Airport Book Deals: Are They Worth It?

Airport bookstores are a convenient option for travellers who need something to read during their flight or trip. However, the selection is often limited to recent releases or bestsellers, and the prices can be high. In fact, some travellers enjoy the rushed, budget-free experience of buying a book at an airport bookstore. But, if you're looking to save money, there are a few tricks you can use. One option is to take advantage of the Read and Return program, where you can buy a book at a Paradies Lagardère airport bookstore, read it, and then return it to any of their stores across North America for a 50% refund. Alternatively, you can try buying your flight tickets at the airport counter, which may be cheaper than booking online, although this is rare and depends on the airline.

The Read and Return program

Airports are often associated with impulse purchases and high prices. However, there is a way to save money on books at the airport through the Read and Return Program. This program is offered by Paradies Lagardère, which operates over 850 stores across more than 100 airports in North America, including the United States and Canada. The program was introduced in 2003 to attract business travellers away from online sellers and other retailers.

Here's how the program works:

• Purchase a new book from any Paradies Lagardère bookstore at full price.
• Return the book with the original receipt within six months to any Paradies Lagardère airport bookstore (there are at least 850 locations).
• Get 50% of your money back.

The program is simple and convenient, especially for travellers who need something to do during long flights or layovers. Even if you don't finish the book, you still have six months to return it and get half of your money back. The program also offers flexibility, as you can return the book to any participating airport, not just the one where you purchased it.

One unique aspect of the program is that it encourages reading and community-building within airports. It transforms the airport experience, making it more enjoyable and engaging for travellers. Additionally, it promotes literacy and sustainability by reusing and recycling books.

Last-minute deals

While it is generally recommended that you book your flights online, you might find cheaper flights when booking directly at the airport if the airline is offering last-minute flight deals. However, this is a rare opportunity, and you might be left with no booking options if you leave it too late.

If you are considering this option, it is important to note that flexible fare calendars are not available when booking at the airport, and you might incur unnecessary baggage fees. Additionally, you will not be able to modify or cancel your booking at the airport, whereas online bookings usually offer these services.

Another factor to consider is the time consumption involved in going to the airport to book a flight. This prolonged procedure can be avoided by booking online.

However, if you are flexible with your travel plans and are willing to take the risk, showing up at the airport and requesting a last-minute deal could save you money on your flight.

It is worth noting that some low-cost airlines, such as Frontier and Spirit, may offer savings by purchasing tickets at the airport counter. In these cases, you can save on the Passenger Usage Fee, which can be up to $22.99 per flight.

Overall, while there is a possibility of finding last-minute deals at the airport, it is not a guaranteed way to get cheaper flights, and it may require more time and effort on your part.

Online vs offline booking

When it comes to booking flights, there are two main options: online booking and offline booking at the airport. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on various factors such as time constraints, flexibility, and cost.

Online booking offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for many travellers. Firstly, it provides a flexible fare calendar, allowing users to compare flight fares for different timings and transfer airports for the same destination. This feature is not available for offline bookings at the airport, where travellers are typically offered a single price for their desired route. Additionally, online booking can save time, as one doesn't need to physically go to the airport to purchase tickets. It also offers the convenience of change, cancellation, and modification assistance, which is often not available for tickets bought at the airport.

However, online bookings may come with additional service charges and reservation fees, which can increase the overall cost. These charges can sometimes be avoided by booking directly at the airline's dedicated sales office at the airport.

Offline booking at the airport can be a good option in certain situations. For example, some low-cost airlines charge an extra fee for booking tickets online, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the airport counter. In some cases, travellers have reported saving a significant amount of money by buying tickets at the airport instead of online. Additionally, last-minute flight deals offered at the airport kiosk can sometimes result in cheaper flights, although this is a rare occurrence and may not always be available.

It's worth noting that buying tickets at the airport can be time-consuming and may not always be feasible, especially if the airline has shifted solely to online sales and customer support.

In conclusion, both online and offline booking options have their advantages and disadvantages. Online booking provides flexibility, convenience, and time-saving benefits, while offline booking at the airport can sometimes result in cost savings by avoiding certain fees and taking advantage of last-minute deals. The best choice depends on individual preferences, time constraints, and the specific circumstances of each travel situation.

Little Free Libraries

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organisation that promotes book exchanges, usually in the form of a public bookcase. The organisation is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was founded in 2009 by Todd Bol in Hudson, Wisconsin.

The first Little Free Library was a wooden container, designed to look like a one-room schoolhouse, which Bol filled with books as a tribute to his late mother, a book-loving schoolteacher. He shared his idea with his partner, Rick Brooks, and together they built and installed more of these bookhouses in the Midwestern United States. The idea quickly spread, and by 2012, Little Free Library had incorporated as a nonprofit organisation, with over 2,500 libraries built, surpassing Bol's original goal.

The movement has since expanded internationally, with more than 150,000 public book exchanges registered with the organisation in 115 countries. Millions of books are exchanged each year, with the aim of increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Little Free Libraries come in all shapes and sizes, from small, brightly painted wooden houses to larger structures based on the TARDIS from Doctor Who.

Little Free Library relies on volunteer "stewards" to construct, install, and maintain book exchange boxes. For a book exchange box to be registered and legally use the Little Free Library brand name, stewards must purchase a finished book exchange, a kit, or a charter sign for a DIY project. These charter signs give the library an official charter number and place it on the Little Free Library World Map, which lists locations with GPS coordinates.

Buying books in airports: the experience

Airports are a unique place to buy books. The shops are geared towards hurried travellers who need something to read on their flight. As a result, the selection tends to be limited to recent releases or mega-bestsellers. But that doesn't mean it can't be a fun and rewarding experience.

The process of buying a book at an airport is often a snap decision. You're strapped for time, the selection is limited, and your budget suddenly doesn't matter as much. This can lead to some interesting choices that you might not have made if you'd had more time to consider. It's a very different experience from browsing in a local bookstore, where you might have a specific mission or take the time to serendipitously discover new authors.

Airport bookstores are often located near the gate, making them convenient for last-minute purchases. And while the selection may be limited, you can still find some great reads. For example, *Malibu Rising* by Taylor Jenkins Reid or *Klara and the Sun* are two popular choices that have been spotted in airport bookstores.

One unique feature of airport bookstores is the Read and Return program offered by Paradies Lagardère. This program allows travellers to purchase a book at their departing airport and return it to any Paradies Lagardère–owned airport bookstore at their arrival destination for a 50% refund. This can be a great way to get a discount on a book, especially if you're a fast reader.

So, while buying books at an airport may not be the most cost-effective option, it can certainly be a fun and impulsive experience that adds a little excitement to your travel plans.

Frequently asked questions