Frontier Airlines is the fourth airline to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the last couple of weeks. The three remaining airlines include Aloha, ATA and Skybus. Frontier says operations will go on unaffected as they work through the reorganization. The latter have completely suspended operations until further notice...if there is such a thing.

Steadily rising fuel costs have tripled the cost of jet fuel compared to just three years back. Delta says it's fuel costs will jump by $2 billion this year alone. Many of the airlines are dipping into cash reserves (or declaring bankruptcy) to offset the costs. Others are finding other creative sources of revenue; many of which are passed onto their passengers.

Be prepared for increased ticket prices, fuel surcharges, a la carte pricing, and additional charges for extra bags and/or additional leg room. On the bright side, I'm pretty sure Frontier is still giving away in-flight earphones...so stock up while you still can.