Roberta Aguirre
Buying airline tickets at the airport can potentially save you money, but it depends on the airline and the number of people travelling. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit often charge passenger usage fees or technology development charges for booking online, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person at the airport. These fees can add up, especially for group travel, and savings of a few hundred dollars have been reported. However, some airlines may have higher fees for checked bags when purchased at the airport, and there may be other fees associated with in-person bookings that could negate any savings. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may not be feasible for all airlines or locations outside the United States. Overall, while buying airline tickets at the airport can sometimes result in savings, it is important to consider the specific circumstances and potential trade-offs involved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Circumstances where money can be saved | Buying tickets at the airport can save money, but only in certain circumstances and with certain airlines. |
| Airlines where money can be saved | Ultra-low-cost carriers such as Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest. |
| Airlines where money may not be saved | United, American, Delta, Alaska, and Hawaiian. |
| Savings | Between $18 and $25 per flight segment or per ticket each way. Some sources state savings of over $20 per person, each way, on average. |
| Drawbacks | Some tickets purchased at the airport may contain additional fees not included in online bookings. Buying tickets at the airport may also cost you time and more money. |
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What You'll Learn
Buying airline tickets at the airport saves money
While it may seem counterintuitive, buying airline tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper than booking online. This is because certain low-cost or ultra-low-cost carriers charge extra fees for booking online, often disguised as "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges." These fees can add up, especially for group travel, and can often be avoided by purchasing tickets in person at the airport.
Travel experts advise that this money-saving tip specifically applies to ultra-low-cost airlines that charge online booking fees. Airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, Breeze, and Spirit are known for their additional fees, and buying tickets at their airport counters can result in significant savings. For example, Allegiant Air charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of up to $22 per flight segment for online bookings, while Frontier imposes a "Carrier Interface Charge" of $23 per flight segment. By purchasing tickets in person, travelers can bypass these fees and save a considerable amount, especially when traveling in groups.
However, it's important to note that this strategy may not work with all airlines or locations. Airlines like Delta, United, Southwest, and Hawaiian typically do not offer discounts for buying tickets in person, so checking in advance is essential. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may result in longer lines and wait times, especially during peak hours. Therefore, travelers should consider the potential savings against the convenience of online booking.
Furthermore, while buying tickets at the airport can save on base fares, it may not always result in overall travel savings. Certain airlines impose carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes on in-person ticket purchases, which could negate any initial savings. Additionally, buying checked bags or carry-on luggage at the airport tends to be more expensive than purchasing them online. Thus, travelers should be mindful of potential add-on costs that could impact their overall budget.
In conclusion, buying airline tickets at the airport can indeed save money, especially with ultra-low-cost carriers that charge online booking fees. However, travelers should be aware of potential pitfalls, including additional fees and longer wait times. By researching in advance, comparing prices, and being strategic about their purchase timing, travelers can maximize their savings and have a more pleasant travel experience.
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Only certain airlines offer discounts for buying tickets at the airport
It is possible to save money by purchasing airline tickets at the airport, but this only applies to certain airlines. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit often charge "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges" when booking online. These fees can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person at the airport, saving between $18 and $25 per flight segment. However, it is important to note that not all airlines offer this discount, and buying tickets at the airport may not always yield the best results in terms of cost and convenience. Some airlines, like Delta, United, and Southwest, do not charge online booking fees, so it is usually cheaper to book their tickets online. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may only be feasible for those living near an airport.
When it comes to specific airlines, Allegiant Airlines charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of up to $22 per flight segment for tickets booked online or over the phone. Similarly, Frontier Airlines has a "Carrier Interface Charge" of $23 per flight segment, making it more economical to purchase tickets at the airport. Spirit Airlines is another carrier that offers lower prices at the ticket counter, with prices as low as $15 depending on the date of travel. However, it is important to be aware of potential carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes that may apply to in-person ticket purchases, which could negate any savings made by avoiding online booking fees.
It is worth noting that buying tickets at the airport may be more common or applicable in the United States, as indicated by experiences shared by travellers. While there may be occasional deals found with low-cost airlines abroad, it is not a reliable tactic for purchasing tickets outside of the US. Additionally, some airlines may not have a physical presence at the airport to sell tickets. Therefore, it is advisable to research the specific airline and its policies before relying on purchasing tickets at the airport.
In summary, while buying airline tickets at the airport can result in savings for certain ultra-low-cost carriers, it is not a universal strategy. It is important to consider the specific airline's fees, the availability of purchasing options at the airport, and the potential for additional costs or inconveniences before relying on this method.
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Ultra-low-cost carriers add extra fees when you book online
While it is possible to save money by buying airline tickets at the airport, this only applies to certain airlines. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Avelo, Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, and Sun Country Airlines are known for adding extra fees when booking online. These fees are often disguised as "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges" and can add up to significant amounts. For example, Allegiant Air charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of up to $22 per flight segment for tickets booked online.
Ultra-low-cost carriers have a business model centered around minimizing costs and maximizing revenue. They achieve this by unbundling services and charging for extras such as carry-on baggage, seat selection, snacks, and even printing boarding passes. By keeping the base fare low, these airlines attract customers who are then faced with additional fees during the booking process and at the airport.
The amount you can save by purchasing tickets at the airport instead of online varies. On average, individuals save over $20 per person, each way. However, the savings can be more or less, depending on the route, flight, and cost of the ticket. For example, one traveler saved about $1,000 by purchasing four trips directly at the airport counter.
It is important to note that not all airlines offer discounts for buying tickets at the airport. Airlines like United, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaiian do not provide such discounts, so purchasing tickets at the airport will not result in significant savings. Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific airline's policies and fees before deciding whether to buy tickets at the airport or online.
Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may not always be convenient or feasible. Ticket counters at airports may not be open 24/7, and it is recommended to go at the right time to avoid crowds and long lines. Furthermore, buying tickets at the airport may not be an option for international travel outside of the United States, as ultra-low-cost carriers primarily focus on short-haul or regional routes.
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Savings from buying tickets in person can add up
For example, Allegiant Air charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of up to $22 per flight segment for tickets booked online or over the phone. Similarly, Frontier Airlines has a "Carrier Interface Charge" of $23 per flight segment. By purchasing your tickets at the airport, you can skip these additional fees and save a significant amount, especially for larger groups.
It's important to note that not all airlines offer discounts for buying tickets in person. Airlines like United, American, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaiian don't typically provide such discounts, so it's not worth going to the airport to buy tickets for these carriers. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may not always yield the best results, as some airlines impose fees or taxes on in-person ticket purchases, potentially negating any savings made by avoiding online fees.
Furthermore, buying tickets in person at the airport may be more feasible if you live nearby. The potential savings should outweigh the inconvenience of travelling to the airport. It's also essential to consider the timing of your purchase. Visiting the ticket counter in the late afternoon or early evening, about 45 minutes before a flight takes off, can help you avoid long lines and crowds.
While it may not be a widely advertised tip, buying airline tickets in person at the airport can indeed result in significant savings, especially for ultra-low-cost carriers. However, it's always a good idea to research your flight options and compare prices online before making your purchase.
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Buying tickets at the airport may not always be cheaper
Secondly, the savings from buying tickets at the airport may be negligible or non-existent, especially when considering other fees and charges. While ultra-low-cost carriers may offer lower base fares when purchasing tickets in person, they often have additional fees for services such as checked baggage and carry-on items. These fees can sometimes be higher when purchasing tickets at the airport, negating any potential savings on the base fare.
Additionally, the convenience and time saved by booking online may outweigh the potential savings of buying tickets at the airport. Buying tickets in person can involve travelling to the airport, waiting in lines, and dealing with limited operating hours of ticket counters. These factors may make the process more cumbersome and time-consuming than booking online.
Furthermore, buying tickets at the airport may not always be an option, especially for international flights or when dealing with non-ultra-low-cost carriers. Some airlines may not have a physical presence at the airport or may not offer the option to purchase tickets in person. Therefore, it is essential to check the availability and feasibility of buying tickets at the airport before relying on this method.
Lastly, the savings from buying tickets at the airport may vary depending on the route, flight, and other factors. The difference in pricing between online and in-person bookings can fluctuate, and it may not always be significantly cheaper to buy tickets at the airport. Therefore, it is advisable to compare prices and fees across different booking methods before making a decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only with certain airlines. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit often charge "passenger usage fees" or "technology development charges" for booking online, so you can save money by avoiding these fees when buying your ticket in person at the airport.
The amount of money you can save depends on the route and the flight. On average, you can save between $18 and $25 per flight segment, which can add up to a few hundred dollars in savings, especially when travelling in a group.
Buying tickets at the airport can be less convenient than booking online, and it may not always result in savings. Some airlines charge higher fees for checked bags purchased at the airport, and there may be unexpected fees that are not included in online bookings. Additionally, buying tickets in person may cost you more time and money if you have to travel to the airport.
