AirAdvisor has identified 10 unexpected airline fees impacting Southeast Asian travellers in 2026, as airlines increasingly unbundle services traditionally included in ticket prices. These charges, affecting passengers on carriers such as Singapore Airlines and other major Asian airlines, range from fees for keeping a middle seat empty to surcharges for plus-size passengers.

Travellers are now confronted with decisions about which conveniences are essential, as more services are sold separately during booking or at the airport. For instance, Singapore Airlines imposes a fee of up to $46 (S$63) for phone bookings, whilst AirAsia charges $4.40–7.30 (S$6–10) for airport counter check-ins. Additionally, airlines like Scoot and Jetstar Asia require extra payment to avoid middle seats.

Anton Radchenko, Founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, highlighted the importance of understanding these add-on fees, stating, "In Southeast Asia, where low-cost travel is widely used for both holidays and essential trips, understanding these add-on fees is becoming just as important as comparing ticket prices."

Other notable fees include credit card charges on certain Singapore Airlines departures, name correction fees by China Airlines and SpiceJet, and high landing fees at Narita International Airport in Japan. American airlines like United and Southwest require plus-size passengers to purchase an additional seat, although Southwest offers refunds post-travel.

As the summer travel season approaches, AirAdvisor advises travellers to scrutinise what is not included in the base fare, watch for seat selection and baggage fees, and compare the total cost rather than just the headline price

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