ConsumerWatch: NerdWallet Filters Travel Deals, Tracks Fees

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- A new online tool is helping consumers find the real cost of an airline ticket by calculating all the additional fees.

NerdWallet, a personal finance and travel website launched a new search and comparison tool where travelers can find more than 300 U.S. airline fees.

Prior to booking a flight, travelers can check each carrier's fee then tack that on to the cheapest airfare ticket.

"Baggage fees are definitely the cornerstone of all our searches," said Alicia Jao, vice president of travel media for NerdWallet.

According to Jao, baggage fees are the most common search and one of the most complex. "So you can pay $50 to check-in your bag but it may be a little too heavy then you're paying another $200," she said. She mentioned that other fees include changing your flight and changing your seat.

Passengers who have already booked a flight or have a favorite carrier can still use the tool by selecting the option: "Already Booked Your Flight."

NerdWallet does warn passengers about add on fees for oversize bags, airlines that multiply fees for each segment of the flight and for carriers that charge to change a flight.

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