Airline fees are hard to escape, but its not like we don't try. Many travelers today have adapted to a world of baggage fees, service fees and in-flight fees, accepting them as part of the deal. Others avoid fees when they can by carrying on luggage rather than checking it or avoiding in person/over-the-phone fees by making changes on line. But even those savvy travelers can't seem to stay ahead of the game, and for good reason. A recent study found over 50 domestic airline changes in 2012.

These fees are a considerable source of revenue for airlines, bringing in an estimated $36.1 billion in 2012, an 11% increase over 2011. To keep that revenue action happening, airlines have increased or changed the definition of fees. Bundling or un-bundling fees has had a negative impact as well.

"These changes have had a tremendous impact on U.S. travelers, especially on families. Travelers really have to be extra cautious when booking a flight. U.S. carriers are becoming creative at charging consumers extra fees," says Alicia Jao, VP Travel Media at TravelNerd on their web site, that features the only airline fees comparison and search tool.