Lois Larson
Booking a flight at the airport can be cheaper in certain circumstances, but it depends on the airline and the number of travellers. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit often charge online booking fees, so buying tickets at the airport can save you money. However, some tickets purchased at the airport may have additional fees not included in online bookings, and there may be limited flight options. Booking online is generally recommended for the best deals, the most convenience, and the widest choice of flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Can be cheaper for some airlines, especially budget airlines with online service charges |
| Can save on online booking fees | |
| Can save between $18 and $25 per flight segment | |
| Cons | Airlines prefer customers to book online |
| May be redirected to book online at the airport | |
| May be limited in payment options | |
| May be limited in choice of flights | |
| May be charged additional fees not included in online bookings | |
| May be more expensive when factoring in gas and airport parking fees | |
| May be time-consuming and stressful | |
| May not be worth it for single travellers |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of booking at the airport
Pros
Booking at the airport can save you money, especially if you are flying with a budget airline. Some airlines, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, charge online service fees, so you may get a cheaper rate by buying your ticket at the airport. For example, one traveller saved $268 by buying four round-trip tickets at the airport instead of online. Another saved $250 by buying their tickets at the airport and then cancelling more expensive tickets they had previously bought online.
Cons
However, not all airlines charge online booking fees, so you may not save money by buying your ticket at the airport. Airlines prefer that you book online, so you may find that airport staff are flustered or that you are redirected to book online anyway. Buying at the airport may also be inconvenient, especially if you do not live near an airport. You will also have a very limited choice of flights compared to booking online.
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Online vs in-person booking fees
While it is possible to book a flight in person at an airport, it is generally recommended to book flights online. Online booking offers greater flexibility, convenience, and often lower prices.
Online Booking Fees
Booking flights online is generally the most convenient and accessible option for most travellers. It allows for easy comparison of different flights and airlines, and provides a range of payment options. Additionally, online booking platforms often offer search filters to help travellers find flights that suit their preferences, such as direct flights or the cheapest options. Online booking also provides travellers with e-tickets, which are convenient and environmentally friendly.
However, one of the main drawbacks of online booking is the potential for additional fees and charges. Some airlines, particularly budget carriers, charge online service or booking fees. These fees can increase the overall cost of the flight, especially for round-trip tickets.
In-Person Booking Fees
In-person booking at an airport counter may offer some advantages in certain situations. For travellers living near an airport, purchasing tickets directly from the airline counter can help avoid online booking fees, potentially saving a significant amount. This is especially true for budget airlines that charge online service fees. By going to the airport, travellers can cut out these additional costs.
However, in-person booking also has its drawbacks. It may be an inconvenience for those not living near an airport, as it requires an extra trip. Additionally, in-person booking may have limited payment options, and the process can be time-consuming, especially if there are long queues. Furthermore, in-person booking may not always be cheaper, as some airlines do not charge online booking fees, making it more cost-effective to book online.
In conclusion, both online and in-person booking have their advantages and disadvantages. Online booking offers convenience and flexibility, but may incur additional fees. In-person booking can help avoid these fees, but may be less convenient and time-consuming. The best option depends on individual circumstances, such as proximity to an airport and the specific airline's policies on online booking fees. Travellers should weigh these factors to make an informed decision that suits their needs and budget.
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Last-minute booking
While it is possible to book a last-minute flight at the airport, it is not always the best option. In most cases, it is significantly cheaper, easier, and more convenient to book your flights online. Additionally, if you book at the airport, you will have a very limited choice of departing flights.
If you are looking for a cheap last-minute flight, there are several strategies you can use to find cheaper fares. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be flexible with dates, destinations, and departure airports. Combining different methods and getting ahead of things sooner rather than later will yield the best results.
- Book your flight and hotel together. Companies like Expedia offer package deals, and bundling your flight and hotel can save you money.
- Search for a single seat, even if you're flying with multiple people. Airlines' automated pricing systems will only look for the same number of seats at the same price, resulting in a higher quote per seat.
- Book flights mid-week, preferably on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Demand for flights is usually lower during the middle of the week, so prices tend to be lower to encourage more bookings.
- Consider red-eye flights, which depart late at night and arrive early the following day. These flights are often cheaper, but you will have to sacrifice some sleep.
- Book flights with layovers or stopovers instead of non-stop flights. Flights with connections are almost always cheaper, but they may add extra travel time.
- Use digital tools and apps to find the best deals. Services like Dollar Flight Club sort through vast amounts of data to identify highly discounted last-minute flights from your home airport.
- Compare prices at multiple airports and be open to alternative routes.
- Set price alerts to stay informed about fare changes.
- If you have frequent flyer miles, consider using them for last-minute flights. Airlines sometimes release unsold seats as cheaper-than-normal mileage tickets.
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Payment options
When booking a flight, you may be considering purchasing your ticket at the airport. While this option may seem attractive to some, it is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of this mode of purchase.
Online Payment Methods
Online booking platforms offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and PayPal. This can be more convenient for many travellers. Online booking also allows you to compare ticket prices across various websites, take advantage of promotions and rewards programs, and access online discounts.
Airport Payment Methods
If you prefer to pay in cash, booking your flight at the airport ticket counter can accommodate this preference. Airport booking allows individuals to provide cash by hand. However, it is important to note that you may have limited payment options when booking at the airport, and you may be directed to book online anyway.
Additionally, when purchasing tickets at the airport, you may encounter higher costs as airlines often charge more for tickets purchased in person, especially if it is a last-minute decision. You might miss out on the discounts and promotions available online.
Therefore, while both online and airport booking offer payment options, the variety and flexibility of payment methods may be greater when booking online.
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Airlines that offer cheaper in-person bookings
While it is possible to buy flight tickets at the airport, it is generally not recommended. Buying tickets at the airport usually involves long queues, and you may be redirected to the airline's website to book your ticket online. In addition, there may be limited flight options available, and the prices are not necessarily cheaper. In fact, some airlines charge a higher fee for in-person bookings than online bookings.
However, if you are looking to book a last-minute flight, buying a ticket at the airport may be your only option. In this case, it may be worth considering airlines that are known for offering cheaper in-person bookings, such as Allegiant Airlines and Frontier. Allegiant Airlines, for example, charges an electronic carrier usage fee of $18 for each segment of your flight, which can be avoided by purchasing your ticket at the airport. Similarly, Frontier charges a $23 fee per flight segment for online bookings, so purchasing your ticket at the airport counter can save you money.
It is worth noting that some tickets purchased at the airport may include additional fees that are not included in online bookings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to compare prices and fees before deciding where to purchase your ticket.
To find the cheapest flights, it is generally recommended to book in advance and be flexible with your travel dates. By avoiding peak travel days and times, such as weekends and holidays, you can often find lower fares. Additionally, using online tools and platforms that aggregate flight data from multiple airlines, such as Alternative Airlines, CheapOair, Cleartrip, and ixigo, can help you find the best deals and compare prices easily. These platforms also offer various payment options, exclusive deals and discounts, and flexible booking options, making it more convenient and affordable to book your flights online.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline. Some ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit charge online service charges, so you may save money by buying your ticket at the airport. However, other airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest do not charge online booking fees, so it's usually cheaper to buy their tickets online.
If you live near an airport, it may be worth buying your ticket at the airport to save on online service charges. In some cases, you may save a few hundred dollars, especially if you are booking for a group.
There are limited flight options at the airport, and you may have to queue for a long time. You may also be redirected to book your ticket online. Additionally, gas and airport parking fees may cost more than the savings you make.
