18. Gift-card activation fee
What it is You might pick a gift card from a bank over a store card because it's good anywhere. Trouble is, you'll pay $4 to $10 to "activate" the card. Then, after as few as six months, the card's value could go down $2 to $3 a month because of dormancy or maintenance fees.
What's so bad What's left of your gift?
Ouch! The Good2Go Prepaid MasterCard has a $9.95 activation fee. The iCard Visa Gift Card carries a $25 fee every six months, which is waived for the first six months.
What you can do Most store gift cards are fee-free and don't expire. Pick one from a retailer like Target and the recipient will have lots of choices. If you still want a go-anywhere card, Discover's gift card costs only $3.95.
Money Magazine writer and travel expert Donna Rosato lets novices in on what the pros already know - flying in style is easier than you think. (more) 
