India, Oct. 16 -- Airlines charging hidden fees is a common practice now, with nearly 89% of airlines worldwide charging for one or more add-ons. These surcharges, ranging from seat selection to name-change fees, are not entirely hidden - they are disclosed during the booking process, screen by screen. But they are rarely included in headline prices or promotional adverts for fares, meaning the true cost of a flight only becomes apparent toward the end of the purchase journey, according to Euronews.

Airlines operating out of the US have the most hidden fees; comparatively, European airlines offer more transparency, and fees are generally lower for international airlines. Always check the add-on surcharges before buying a flight ticket. ...