Here are some things that used to be free or an implicit part of the service, but they’re not free anymore.
Air pressure
Not too long ago, gas stations provided free air to customers filling up their tanks. Now they’ve all swapped their old air hoses with oversized metal boxes that swipe your credit card or require multiple loonies.
Nothing screams extortion like charging money for air, which shouldn’t cost anything. After all, properly inflated tires are required by law if you want to drive on public roads.
Checked bags
Did you know that when airlines first started, there was an implied understanding that your ticket price included that you actually had a suitcase to check? Now airlines make you pay outrageous fees for your checked-in bags, unless you fly first class or have some fancy credit card.
Now, everyone’s trying to jam as many things as possible into the overhead compartment just to dodge that baggage fee that used to simply come with your ticket.
Seat selection
Remember when you bought a ticket to fly or see a concert, and you actually got to pick where you sat? Those days are long gone. More companies are starting to force you into preferred seating and charge you extra if you want to avoid the middle seat or sit with your family.
It’s downright extortion how companies pretend to hold your comfort at ransom until you pay up, so you aren’t separated from your loved ones.
Paper bills
Many banks and utility companies charge you a fee these days to receive your bill in paper form. They say it’s for the environment, but honestly, it just feels like a way to push the costs of doing business onto the customer.
For seniors or folks not well-versed in technology, paying $2 or $3 extra every month to see how much you owe doesn’t sit right.
Grocery bags
Remember when the plastic or paper bag at the grocery store counter was actually free? Now every grocery store in town charges you for bags.
The intention was good at first: to get people to bring reusable bags from home. But companies simply found another way to vacuum small change from our wallets.
Now, if you forget your bags in the car, you’re stuck paying for something that was once considered a basic part of the service.
Tech support
Remember being able to call up a company when its product broke and speak to a real person about fixing it at no cost? Those days are gone. Tech companies will charge you for premium support or monthly subscriptions these days just to pick up the phone.
After shelling out $200 or more for a gadget, it’s annoying to be told you have to pay more money to talk to someone who can walk you through how to use it properly.
Shipping returns
Trying clothes at home and then sending everything back if they didn’t fit used to be easy. Lately, a lot of retailers have been slipping restocking fees or making you pay for shipping on your return label.
That takes all the fun out of shopping because you essentially pay a try-it-on fee if you don’t keep the item.
Restaurant water
You can still get a glass of water at most restaurants for free. But it’s becoming more common to see restaurants upsell you on filtered water or water from the tap that comes in a bottle.
Some places have even gone as far as charging a service fee just for the carafe on the table. Water is a basic human right. It should go without saying that you never have to pay for water when you’re sitting at a table getting served.
Hotel amenities
Have you ever checked into a hotel lately? Maybe took a peek at your bill before leaving? If so, you’ve likely encountered the dreaded Resort Fee or Facility Fee. These mandatory fees cover your pool use, gym access, and Wi-Fi, which should already be included in your room price.
It’s sneaky because hotels can advertise a lower price on booking websites, then obscurely mark things up when you check in.
Software features
Remember when you bought software, and it was yours forever? Nowadays, everything has a subscription, and if you don’t pay up monthly, it disappears.
What’s worse is that some automakers and appliance companies are beginning to charge us a monthly fee to access features that are already built into the cars and machines we bought.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
