CINCINNATI — Airfares are rising for Thanksgiving and Christmas week travel as planes become increasingly full.

With the average fare over $300 and up almost 10% in 2025, according to the consumer price index, a basic economy fare may look tempting.

But watch out: one major airline is now charging $65 to bring a roller bag along if you're a basic economy passenger, meaning you'll have to watch your savings fly out the plane window.

Watch what happens when our reporter flies United's Basic Economy: Basic Economy warning: Why a roller bag can wipe out all your savings

Traveler Shannon Nesmith is OK with flying as cheaply as possible, at least on short flights.

"I think it's a good thing if you are going on a short trip and you get there very quickly," she said.

So when I recently

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