disruption is three or more hours, you may also be entitled to a full refund, thanks to new DOT rules that went into effect in late 2024. 

Be Proactive as You Wait in Line

If your inbound flight is delayed and you know you’ll miss the next leg, you’ll need to find an alternative as soon as possible. And if a significant number of passengers are affected, spaces on upcoming flights are likely to be very limited, so the sooner you’re able to rebook, the more options you’re going to have. 

An airline representative may be waiting at the gate to help rebook passengers; if not, look for a customer service desk in the terminal. But while you wait in line or before you even get there, see if you can rebook via the airline’s website or app — often the easiest way — or call the airline’s customer service desk. With a bit of luck, you’ll have already rescheduled your connecting flight before you reach the front of the queue. And if not, keep your tone friendly and don’t lose your cool; taking your frustration out on an airline employee isn’t going to get you anywhere.

Sometimes You’re on Your Own

What if the new flight you’re offered doesn’t cut it? If you don’t accept the alternative arrangements that you’re being offered, or none are available, the airline is permitted to refund the unused ticket and leave you to fend for yourself. In this situation, it pays to have a travel insurance policy that covers you for delayed or missed flights and the unexpected costs that come with it. 

It’s also a smart idea to have done a little homework — just in case — so that you already have a tentative Plan B in mind. Whether this is ground transportation, an alternate airport, or a change of airline, being ready to make backup arrangements puts you ahead of the pack. In short, it pays to be proactive. 

Allow Enough Time at the Airport

Few travelers love hanging around at the airport — we’d rather spend that time enjoying our vacation or getting home a little earlier. However, trimming the gap too much between a pair of flights isn’t wise. Airlines set what they call minimum connecting times (MCTs), but even sticking to this is no guarantee. The MCT between U.S. domestic flights can be as little as 30 to 40 minutes; for international connections, it can be one hour. 

Realistically, the time you should allow between flights depends on a range of factors. These include whether the connecting airport is large or small, the size of the plane for your first flight (because of the time it takes to disembark), whether your connecting flight departs from a different terminal, and whether you need to recheck bags, clear security, or pass through immigration. To reduce the likelihood of missing your connecting flight in the first place, build in some leeway comfortably above the MCT — after all, you can always relax over a coffee or pass the time browsing the goods for sale in the airport’s shops.  

How much attention do you pay to the cost of your airline ticket beyond noting the total amount? For many travelers, the answer is likely “not much.” Yet, the base fare is only part of the price you’ll pay to fly from one destination to another. Increasingly, carriers are unpackaging their fares, so that extra charges apply for items such as seat allocations, baggage, and priority boarding. But there are other costs, too, and airlines pass those various taxes and fees to the customer. What these costs represent — and why travelers have to pay them — isn’t always easy to figure out, so let’s take a look at what the taxes and surcharges on airline tickets in the U.S. are actually for.

Federal Excise and Segment Tax

The federal excise tax is a 7.5% surcharge on the cost of air transportation that commercial airlines are required to pay on the transportation of persons. This tax applies to domestic flights that begin or end in the United States or within a 225-mile buffer zone along the Canadian and Mexican borders. (This means that if you fly from New York to Toronto, you’ll pay the excise tax even though it’s an international flight. But if you fly from Dallas to Cancun, you won’t pay the tax because Cancun is outside of the 225-mile zone.) 

Federal authorities also levy a tax on each domestic flight segment (defined as one takeoff and one landing), which amounts to $5.20 per passenger as of 2025. Certain flights to or from Alaska and Hawaii from the contiguous U.S. cost $11.40 per passenger. 

September 11 Security Fee

Airports stepped up security significantly following the 9/11 terrorist attacks; since then, screening shoes and limiting liquids has become commonplace worldwide. In the United States, the September 11 Security Fee helps fund the activities of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) along with government funding authorized by Congress. Passengers pay $5.60 for a one-way trip that originates in the United States and $11.20 for a round-trip domestic flight. Travelers pay the tax directly to the airline, which then passes that revenue on to the TSA.

Passenger Facility Charge

The Passenger Facility Charge goes toward programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the organization that regulates civil aviation in the United States. This includes implementing noise-reduction initiatives, projects that improve airline safety or security, and measures designed to increase capacity or encourage competition between airlines. As of 2025, passengers pay $4.50 for each commercial airport in the U.S. that they transit on their itinerary, up to a maximum of $9 for a one-way ticket and $18 for a round trip. 

When traveling internationally, you might incur a similar airport improvement fee, such as the Unified Fee for Airport Use (TUUA) for passengers landing at Jorge Chavez International in Lima, Peru, or Canada’s Airport Improvement Fees (AIF). 

Customs and Immigration Fees

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials carry out meticulous checks on incoming passengers and the goods they bring with them. Document inspections ensure that travelers have the right to enter the United States, while baggage screening is carried out to protect domestic agriculture and monitor the import of items subject to specific regulations. 

To fund these essential efforts, there are several fees levied on travelers arriving in the U.S.: The Customs Inspection User Fee (CUF) is currently set at $7.20 per passenger, while the Immigration Inspection User Fee (IUF) is $7. Additionally, there is a U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) fee that amounts to $3.83.

Carrier-Imposed Charges

Unlike government taxes, carrier-imposed charges are set by the airline and added on top of the base airfare. These fees typically include fuel surcharges, as airlines look to cover their costs in light of volatile oil prices. They can also include money collected to improve an airline’s sustainability credentials, such as to fund carbon offset programs or research into sustainable aviation fuel. Note that you will often find higher carrier-imposed surcharges when redeeming frequent flyer miles. 

International Taxes

If you’re flying from the United States to an international destination (outside the 225-mile border zone), you’ll incur both an international departure tax and an international arrival tax from the U.S. government. (If you’re flying between two foreign cities and only transiting the United States, these taxes do not apply.)

You’ll also typically pay a departure tax to the foreign country from which you are returning home. While this often used to be collected in person at the airport as travelers flew home, these days it’s more common for it to be included in the cost of your ticket. 

Departure taxes vary considerably. The U.K.’s Air Passenger Duty, for instance, can be as much as £216 (around $276) per person in business class or £90 ($115) when flying economy back to the United States. Meanwhile, Thailand levies just 730 baht ($21 USD) on departing passengers.