Soaring Fuel Costs Spark New Airline Fees

March 7, 2011 — -- Feel as if you've been nickled and dimed to death by the airlines? If so, brace yourself for even more new fees.

"I don't think that there's anything that's off the table in the airline industry," said Rick Seaney of the travel website farecompare.com and an ABCNews.com contributor.

Looking for ways to increase revenues, the airlines enacted a variety of new fees last year, including on-board sales of food, drinks, pillows, blankets and entertainment that were previously free. The result is a price tag for flying that's often much higher than the ticket cost alone.

Annoying, huh? Well it's not likely to end anytime soon.

"The major new one that's out there is actually charging for your seat assignment," said Seaney. "I think families of four will start paying anywhere from $10 to $16 to start picking their seats."

Only elite or business and first class passengers would be exempt from the airlines' proposed seat assignment fee.

"What they'll do probably is allow you to have it for free only if you want to book it in the last 24 hours. But if you want to have it preconfirmed you'll have to pay a fee," Seaney said.

Sky-high fuel costs are behind the latest round of added fees. The soaring price of oil is burning through the industry's profit margins. American Airlines, United Continental, Delta are among the carriers considering various new fees.

They include charging for allowing customers to customize their travel. In the future, you may be able to get fancy food and Champagne in economy class -- if you pay extra. Charging for security lines and travel concierge services are also being considered.