Airports Charging For Cheapo Air: What's The Deal?

CheapOair offers a range of services at the airport, including online check-in, seat selection, meal preferences, baggage drop-off, and boarding pass services. While some of these services may be available for free, others may incur additional charges. For example, printing boarding passes at the airport may result in unexpected fees, and certain airports may charge a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) for facilities improvement. Additionally, CheapOair charges service fees for air transactions, hotel bookings, and car rentals, which can vary based on factors such as passenger type, flight class, and travel destination. It is important for travellers to be aware of these potential charges when using CheapOair services at the airport to avoid surprises during their journey.

Online Air Transaction Service Fees

CheapOair charges a mandatory service fee for all online air transaction services. This fee is non-refundable and is subject to change without notice. The fee is applied on a per-passenger, per-ticket basis, and it varies depending on the type of airfare and the passenger type.

For most airfares, a service fee of up to $35 is charged per passenger, per ticket. However, there are certain exceptions. For online vacation package bookings, the service fee can be up to $50 per passenger. Business and First Class airfares incur higher fees, with charges of up to $150 per passenger. Service fees for multi-city trips can reach $100 per passenger, while cities with high fraud rates may result in fees of up to $40 per passenger.

Additionally, there are specific circumstances that can further influence the service fees. For instance, unaccompanied minor tickets can incur fees of up to $100 per passenger. On the other hand, senior citizens may experience higher fees when booking through the Contact Center, with charges ranging from $10 to $200 per passenger, up to a maximum of $100.

It is important to note that these fees are separate from government-imposed taxes and other airport-related charges, which are also outlined on the CheapOair website. These taxes and fees are subject to change, and customers will be charged the final total amount quoted, regardless of any fluctuations in the service fees.

Contact Center booking service fees

CheapOair charges service fees for bookings made through its Contact Center. These fees are typically higher than those charged for online bookings and can range from $10 to $200 per passenger, with a maximum fee of $100 for senior citizens. This fee structure applies to bookings that include complex multi-stop and round-the-world itineraries.

It is important to note that all service fees, including those for Contact Center bookings, are subject to change without notice. However, customers will only be charged the final total price as quoted, regardless of any changes or variances in the service fees.

The Contact Center booking service fees are designed to cover the cost of providing a dedicated booking assistance service, which can be beneficial for travellers with complex or unique itinerary requirements. By using the Contact Center, customers can receive personalised help and support when planning their trips, ensuring that their specific needs and preferences are met.

In addition to the per-passenger fee, other factors may influence the final cost of a Contact Center booking. For example, bookings made through the Contact Center may include premium package benefits, which can add to the overall price. These benefits are designed to enhance the travel experience and may include features such as priority customer support, exclusive discounts, or special amenities during the trip.

When considering a Contact Center booking, customers should carefully review the quoted final price to understand the breakdown of fees and charges. This transparency ensures that travellers are fully informed about the costs associated with their chosen booking method and allows them to make informed decisions when planning their trips with CheapOair.

Online check-in

Checking in at the airport can be a stressful experience, with long lines, crowds, and delays. Luckily, online check-in is available for most flights and offers a much smoother process. With online check-in, you can choose your seats, meals, and drop off your baggage ahead of time, and get your boarding pass with ease.

To check in online, visit your airline's website and find the check-in option on the homepage. You'll usually need to provide your last name and booking confirmation number, which can be found in the confirmation email sent after booking. Sometimes, you can enter a frequent flyer or credit card number, or log in to the airline website with your account. For international flights, you'll need your passport number.

During the online check-in process, you'll be asked about your luggage, meal preferences, and seat selection. It's usually cheaper to pay for luggage online than at the airport, so it's a good idea to take care of this during check-in. You can then choose to print your boarding pass or access it on the airline's mobile app. Even if you don't have access to a printer or smartphone, you can usually print your boarding pass at the airport, although some airlines may charge a fee for this service.

Most airlines allow you to check in online up to 24 hours before your flight, and it's recommended to do so as early as possible to secure your preferred seat assignment. Online check-in saves time at the airport, allowing you to bypass the check-in desk and head straight to security. If you have baggage to check in, you can usually find a kiosk near the check-in desk to drop it off, which is typically faster than checking in at the counter.

While online check-in is a convenient option for most flights, there may be exceptions. For example, if you're travelling in a large group or require special assistance, you may need to check in at the airport. It's always a good idea to research this information ahead of time and check with your airline to ensure that online check-in is available for your specific flight.

Luggage fees

CheapOair does not provide information on specific luggage fees. However, they do advise that checking in luggage online is often cheaper than at the airport. They also state that airlines will charge more for luggage at the gate than at the check-in counter.

When checking in online, you will be asked if you would like to pay for luggage, and it is recommended that you do so at this point to take advantage of the lower rates. You can also choose your seat and meal preferences during the online check-in process.

Online check-in is available for most flights, but there may be exceptions. For example, if you are travelling in a large group or require special assistance, you may need to check in at the airport. It is always best to research this information ahead of time and check with your airline to determine if online check-in is available for your specific flight.

CheapOair also charges service fees on most airfares. These fees are charged on a per-passenger, per-ticket basis and can be up to $35. There are also additional service fees for specific situations, such as online vacation package bookings, business and first-class airfares, multi-city trips, and more.

Seat assignment

Seat selection is an important part of the flight booking process, as it can greatly impact your comfort and overall experience during the journey. While some travellers prefer the window seat, others opt for the aisle, and a few even choose the middle seat. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision about seat selection:

Know Your Preferences

The first step is to understand your travel style and specific needs. If you're taking a long-haul flight, you might want to consider a window seat for a more peaceful journey and to avoid being disturbed. On the other hand, if you're restless or like to stretch your legs, an aisle seat is a better option. For travellers with small children, it's essential to keep them engaged without disturbing other passengers.

Book Early

Most airlines now allow seat selection at the time of booking. To increase your chances of getting your preferred seat, book as early as possible. Specify your desired seat rather than letting the system automatically assign one. This is especially important if you're a frequent flyer, as you can set your preferences in the program.

Ask for Advice

Don't hesitate to contact the airline staff and ask for their recommendations. Plane layouts vary, so their advice can be valuable in helping you make the right choice. Additionally, some airlines hold back certain seats, such as bulkhead or emergency exit seats, for specific passengers or release them closer to the departure date.

Be Strategic

If you're flexible and don't mind taking a gamble, you can try checking in at the airport instead of online. This strategy might increase your chances of getting an upgrade if the flight is overbooked. However, there's also a risk of being separated from your travel companions or ending up in an undesirable seat.

Compare Airlines

Different airlines have varying policies and fees for seat selection. Some, like Alaska, Hawaiian, and JetBlue, charge little to nothing for seat selection. In contrast, others, such as Frontier and Spirit Airlines, are known for higher seat fees. Compare these fees when booking, especially if you're on a budget.

Check for Hidden Charges

Be cautious of "drip pricing," where airlines add fees during the checkout process, making it seem mandatory to select a seat and pay the associated fee. You don't always have to pay these fees. Sometimes, skipping seat selection can lead to an upgrade if the flight is full and better seats are available.

Frequently asked questions