Ruth Haines
Buying plane tickets at the airport is often believed to be a cost-saving travel hack. However, this is not always the case. While purchasing tickets at the airport can help you avoid online booking fees, which can range from $18 to $46 per passenger, it may not always result in significant savings. Budget airlines like Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier are known to charge certain fees for online bookings and phone reservations that can be avoided by buying tickets directly at the airport. On the other hand, some airlines impose additional fees for in-person ticket purchases, and the time and transportation costs associated with travelling to the airport for ticket purchases should also be considered. Ultimately, the decision to buy tickets at the airport depends on various factors, including the airline, the number of travellers, and the proximity to the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Potential savings by avoiding online booking fees |
| Avoiding carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes | |
| Avoiding additional service charges | |
| Cons | High ticket prices for last-minute flights |
| Additional baggage fees | |
| Cost and time spent travelling to the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Budget airlines may offer cheaper tickets at the airport
While it may be possible to obtain cheaper tickets at the airport, it is not always the case. Some budget airlines may offer cheaper tickets at the airport, but it is important to consider the potential hidden costs and inconveniences associated with budget carriers.
Firstly, it is worth noting that buying tickets at the airport ticket counter can help you avoid certain fees associated with online bookings, saving you a significant amount, especially when travelling with multiple passengers. For example, Allegiant Airlines charges an electronic carrier usage fee of $18 for each segment of your flight, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets at their counter. Similarly, Frontier Airlines offers cheaper tickets at their ticket counter, as their online booking fee can be as high as $35.
However, it is important to be cautious of other fees that budget airlines may impose. For instance, budget airlines often charge additional fees for checked luggage and carry-ons. These fees can be substantial and may even exceed the cost of the flight itself. For example, Spirit Airlines charges up to $99 for a carry-on bag if payment is made at the gate. Additionally, budget airlines typically charge extra for selecting your seat in advance, which can be frustrating for families or groups. Moreover, budget airlines may have less flexibility in the event of missed flights, often requiring you to purchase a new ticket instead of rebooking you on the next available flight.
Furthermore, budget airlines operate with tight schedules and limited backup options, making them more susceptible to delays or cancellations due to mechanical issues or crew delays. Their cost-cutting measures, such as reduced staff and customer support, can also result in challenges when seeking assistance for issues. For example, Ryanair has a reputation for a slow and difficult refund process, often taking months to reimburse travellers.
Therefore, while budget airlines may offer cheaper tickets at the airport, it is essential to consider the potential hidden costs and service issues that may arise. These additional fees and inconveniences can quickly outweigh the initial savings. Before booking with a budget airline, it is advisable to read the fine print, calculate the total cost, including baggage and add-ons, and decide if the potential drawbacks are worth the savings.
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$11.12
Online booking fees can add up to $100 per person
While buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, online booking fees can add up to a significant amount per person, sometimes ranging from $18 to $46 per passenger. These fees vary depending on the airline and can be charged for each segment of your flight, even for round-trip tickets. For example, Allegiant Airlines charges an electronic carrier usage fee of $18 per flight segment, resulting in a total of $36 for a round-trip ticket. Similarly, Spirit Airlines charges a passenger usage fee of $22.99 for a one-way trip or $45.98 for a round trip.
To avoid these online booking fees, purchasing tickets at the airline counter can be a more cost-effective option. By going directly to the ticket counter, you can save on these additional charges. However, it's important to note that this advantage may be offset by other fees imposed by the airline or government taxes applicable to in-person tickets. Therefore, while buying tickets at the airport can save you money by avoiding online booking fees, it may not always result in the best overall savings.
Additionally, baggage fees can significantly impact the overall cost of your flight. Some airlines, such as budget carriers, may charge higher baggage fees for in-person bookings at the airport to discourage customers from purchasing bags at the last minute. In such cases, buying tickets at the airport may not yield the expected savings if you need to check baggage.
Moreover, buying flights at the airport may not always offer the same convenience and flexibility as online booking. With online booking, you can easily compare prices, find the best deals, and book your flights in advance. Last-minute purchases at the airport may result in limited options and higher prices. Therefore, it is generally recommended to book your flights online and in advance to secure the most affordable rates.
In conclusion, while online booking fees can add up to a substantial amount per person, the decision to buy tickets at the airport should be weighed against other factors. These include potential savings by avoiding online fees, baggage fees, and the availability of flight options and prices. Considering these factors will help you make an informed choice and ensure you get the best value for your money when purchasing your airline tickets.
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Consider the cost of travelling to the airport
When considering the cost of travelling to the airport, it's important to factor in various expenses that can accumulate during the journey. Here are some key points to consider:
Transportation Costs
The cost of getting to the airport can vary depending on your mode of transportation. If you're driving your own car, consider the fuel costs, parking fees, and any tolls or road charges along the way. For example, if you're travelling by car in the US, the cost of fuel can vary significantly depending on location, market conditions, and taxes. If you're using public transportation, such as buses, trains, or taxis, factor in the corresponding fares or ticket prices.
Time and Convenience
Time is also a valuable resource when travelling to the airport. Consider the opportunity cost of the time spent travelling to and from the airport. This is especially relevant if you have a long journey or need to navigate complex connections. Sometimes, opting for a more expensive but faster mode of transportation can save you time and provide added convenience, especially if you have a tight schedule or are travelling with time-sensitive commitments.
Baggage Fees
Baggage fees can be a significant expense, and it's important to be aware of the applicable charges. Some airlines charge higher baggage fees for purchasing bags at the airport compared to online bookings. Additionally, excess baggage fees for overweight or oversized luggage can further increase your overall travel costs.
Food and Entertainment
During your journey to the airport, expenses for food and entertainment can add up quickly, especially if you're travelling with a group or have specific dietary preferences. Consider packing your own meals or snacks if feasible, or look for cost-saving alternatives such as purchasing groceries and preparing meals in your accommodation, if available.
Travel Season and Demand
The cost of travelling to the airport can also be influenced by the time of year and demand fluctuations. For example, travelling during peak seasons or holidays may result in increased transportation costs, as well as higher prices for food and services along the way. If possible, consider travelling during off-peak periods or shoulder seasons to take advantage of lower demand and potentially reduced prices.
In conclusion, when considering the cost of travelling to the airport, it's essential to account for various factors such as transportation, time, baggage fees, food, and travel seasons. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make informed decisions and potentially optimise your overall travel expenses.
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Last-minute tickets at the airport are often more expensive
While it may be possible to get cheap tickets at the airport for certain budget airlines, last-minute tickets at the airport are often more expensive. This is because, in addition to the base fare, you may be charged extra fees for purchasing your ticket at the airport. These fees can include electronic carrier usage charges, passenger usage charges, and higher baggage fees.
For example, Allegiant Airlines charges an electronic carrier usage fee of $18 for each segment of your flight, so even if you book a round-trip ticket, you will be charged $18 for the flight there and back. Similarly, Spirit Airlines charges a passenger usage fee of $22.99 one way or $45.98 for a round trip. These fees can add up, especially for multiple passengers, and may end up costing more than the potential savings from avoiding online booking fees.
Furthermore, budget airlines often charge higher baggage fees for purchasing bags at the airport to discourage customers from doing so. These additional fees can quickly erase any savings you might have made by avoiding online booking fees. Therefore, it is generally recommended to book your flights online in advance to find the best prices and avoid the hassle and potential disappointment of purchasing last-minute tickets at the airport.
However, there may be exceptions, and it is always a good idea to compare prices and fees across different airlines and booking options. Some budget airlines, such as Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier, may offer lower prices at the airport since they charge certain fees for online and phone bookings that can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person. Additionally, if you already plan to be at the airport for another flight, purchasing a ticket at the counter may be a convenient option that saves you money on online booking fees.
In conclusion, while it is possible to find cheaper tickets at the airport for certain budget airlines, last-minute tickets purchased at the airport are generally more expensive due to various additional fees. To ensure you get the best deal, it is advisable to compare prices and booking options before making your purchase.
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Some airlines charge for choosing your seat and for carry-ons
While buying tickets at the airport can save you money by helping you avoid online booking fees, you may still be subject to other fees imposed by the airline. Some airlines charge for choosing your seat and for carry-ons, so it's important to be aware of these potential costs when planning your trip.
Seat selection fees are often presented in a misleading way, making it seem like you must select a seat and pay the accompanying fee. However, this is not always the case. Some airlines, like Alaska, Hawaiian, and JetBlue, charge little to nothing for choosing a seat. On the other hand, some airlines will let you select a specific seat for a markup on the base cost of your ticket. If you don't mind the middle seat, you can skip the seat selection fee altogether and let the airline assign you a seat.
Carry-on bag fees are also becoming increasingly common, even among legacy carriers. Airlines like British Airways, United Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air charge for larger cabin bags. Some airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, have a strict policy of one personal item each, and anything larger must be checked into the hold or an additional cabin bag charge must be paid. On the other hand, Southwest Airlines encourages passengers to check their bags by offering a generous free checked baggage allowance of up to two pieces of baggage per flight.
To avoid unexpected fees, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase and be aware of any additional charges that may apply. While buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, it's crucial to consider all potential fees to make an informed decision and avoid unpleasant surprises during your travel.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline. For most airlines, there are no incentives for buying plane tickets at the airport. You might end up paying more for a flight at the airport than if you were to book online. However, some budget airlines are the exceptions. Airlines like Allegiant, Spirit, and Frontier are known to charge certain fees online and over the phone that you don't have to pay if you buy your plane ticket at the airport.
Fees for online purchases can range between $18 to $46 per flight segment, which adds up to as much as $100 per person on a round-trip flight with a connection. That’s $200 for two people, and even more for a family!
Yes. Firstly, you have to consider the time and money spent to get to and from the airport. Secondly, budget airlines try to disincentivize customers from buying bags at the airport by making their fees higher in person. Lastly, buying tickets at the airport can be inconvenient, especially if you don't live close to the airport.
Booking your flights online and in advance is the best way to compare flights and find the best prices.
Spirit Airlines is a budget airline that charges a "passenger usage charge," typically $22.99 one way or $45.98 round trip. This fee does not apply to bookings completed at the airport.
