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June is the most popular month for weddings and many people will be jetting across the country to attend the ceremonies and parties of their (or their date's) friends and family.

That used to mean shelling out the money for two economy class tickets, packing up two bags and heading to the airport for a weekend away from home (don't forget to leave instructions for the pet sitter) and then enjoying the pleasures of flying, like that free Coke (KO).

Not anymore. In this recessionary economy getting from one coast to another in comfort, and staying on a budget, isn’t easy. As gas prices continue to rise, U.S. airlines are tacking on fees and raising existing prices wherever they can. That is why it is a good idea to travel with a little extra cash just in case you would like to enjoy a beer in flight or in some cases, a water.

The good news is there are still some ways to save. For instance, bringing your own headphones on a United flight saves you a Lincoln. Here is MainStreet's guide to how some of the top U.S.airlines add up in terms on additional costs. (The "tab for two" is the approximate amount a couple traveling with two bags should bring if they want to eat a meal, with one partner ordering an alcoholic beverage, and then to enjoy some in-flight entertainment (with their own headphones, natch).)

AMERICAN AIRLINES (AMR)
No Cash Needed: According to their website, American Airlines is the first major U.S. airline to offer the flexibility to pay for food, alcoholic beverages and headsets with credit cards or debit cards, in addition to cash, onboard all flights. The flight attendants use state-of-the-art wireless handheld devices to quickly swipe your card and provide a receipt for the transaction.

In-Flight Entertainment: Movies and music are complimentary when passengers travel with their own headphones. For those without, headphones can be purchased for $2 in air.

Beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Alcoholic beverages, including wine, liquors and beer, are $6.
Snacks and Food: Snack options, which include nuts, chips and cookies, are offered on flights longer than 2 hours for $3. Light Meals are available on flights longer than 3 hours for $6.

Checked Luggage Fee: $15 for first bag, and $25 for a second bag.

TAB FOR TWO: $58 (Cash, credit or debit cards accepted.)

UNITED AIRLINES

In-Flight Entertainment: Movies and music are complimentary when passengers travel with their own headphones. Headphones can be purchased in air for $5.

Beverages: Starting August 1, non-alcoholic will cost $2 and alcoholic beverages will cost $7.


Snacks and Food: Café Snack Boxes, which include chicken salad, crackers, fruit, cheese and cookies are $5. Breakfast, lunch and dinner meals cost $7.

Checked Luggage Fee: Free, for now (starting June 12, a $25 for a second bag, which will be free until August 18, when it will cost $15.)

TAB FOR TWO: $23 (Cash only please.)

US AIRWAYS (LCC)

In-Flight Entertainment: Movies and music are free of charge for all passengers. Headphones are complimentary for those traveling without their own.

Beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. As of July 1, all alcoholic beverages will be $6.

Snacks and Food: SnackBoxes, which come in four varieties and include items like chips, crackers, cheese, candy and cookies, are available on flights longer than 3 hours for $5. Fresh food meals, breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the time of the flight, are available on flights longer than 5 hours for $7.

Checked Luggage Fee: $15 for first bag, and $25 for a second bag.

TAB FOR TWO: $6 ($20 in cash, the baggage fee can be charged.)

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES (CAL)
Cash Accepted, But Not Required: Those traveling without cash have the option to purchase Continental Currency with a credit card before boarding the flight. The Continental Currency can be used to purchase headsets, beer, cocktails and wine while traveling (each item costs one coupon.) According to the website, Continental Currency is available in the following increments: one coupon, $5, two coupons, $10, three coupons, $13, six coupons, $25.

In-Flight Entertainment: Movies and music are complimentary when passengers travel with their own headphones. Headphones can be purchased in air for $1.

Snacks and Food: Snacks, offered on flights longer that 1 hour and meals, offered on flights longer than 2 hours, are all complimentary

Beverages: Non-Alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Alcoholic beverages are $5.

Checked Luggage Fee: Free for the first bag, $25 for a second bag.

TAB FOR TWO: $45

One of the morals of the story (there's always got to be at least one) is brown bag it to airport and you can save big. Happy traveling!