American Airlines

The Federal Aviation Administration stopped collecting taxes Friday due to a partial shutdown, so logic dictates that should mean a reduction in airfare considering those taxes make up nearly 20% of flight cost. Not so fast, my friend. U.S. carriers leaped on the opportunity created by lawmakers' failure to extend the agency's operating authority. By Monday, most U.S. airlines raised their fees to cover the difference, with the possible exceptions of Alaska, Spirit and Hawaiian airlines. Virgin originally bragged it wouldn't take advantage of the tax holiday, but joined the opportunistic crowd by Monday. Frontier Airlines followed suit.

So what's a traveler to do? Here are 15 ways consumers can reduce airfare costs and avoid those pesky added fees:

1. Shop Consolidators
OneTravel.com and Hotwire.com are just two websites that consolidate the lowest fares available. But check the terms carefully as there might be some semi-hidden restrictions.

2. Book Mid-week
Airfare prices are at their lowest in the middle of the week, according to FareCompare.com who claims Tuesday afternoon offers the best value and selection of low cost flights.

3. Weekend Layovers
Business travelers know it's actually cheaper to extend their visit over a weekend to save on airfare. That's because many plane tickets are sold for weekday round trips. Read more