You've probably experienced the new a la carte pricing on features and services that used to be included in the price of an airline ticket. Known within the airline industry as ancillary revenues, these extra fees not generated by ticket sales are a huge business adding millions of dollars to a cash-craving carrier's bottom line. Currently, more than 28 fees are imposed by 14 major airlines. The top three 2008 earners worldwide on ancillary revenues are American at $613 million, United at $533 million and Delta at $278 million.

These highly irritating, gratuitous charges aren't going away, folks. Airlines are so pleased with their ancillary revenue results — and increasingly dependent upon them — that they are dedicated to seeking new ways to extract ever-more money from their passengers' wallets. Welcome to the new world of travel where purchasing a ticket is only the beginning of your flight expenses. Caveat emptor.

In most cases, elite-level fliers, first/business/full-fare economy ticket purchasers, and active-duty military are exempt from the onerous baggage charges as well as selected other fees. Policies change frequently, so check with your carrier to determine its a la carte assessments.

Alaska Airlines, www.alaskaair.com or 800-426-0333. First and second checked bags at airport are $15 and $25; $15 fee for a phone reservation; seat selection is free; meals cost $5; complimentary beverages with alcoholic drinks at $5; curbside check-in is free; changing your reservation will cost $75; and a pet in the cabin has a $69 fee.

American Airlines, www.aa.com or 800-433-7300. For most international destinations, one bag for no charge and a second bag for $50; on domestic flights $20 and $30 for the first and second checked bags; phone reservations cost $20; free priority seat selection; $3 to $10 for meals; complimentary beverages and snacks; alcoholic drinks $6; curbside check-in at no charge; $150 to change a ticket; and $100 for Fido to fly in the cabin with you.

Continental Airlines, www.continental.com or 800-525-0280. Domestic passengers will pay $15 and $25 for first and second bags checked in and prepaid online and $5 more at the airport; first international checked bag is free and second will cost $50; phone reservations are charged $15; priority seat selection is free; meals are included for flights longer than two hours; beverages and snacks are free; spirits are $5; curbside check-in fees vary; ticket change fee is $75; and the pooch in the cabin will set you back $100.

Delta Airlines, www.delta.com or 800-221-1212. Effective for domestic tickets purchased after Aug. 4, 2009, there will be a $5 surcharge, $20 and $30, for each of the first two checked bags unless prepaid during online check-in; first bag free and second $50 for international travel; phone booking at $25; priority seat selection at no charge; $3 to $8 for meals; complimentary beverages and snacks; wine and beer at $7; free curbside check-in; $150 to change your ticket; and $125 for the flying pet.

Hawaiian Airlines, www.hawaiianair.com or 800-367-5320. For Mainland tickets issued after Aug. 4, 2009, a $5 surcharge, $20 and $30, for first and second bags not checked-in and prepaid online; as of Sept. 14, 2009, on interisland itineraries, first checked bag is $10 and the second, $17; for international, two pieces of baggage free of charge; $10 to $25 for phone bookings; seat selection, meals and beverages are complimentary; booze is $6; pets fly in the cabin for $100 to $200.

Northwest Airlines, www.nwa.com or 800-225-2525. A $5 surcharge, $20 and $30, for each of the first two checked bags on domestic flights unless prepaid during online check-in; first bag free and second $50 for international travel; $20 for phone reservation; $5 to $75 for priority seat selection; meals at $7 to $10; beverages and snacks free to $5; spirits cost $5; curbside check-in is complimentary.

United Airlines, www.united.com or 800-241-6522. On domestic flights, $5 surcharge, $20 and $30, for each of the first two checked bags unless prepaid during online check-in; first bag free and second for $50 on international itineraries; $25 fee for booking by phone; priority seat selection from $14 to $109; onboard meals at $6 to $9; complimentary beverages and snacks, with alcoholic drinks at $6; curbside check-in costs $2; change fees, $90; and small pets fly with you for $100.

US Airways, www.usairways.com or 800-428-4322. $25 and $35 for the first and second checked bags at the airport include a $5 surcharge for not prepaying online; free for first and $50 for second bag on international flights; $25 to $35 for phone reservations; priority seat selection at $5 to $30; meals for $5 to $7; free beverages but snacks range from $5 to $7; spirits cost $7; $2 for curbside check-in; a ticket change fee of $150; and pets onboard for $125 to $250.

Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 45-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.