Jazmin Li
While it may seem counterintuitive, it is sometimes possible to get cheaper tickets at the airport. This is because some airlines add passenger usage fees or technology development charges to the cost of your ticket when you book online. These fees can range from $18 to $25 per flight segment, which can add up to a significant amount for a family or group. However, this tactic only works for a handful of ultra-low-cost carriers, such as Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant. Additionally, it may only be worth it if you live close to the airport, as gas and parking fees may outweigh the savings. Furthermore, with the convenience of online booking, many airlines have reduced their staff at ticket counters, making it more difficult to purchase tickets in person. Therefore, while buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, it is not always the most convenient or reliable option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Potential savings by avoiding online booking fees |
| Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant add extra fees when you book online | |
| Buying at the airport can save between $18 and $25 per flight segment | |
| Cons | Long lines and longer waits |
| Airline employees may not be knowledgeable | |
| May not be cheaper for single travelers | |
| Gas and airport parking fees may outweigh savings | |
| Some airlines may not offer tickets at the airport | |
| Some airlines may direct you to their website or app to purchase tickets | |
| May not be cheaper for domestic flights | |
| May not be cheaper for last-minute flights |
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What You'll Learn
Buying tickets at the airport can be cheaper
Although it may seem counterintuitive, buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper than booking online. This is because certain airlines charge additional fees for online bookings, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person at the airport. These fees, often labelled as "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges", can add up to significant amounts, especially for larger groups. For example, Allegiant Airlines charges an electronic carrier usage fee of $18 per segment of your flight, resulting in a total of $36 for a round-trip ticket. By purchasing your ticket at the Allegiant Airlines ticket counter, you can avoid this fee altogether.
Similarly, Frontier Airlines offers cheaper tickets at their airport counter compared to online bookings. A Reddit user reported saving nearly $250 for three people by purchasing their tickets at the airport counter instead of through the airline's website. Another user mentioned savings of about $80 per person for a round-trip ticket on Frontier Airlines by buying at the airport.
However, it's important to note that this tactic of buying tickets at the airport only works for a limited number of airlines, typically ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant. Traditional airlines like United, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaiian do not offer discounts for buying tickets in person. Additionally, even for ultra-low-cost carriers, it's essential to weigh the savings against the costs of travelling to the airport, especially if you don't live nearby.
Furthermore, buying tickets at the airport may not always yield the best results, as some airlines may impose additional fees for in-person bookings, negating any potential savings. It's also worth considering the convenience of online bookings, as purchasing tickets at the airport may involve long lines and waiting times.
In conclusion, while buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, it is not a guaranteed strategy for all airlines and may come with its own set of challenges. It is essential to compare savings on fees against the total cost of your flights and consider the pros and cons of each booking method before making a decision.
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$11.12
This only applies to certain airlines
While it is possible to get cheaper tickets at the airport, it is important to note that this only applies to certain airlines. Airlines like United, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaiian do not offer discounts for buying tickets in person, so purchasing tickets at the airport will not result in any savings.
On the other hand, ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant add extra fees when you book online. These fees are often referred to as "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges" and are used to cover the costs of the airline's booking platforms. By purchasing tickets in person at the airport, these additional fees can be avoided, resulting in potential savings of $18 to $46 per passenger.
However, it is worth considering the potential drawbacks of buying tickets at the airport. Firstly, not all airlines may have a physical ticket counter at the airport, and even if they do, there is no guarantee that tickets will be available for your desired flight. Secondly, the time and cost associated with travelling to the airport should be factored in, especially if you do not live nearby. Finally, the convenience of booking online from the comfort of your home should also be considered.
Therefore, while purchasing tickets at the airport can result in savings for certain airlines, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible drawbacks to determine if this option aligns with your preferences and travel plans.
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You can avoid online booking fees
While buying tickets online is convenient, it may be cheaper to buy them at the airport. Some airlines charge online service fees, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the airline's ticket counter.
For example, Allegiant Airlines charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of $18 each way, which can be avoided by buying tickets at the Allegiant Airlines ticket counter inside the airport. Similarly, Frontier Airlines charges a "Carrier Interface Charge" on fares booked online, ranging from $4 to $21 each way. This fee can be avoided by booking at the Frontier Airlines ticket counter.
Spirit Airlines charges a "Passenger Usage Charge" of up to $22.99 each way, which only applies to bookings made online or by phone. This fee can be avoided by booking at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter inside the airport.
However, it's important to note that not all airlines charge online booking fees. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may come with other challenges, such as limited operating hours and potential resistance from airline staff. It is also worth noting that budget airlines tend to charge higher fees for baggage when purchased at the airport, so it may be more cost-effective to add bags to your reservation online after purchasing your ticket in person.
If you plan to buy tickets at the airport, it is recommended to research your flight online first and then head to the airline's ticket counter during their operating hours. It may also be helpful to call the airline in advance to confirm that they offer ticket purchases at the airport and to arrive early to avoid long lines.
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It may not be worth the time and effort
While it is possible to get cheaper tickets at the airport, it may not be worth the time and effort. Firstly, this tactic only works for a handful of airlines, such as ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant, which add extra fees when booking online. These fees, often called "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges", can range from \$18 to \$25 per flight segment, adding up to significant savings for groups or families. However, some airlines with higher costs, such as United, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaiian, do not offer discounts for buying tickets in person.
Secondly, the savings from buying tickets at the airport may not always outweigh the costs. For example, if you are purchasing a ticket for a single traveler, you may save no more than \$25, which may not cover the gas and airport parking fees incurred. Additionally, there is the inconvenience of having to travel to the airport, potentially wasting time and money, especially if you do not live nearby. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that tickets will be available, and you may end up having to book online or pay even higher last-minute prices.
Thirdly, buying tickets at the airport can be time-consuming and frustrating. Long lines and inexperienced staff can make the process tedious and uncertain. In some cases, you may even be directed to the airline's website or app to complete your purchase, defeating the purpose of your visit. Therefore, while buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, it may not always be the most efficient or cost-effective option, especially when considering the time and effort involved.
Moreover, the availability of ticket counters at airports is decreasing. Airlines are increasingly relying on online platforms and apps for ticket sales, reducing their investment in physical ticket counters and staff. This trend may further limit the possibility of purchasing tickets at the airport and reinforce the convenience and accessibility of online booking.
In conclusion, while buying tickets at the airport can sometimes result in cost savings, it may not always be worth the time and effort. The limited number of applicable airlines, the potential for higher costs and inconvenience, and the uncertainty of ticket availability make it a less attractive option. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the potential savings against the potential drawbacks before deciding whether to purchase tickets at the airport or online.
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It's best to book online in advance
Although buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, it is generally best to book online in advance. Buying tickets online is more convenient and often cheaper than buying them at the airport. By booking online, you can avoid the long lines and waits associated with purchasing tickets at the airport. Additionally, online booking allows you to compare prices and find the best deals across multiple airlines. This can be especially useful if you are looking for specific flight characteristics, such as direct flights or particular departure and arrival times.
Another advantage of booking online is the ability to use search filters to find flights that meet your exact preferences, such as selecting your seat or adding baggage. You can also book with any airline and add all the necessary components to your trip in one place. This simplifies the booking process and ensures that you don't have to visit multiple websites or locations to finalise your travel plans.
Furthermore, booking online in advance can provide a wider range of flight options and availability. If you wait until the last minute to purchase tickets at the airport, your desired flight may be fully booked, leaving you with limited alternatives. By booking online, you can secure your preferred flight and even take advantage of payment plans or other financial management tools offered by some airlines.
While buying tickets at the airport can occasionally result in savings, this is generally limited to specific airlines and circumstances. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant are known for adding extra fees when booking online, such as "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges." These fees can range from USD 18 to USD 25 per flight segment, which can add up significantly for round-trip or family bookings. However, it's important to consider the potential costs of travelling to the airport, including gas and parking fees, which may outweigh any savings on the ticket price.
In conclusion, while there may be instances where purchasing tickets at the airport can result in cost savings, the overall benefits of booking online in advance outweigh this advantage. The convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of online booking make it the preferred option for most travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to get cheaper tickets at the airport. However, this only applies to specific airlines, such as ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Allegiant, which tend to add extra fees for online bookings.
Fees for online purchases can range from $18 to $25 per flight segment, which can amount to $100 or more on a round-trip flight with a connection. For example, a family of seven travelling between Texas and California saved $280 by booking in person at the airport.
Buying tickets at the airport may involve long lines and waiting times, and there is no guarantee that tickets will be available. Additionally, the savings from avoiding online fees may be negated by other costs, such as gas and airport parking fees.
