Apparently the major U.S. airlines thought that a such nominal random fee wasn’t enough for their flights, which of course warrants an increase.

It seems that the companies are following in the footsteps of American Airlines, which was the first major business to charge a fee for holidays–as well as the dates surrounding them–in September. Now the charges are pretty commonplace among all of the major airlines.

And while the number of days each company would add the fee was at three, it has since been raised to 13 during the entire year.

Don’t most people who receive holiday pay only get 10 holidays per year, if that? If the airlines are declaring even more holidays, perhaps people should be getting more paid time off work.

Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airlines are the only two companies to not add the surcharges so far. The businesses, known for the economical flights and leading environmental practices, say that they aren’t going to, either.

Funny how the little guy can maintain a profit without adding fees but the big kahunas still demand more.

And even though all of these airlines adding the fees carry international flights, there has yet to be any word on them adding surcharges in Europe. So what we have are extra holiday fees being charged in the United States only, during a time when it’s already very tight for passengers to fly.

Does that seem very wise at this point?

Once considered scandalous, fees for baggage, as well as surcharges, are starting to become a normal addition with most flights. Holiday flights are still being sacked with $10 surcharges. And baggage charges aren’t just for extra baggage anymore; some airlines are charging for bringing one piece of luggage on a flight. The remedy for this? Wearing layers and carrying a large purse.

Fees for unaccompanied minors have significantly increased (perhaps in the spirit of self-pity following the film with the same title). From changing seating arrangements to in-flight meals (which aren’t exactly scrumptious fare you’d pay for on the ground), many services that were once free now have hefty price tags attached to them.

The worst part of it all is that customers can’t see these fees when they buy their tickets; they’re all added in later. So when you’re getting a deal, keep in mind that the deal could end up being as much–if not more–than a standard ticket once all of the extras are added in.