Courtesy was once woven into everyday life. A smile, a helping hand, a complimentary glass of water; these weren’t luxuries, just common decency. Now, even the simplest acts of kindness come at a price. This article examines 14 common gestures that have now evolved into paid services.
Water
Not long ago, a glass of water was a simple, no-strings-attached gesture offered automatically at restaurants, cafes, and fast-food counters. Today, it’s often a transaction. With bottled brands replacing tap water and some places charging even for an empty cup, hydration has become a premium experience.
In drought-affected states like California, laws prohibit restaurants from offering water unless a customer requests it. What was once a basic courtesy now comes with a price tag.
Free Parking
There was a time when you could pull into a spot without thinking twice. Unfortunately, it is now quite expensive. In many U.S. cities, hourly parking rates have climbed steeply. Washington D.C. leads with rates as high as $11/hour, while Minneapolis and Seattle average around $10/hour.
Even off-street metered spaces can cost $2.50/hour or more, depending on the zone. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or running a quick errand, parking fees can rival the price of your purchase. The days of free parking are fading fast, replaced by apps, meters, and fine print.
Hotel Perks
Hotel perks used to be an integral part of the package. Wi-Fi, breakfast, pool access, and parking were included with your stay. Now, many of these comforts come with extra charges, often disguised as resort fees or amenity fees, which are tacked on at checkout regardless of usage.
These added costs, often ranging from $20 to $50 per night mean travelers are paying for services they may never use. The amenities haven’t changed; the expectation that they’re truly “free” certainly has.
Plastic Bags At Grocery Stores
Once a supermarket staple, plastic bags are now an extra charge in many places. States like California and New York have banned single-use plastic bags, requiring stores to charge up to $0.10 for paper bags.
However, even outside these regulations, retailers are shifting their strategies. Wegmans began charging $0.05 per paper bag in 2022, while Walmart has phased out plastic bags in several states and offers reusable options for a fee. Though fees often range from $0.05 to $0.25, they add up, especially for shoppers who forget their reusable totes.
Assistance With Loading Your Car
Assistance with loading purchases into your car was considered a natural extension of good customer service. Unfortunately, it is now the exception rather than the rule. Whether it’s a bulky appliance or a heavy haul of groceries, help often hinges on paid delivery, prior appointments, or catching a staff member willing to go the extra mile.
Some stores have completely phased out this courtesy, citing liability concerns or staffing limitations. What used to be routine support is now situational and sometimes treated as a favor rather than a service.
News Website Access
Staying informed used to be as simple as opening a browser. Today, many reputable news outlets have moved behind paywalls, turning free access into a monthly expense.
Subscriptions to new websites typically range from $5 to $15 per month, although premium publications like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal may charge a higher fee. Although this change supports quality journalism, it also means casual readers must choose between multiple subscriptions or rely on limited free articles.
Air Travel Extras
Flying used to come with a few built-in comforts—free snacks, entertainment, even pillows. Today, budget airlines often strip flights down to the bare essentials, charging for everything from carry-on bags to snacks.
That “cheap” ticket might not look so affordable when add-ons pile up. Headphones and meals now come at a price. The golden age of inclusive flying is long gone; modern passengers are advised to pack smart and prepare to pay for what used to be standard.
ATM Withdrawals
Getting cash from an ATM used to be a free, no-fuss transaction. Today, using an out-of-network machine can cost you. The average fees in the U.S. now reach $4.77 per transaction, combining charges from both your bank and the ATM owner.
Some banks add even more fees for international withdrawals, further increasing costs for travelers. This basic banking courtesy has become a costly convenience. To avoid the double hit, stick to your bank’s network or consider switching to one that reimburses ATM fees.
Complimentary Gift Wrapping
Not long ago, complimentary gift wrapping was part of the charm, especially during the festive season. Stores would send shoppers off with packages beautifully bundled in ribbon and paper, no extra cost attached.
Today, that thoughtful gesture often comes with a fee. Many retailers now hand over the wrapping supplies and leave the folding to you. This free service has quietly evolved into either a DIY chore or a paid add-on.
Paying Bills in Person
Paying bills in person used to be a simple, everyday task—walk in, pay up, and be done. This task is now anything but straightforward. Many utility companies charge “convenience fees” for walk-in payments or processing online transactions.
Staff may even be unequipped to handle in-person payments. They steer customers toward autopay and mobile apps, not for user ease, but to cut operational costs. To dodge these fees, some consumers opt to mail physical checks, paying only for postage.
School Sports
School sports have quietly shifted from a free to a pay-to-play model. Today, participation fees are common even in public schools, with costs ranging from $50 to $200 per season. That figure doesn’t include uniforms, coaching, or travel, which can push the total well beyond $700 annually per child.
What began as a way to keep kids engaged has become a budget line item for families, sparking concerns about access and equity in youth athletics.
Sitting Together During Air Travel
Flying with family or a partner used to guarantee you’d sit together—no extra steps needed. Now, airlines treat seat selection as a premium feature, often splitting up parties unless you pay to avoid it.
Charges can range from a few extra dollars for standard seats to over $ 100 for extra legroom, depending on the carrier and route. While some airlines allow free seat selection at check-in, top choices are usually gone by the time you arrive. What was once automatic now requires planning, payment, and sometimes luck to keep your group together in the air.
Public Restrooms
Accessing a restroom used to be a basic courtesy, especially during road trips or city outings. Today, many public facilities are locked behind codes, tied to purchases, or come with direct fees.
In cities, restroom access can cost $0.25 to $1 or more, especially in high-traffic areas.
While some businesses still offer restrooms to paying customers, others restrict access entirely. Apps that map free facilities have become essential tools for travelers.
Tech Support
Once a built-in perk of buying technology, basic support has become a paid privilege. Whether it’s setting up a new device or troubleshooting a glitch, reaching a real human often requires navigating chatbots, forums, or paying for premium help.
Many companies now offer support only through monthly subscriptions, with costs ranging from $125 to $220 per user for managed services. What used to be a courtesy is now a tiered service, where answers come at a cost, and patience is part of the price.
