FlightNetwork.com Empowers Consumers with New Baggage Fee Finder Online Tool

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 3, 2011) -FlightNetwork.com, one of Canada's leaders in online travel, today announced the launch of their Baggage Fee Finder online tool aimed at helping consumers combat unexpected baggage fees. The Baggage fee finder allows Canadian Consumers to get a preview of additional luggage charges levied by air carriers.

The Baggage Fee Finder quickly and easily displays all additional luggage fee charges from domestic and International flights. Consumers simply click the suitcase icon within their flight fare search and compare baggage fees at a glance while making their final booking decisions. FlightNetwork.com's Baggage Fee Finder has the unique ability to allow consumers to refine their search and sort airfare listings based on if the first bag is free or fee. Baggage fees can be significant and some airlines charge for first checked bag ($15-$25) and second checked bags ($25-$35.)

"Earlier FlightNetwork.com polls have confirmed additional fees as the number one pet peeve of air travellers," said Naman Budhdeo, CEO of FlightNetwork.com. "Based on this feedback, we created the Baggage Fee Finder to provide some clarity around these additional charges and help consumers make the best and most informed decisions when booking airfares on FlightNetwork.com."

To coincide with the Baggage Fee Finder launch, FlightNetwork.com directed their newest 'State of Air Travel Poll,' at the baggage fee issue. A sample group of 807 Canadians responded to the poll that took place between March and mid-April this year.

Asked if they would rather buy new clothes and personal items at their destination or pay baggage fees, 59.2% responded that they would rather open their wallets and make new purchases.

A whopping 89.5% of respondents said that they pack less while travelling to avoid extra baggage fees.

Price won out over baggage fees when consumers were asked if they would switch airlines to avoid extra baggage fees. 41.4% responded that 'it didn't matter as long as the airline still had the lowest prices,' compared to 38.3% who indicated that they would switch to avoid baggage fees.

The baggage fee poll shows that although Canadian consumers are unhappy about baggage fees, they are respectful of airport security. Asked if they had ever claimed a colleague or travelling companions bag was their own to avoid additional baggage fees, 82.0% responded no, while 18.0% admit to the deception.

The ongoing State of Air Travel Poll will utilize FlightNetwork.com's blog, Facebook page and customer database to reach Canadians and ask for their input. Poll topics will cover a range of issues including green travel, plus sized passengers, if cell phones should be allowed on planes and Canada's best and worst airports.

About FlightNetwork.com (www.flightnetwork.com)

As one of Canada's leaders in online travel, FlightNetwork.com delivers the lowest airfares from the top airlines by offering consumers access to over 2 million bulk rates negotiated with major airlines. Its proprietary flight booking engine offers last second booking and the exclusive ability to 'mix and match' fares – the only Canadian online travel agency that allows booking on different airlines for departure and return flights to get the lowest fares possible. Backing up Flight Network's award winning online service are over 65 insightful travel specialists in the FlightNetwork.com call centre.

A trusted travel partner, FlightNetwork.com powers flight and travel search results to MSN.ca's large and diverse online audience.

FlightNetwork.com was recently named to the 22 ^nd annual PROFIT 100 ranking of Canada's Fastest Growing Companies by PROFIT Magazine.

Ranking Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies by five-year revenue growth, the PROFIT 100 profiles the country's most successful growth companies. Published in the June issue of PROFIT and online at PROFIT100.com, the PROFIT 100 is Canada's largest annual celebration of entrepreneurial achievement.