dotanminh/travel-optimization-engine/fee-analysis

Fee Analysis - Phân Tích và Loại Bỏ Phí Phụ Thu

Purpose

Airlines - especially LCCs - intentionally show low base fares then add fees at checkout. This skill strips away the deception, calculates what you'll actually pay, and re-ranks options by true cost. A $89 Spirit ticket that becomes $275 after fees loses to a $189 Southwest that includes everything.

Input Required

• flight_options[] from flight-search skill
• baggage from traveler profile (carry_on | checked_1 | checked_2)
• loyalty_programs[] from traveler profile
• preferred_payment (credit card type, if known)

Execution Steps

Step 1: Load Airline Fee Matrix

Read references/airline-fee-matrix.md for comprehensive fee data by airline.

Step 2: Calculate True Total for Each Option

For each flight option, compute:

true_total = base_fare
           + taxes_and_surcharges
           + carry_on_fee          (if LCC and carry_on not included)
           + checked_bag_fee       (× number of bags × number of passengers)
           + seat_selection_fee    (if desired, per passenger)
           + meal_fee              (if not included, long-haul)
           + change_fee_risk       (weighted by probability from flexibility-analysis)
           + payment_surcharge     (credit card fee if applicable)

Step 3: Fee Breakdown Table

Present each option with full fee breakdown:

Fee Breakdown: HAN → SFO, 2 Adults + 1 Child
 
                    Option A (VietJet)    Option B (VN Airlines)   Option C (Korean Air)
Base Fare           $380 × 3 = $1,140     $620 × 3 = $1,860       $580 × 3 = $1,740
Tax & Surcharge     $95 × 3 = $285        $120 × 3 = $360         $110 × 3 = $330
Carry-on (7kg)      Included              Included                 Included
Checked Bag (23kg)  $45 × 3 = $135        Included                 Included
Seat Selection      $12 × 3 = $36         Free                     $15 × 3 = $45
Meal                Not included          Included                 Included
Payment Fee         $0 (debit)            $0                       $0
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
TRUE TOTAL          $1,596                $2,220                   $2,115
Per Person          $532                  $740                     $705
Rank Change         Was #1 → Still #1    Was #3 → Now #3          Was #2 → Now #2

Step 4: Identify Rank Reversals

Critical insight: When true_total changes the ranking from advertised price:

⚠️ RANK REVERSAL DETECTED:
  Option X was ranked #3 by advertised price ($89)
  After fees, it's actually #5 ($275)
  Option Y was ranked #5 by advertised price ($189)
  After fees, it's actually #2 ($189) - no hidden fees!

Step 5: Fee Avoidance Strategies

For each applicable fee, provide actionable avoidance advice:

Carry-on Fee (LCC):

• Pack within airline's free personal item dimensions
• VietJet: 7kg carry-on included; Spirit: personal item only (45×35×20cm)
• Consider: Is the carry-on fee still cheaper than a legacy carrier total?

Checked Bag Fee:

• Airline credit card: Many waive first bag (e.g., United Explorer card)
• Status match: Silver/Gold loyalty = free bags
• Pre-pay online: Always cheaper than airport counter (20-50% savings)
• Ship luggage separately: Services like LuggageForward for long trips

Seat Selection Fee:

• Skip it: Accept random assignment for savings
• Check in exactly at 24h mark: Best free seats available
• Back of plane: Often free even when front costs extra

Change/Cancel Fee:

• Book with credit card that offers trip protection
• Some airlines (Southwest, JetBlue) offer free changes
• 24-hour rule: Most US carriers allow free cancellation within 24h of booking

Payment Surcharge:

• Use debit card (many airlines waive surcharge)
• Some airlines charge extra for credit card (Ryanair, AirAsia)
• PayPal sometimes adds processing fees

Step 6: Cabin Bag Size Reference

Include for options with strict carry-on policies:

Step 7: Output Summary

ORIGINAL RANKING (by advertised price):
  1. VietJet $380    2. Korean $580    3. VN Airlines $620
 
TRUE RANKING (all fees included):
  1. VietJet $532    2. Korean $705    3. VN Airlines $740
 
VERDICT: VietJet remains cheapest even after fees (+$152 in extras).
However, VN Airlines includes lounge access with Business Saver 
that isn't captured in this analysis.

Limitations

• Fee data is based on published policies - airlines may change without notice
• Some fees vary by route, booking channel, or time of purchase
• Loyalty status benefits are estimated - check your specific tier
• Meal costs for LCCs are not included (varies too widely)