Let me tell you the story of Foolish Traveler who sees the price of his airline ticket skyrocket, thanks to airline fees.

And this could in fact happen – depending on how foolish one is — because in the following example, we’ve used real airfare and real fee numbers.

The situation: Foolish Traveler purchases a roundtrip flight on United* from Los Angeles to San Francisco, over the phone. Later, he decides to change the dates and times of his flights. He also decides to bring Bobo along on the trip – his 80 pound Rottweiler. Plus, he checks two bags, one of which weighs 70 pounds, while the other is a huge suitcase. No food on this flight but Foolish Traveler will indulge in cocktails and “extra legroom”.

Total cost of airfare, $119.20. Total cost of fees, $1,415.00. REAL COST of ticket is a whopping $1,534.20.

Keep reading, for the breakdown of the fees…

*We chose United at random – many airlines charge similar fees (or even higher ones).

Here is the breakdown of Foolish Traveler’s airfare and fees:

Cost of Airfare, roundtrip: $119.20

Reservation by phone: $25 (one-time fee)

Ticket change: $150 (one-time fee)

Additional legroom: $14 (cost for this route)

1st checked bag (at airport): $20 plus oversize fee $175 = $195 one-way

2nd checked bag (at airport): $30 plus overweight fee = $155 one-way

Pet in cargo – large kennel: $250 one-way

Alcohol: $6 per drink (two drinks roundtrip)

Cost of Airfare, roundtrip: $119.20

Cost of Fees, roundtrip: $1,415.00

TOTAL COST, fare + fees: $1,534.20

Note: Had Foolish Traveler been a child traveling solo, we would drop the cost of the alcoholic beverage, but add a $99 each-way “unaccompanied minor” fee. This would add another $186 to the total roundtrip cost of the trip.

Final Note: Know the fees before you fly – check out FareCompare’s U.S. Airline Domestic Fee Chart, and save.