Airports: Cheaper Tickets At The Counter?

Buying a plane ticket at the airport can be cheaper than buying online, but it depends on the airline. Budget airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit often charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other common flight amenities, so you may be able to save money by buying your ticket at the airport counter instead of online. However, some airlines will have carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes that apply to in-person tickets, potentially negating any savings you might make by skipping the online fees.

Budget airlines

However, it's important to note that buying tickets at the airport is not always cheaper. Some airlines, like Spirit, impose carrier or government taxes on in-person tickets, which may negate any savings made by skipping the online fees. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport can be time-consuming and may end up costing you more money in the long run.

That being said, if you're flying with a budget airline that applies online booking fees, you may be able to save a significant amount by purchasing your ticket at the airport counter. This strategy can be particularly effective for budget carriers, as they tend to have lower base fares, and the savings on the online booking fee can make a more noticeable difference.

Overall, while buying tickets at the airport can sometimes be cheaper, it's not a guaranteed way to save money. It's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as additional taxes and the time and hassle involved in purchasing tickets in person.

Online service charges

Whether or not it is cheaper to buy a plane ticket at the airport depends on the airline. Some airlines, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, charge an online service fee, which can be avoided by buying a ticket at the airport. However, some of these airlines, such as Spirit, also have carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes that apply to in-person tickets, which may negate any savings made by skipping the online fee.

For example, Frontier Airlines charges a "Carrier Interface Charge" on nearly all of its fares that are booked online. This fee ranges between $4 and $21 each way ($8 - $42 round trip) per person, depending on the fare. This fee can be avoided by booking your flight at the Frontier Airlines ticket counter inside the airport.

On the other hand, some airlines do not charge an online booking fee, so buying at the airport will not save you any money. Additionally, some airlines, such as Spirit, have special fares that are only available for online bookings, so you will need to pay the online booking fee to take advantage of these sales.

Therefore, it is important to research the specific policies of the airline you are considering before deciding whether to book online or at the airport.

Additional fees

While buying tickets at the airport can be cheaper, it is not always the case. Budget airlines like Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier, and Allegiant are known for charging extra for baggage, seat selection, and other common flight amenities. These airlines also tend to have additional fees, such as carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes, which can apply to in-person tickets. Therefore, buying a ticket at the airport for these airlines may save you money by helping you avoid online service charges. However, it is important to note that not all airlines apply an online booking fee, so purchasing tickets at the airport may not always be the cheaper option.

In some cases, buying tickets at the airport can end up costing you more time and money. It is essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the inconvenience of travelling to the airport and the limited availability of tickets at the counter. Additionally, some airlines may not offer the same discounts or promotions at the airport as they do online. Therefore, it is advisable to research the specific airline's policies and compare prices before assuming that buying tickets at the airport will be cheaper.

In-person ticket fees

While it is possible to save money by buying a ticket in person at the airport, this is not always the case. Budget airlines like Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier, and Allegiant are known for charging extra for baggage, seat selection, and other common flight amenities, and they also tend to apply online booking fees. In these cases, you may be able to save money by buying your ticket at the airport counter. However, some airlines will have carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes that apply to in-person tickets, which could end up costing you more than buying online. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific airline and any additional fees that may be incurred when deciding whether to purchase your ticket online or in person.

Saving money

Buying a plane ticket at the airport may be cheaper than buying online, but this is not always the case. Some airlines, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, include online service charges in their fees, so you may save money by buying your ticket at the airport counter. However, other airlines do not charge online booking fees, so buying at the airport will not save you money. In addition, some airlines have carrier-imposed fees or government-imposed taxes that apply to in-person tickets, which could end up costing you more than buying online. Therefore, it is important to research the fees and charges of the specific airline you are considering before deciding where to buy your ticket.

Frequently asked questions