Booking Tickets At The Airport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Booking a flight online is a convenient and simple way to buy a ticket. However, some airlines charge a fee for this service, which can be avoided by booking at the airport. To book a ticket at the airport, you will need to visit the airline's ticket counter during the specified opening hours, usually a few hours before or after a scheduled departure. When booking, you will need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, country of residence, and passport information for international flights. Payment methods may be limited to credit or debit cards, and it is important to consider the potential costs of transportation to the airport and any baggage fees that may be incurred. Additionally, keep in mind that purchasing tickets at the airport may offer advantages such as free seat assignments, but it can also be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when compared to the convenience of online booking.

Booking online vs. at the airport

Booking a flight online is a straightforward process. You can visit the website of your chosen airline, input your travel dates and destination, and select your preferred flight from the options presented to you. You will then be prompted to input personal information, such as your name, date of birth, contact details, and payment information. After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email containing your e-ticket and other relevant details.

Booking a flight at the airport, on the other hand, may involve a slightly different process. Firstly, you will need to ensure that the airline has a physical ticket counter or office at the airport. Some airlines may only offer online booking options, while others may have specific operating hours for their ticket counters. It is always a good idea to check this information on the airline's website or by contacting their customer support. When booking at the airport, you will need to provide the same personal information as you would when booking online. However, you may have the option to pay in cash or use a different payment method that may not be available online.

One advantage of booking at the airport is the potential for savings. Some airlines charge additional fees for booking online, such as a "Passenger Usage Fee," which can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person. In certain cases, you may find that the same flight is offered at a lower price at the ticket counter. However, it is important to consider other factors, such as the time and cost of travelling to the airport, the availability of seats, and the possibility of last-minute price fluctuations.

Additionally, booking online offers several benefits. It provides a convenient and efficient way to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel dates. You can easily browse through different flight options, review customer ratings, and take advantage of online-only deals and discounts. Online booking also offers flexibility, allowing you to make changes or cancellations with greater ease. Many airlines now encourage online bookings and may provide incentives, such as reward points or exclusive offers, to customers who book through their websites or apps.

In conclusion, both booking online and at the airport have their advantages. Booking online offers convenience, flexibility, and a wide range of options, while booking at the airport may provide an opportunity for savings and the ability to purchase tickets from airlines that only offer in-person bookings. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, the specific circumstances of your travel plans, and the policies of the airline you choose.

Information needed to book

Booking a flight ticket at an airport may be inconvenient and time-consuming, but it can help you avoid online booking fees. Some airlines charge a fee for the convenience of online booking, which can be avoided by purchasing your ticket at the airport.

When booking a flight at an airport, you will need to provide specific information to the airline staff. This includes personal details such as:

• Full name: Ensure that the name you provide matches the name on your official ID or passport. Misspelled or incorrect names can cause issues when checking in for your flight.
• Date of birth: This is necessary for identification purposes and may be required for certain fare types, such as student or senior fares.
• Country of residence: Knowing your country of residence is essential for tax, legal, and security purposes.
• Contact information: Providing an email address and phone number allows the airline to send important travel updates and notifications.
• Payment details: You will need a valid credit or debit card to make the payment. Some airlines may accept cash, but it is always best to check beforehand.

Additionally, you will need to provide flight-related information, such as:

• Departure and arrival destinations: Be sure of your desired route, as this will impact the availability and cost of your flight options.
• Travel dates: Knowing your preferred travel dates will help you find flights that align with your schedule.
• Number of passengers: The number of travellers will affect the number of tickets you need to book and may impact any group discounts or promotions available.
• Travel class: Whether you prefer economy, business, or first class, selecting your travel class will help narrow down your flight choices.

Other considerations:

When booking at the airport, it is essential to check the operating hours of the ticket counter. They are usually open during the hours surrounding flight times, but this may vary by airline and airport. Additionally, consider the potential costs of baggage fees, transportation to the airport, and parking fees, as these can impact your overall savings.

Remember to bring proper identification that matches the name provided during booking. Without valid identification, you may not be able to receive your tickets or board your flight.

Buying a ticket for someone else

It is perfectly fine to buy an airline ticket for someone else. It could be for your parents, children, or friends. You might even want to gift it to them. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a ticket for someone else.

Information Required

First, you will need to have specific information about the person you are buying the ticket for. This includes their full name (as it appears on their driver's license or other official ID), date of birth, and country of residence. If they are flying internationally, you will also need their passport information.

Payment Methods

You can use the same payment methods you would use for your own ticket, including credit cards. The name and address on the card do not have to match the passenger's name. Additionally, most airlines will let you use frequent flyer points or air miles for the purchase.

Bonuses

You might also want to consider adding bonuses such as early boarding or preferred seating, especially if the person you are buying the ticket for is an older traveller or someone with mobility issues.

Sending the Itinerary

Once you have purchased the ticket, remember to send the itinerary and any other relevant information, such as parking garage locations, to the person travelling. They should double-check the itinerary before departure and find out any rules about early boarding or items they need to check in with security.

Identification

It is crucial that the person travelling brings identification that matches the name given when the ticket was purchased. Without proper identification, they will not be able to receive their tickets.

How to get the lowest fare

Booking a flight ticket at the airport can help you avoid online booking fees charged by some airlines. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of booking at the airport versus the convenience of booking online. Here are some tips on how to get the lowest fare when booking a flight:

Booking at the Airport

In some cases, booking your flight ticket at the airport can help you save on online booking fees charged by certain airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit. These fees are often lumped in with government-imposed taxes and fees, making them seem mandatory, but they can be avoided by purchasing your ticket at the airline's ticket counter inside the airport. However, it is important to note that:

• These airlines have limited schedules, so the ticket counter may only be open during specific hours surrounding flight times.
• Cash may not be accepted at the airport, so ensure you have a credit or debit card for payment.
• Bag fees tend to be higher when purchasing tickets at the airport, which may offset any savings made on the base fare.
• Certain special fares, promo codes, and discounts may only be available for online bookings.

Booking Online

Booking your flight ticket online gives you the convenience of purchasing from the comfort of your home and allows you to easily compare prices across different airlines and travel dates. Here are some tips to get the lowest fare when booking online:

• Use online travel agencies (OTAs) or metasearch engines: Websites like Cleartrip, ixigo, IRCTC Air, and others allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and find the best deals.
• Book in advance: Fares tend to increase as the travel date approaches, so booking in advance can often get you a lower price.
• Be flexible with your travel dates and times: Fares can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and time of day. Flying during off-peak hours or on less busy days (usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays) can often get you cheaper tickets.
• Subscribe to fare alerts: Many websites offer the option to set up fare price alerts, notifying you when prices drop for your desired route.
• Use promo codes and discounts: Keep an eye out for promo codes, coupons, and special discounts offered by airlines or online travel agencies. These can help you save a significant amount on your fare.
• Compare different fare types: Airlines often offer different fare types, such as basic economy, economy, premium economy, and business class. Compare the inclusions and restrictions of each fare type to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
• Consider budget airlines: Carriers like Indigo, Air India, and others offer low-cost carrier options, which can provide significantly cheaper fares than full-service airlines.
• Join loyalty programs: Airlines often have loyalty programs that offer rewards, discounts, and special perks to members. Signing up for these programs can help you accumulate points and redeem them for future travel.
• Book round-trip or multi-city flights: Booking round-trip or multi-city flights can often be cheaper than booking multiple one-way tickets. Some airlines and online travel agencies offer special discounts or package deals for these bookings.
• Student, senior citizen, and other special fares: If you are a student, senior citizen, or member of certain groups (military, loyalty programs, etc.), you may be eligible for special discounted fares. Be sure to inquire about these when booking.
• Use the right payment method: Different payment methods can impact the final cost of your booking. Using the right credit or debit card, or taking advantage of bank promotions, can help you save money or accumulate rewards points.

Baggage fees

For flights within the United States, the standard checked bag fee for major carriers is typically between $30 and $45 for the first bag and $45 to $60 for the second bag. Excess baggage fees for a third or fourth checked bag can be much higher, ranging from $150 to $200. Overweight baggage, usually considered anything over 50 lbs, will also incur additional charges, typically $150 for bags weighing 51-99 lbs and $200 for bags over 100 lbs. Oversized baggage, with a total linear dimension of more than 62 inches, will also be subject to extra fees, usually around $200.

When flying internationally, baggage fees can vary even more. For example, Southern Airways Express charges $40 for flights within the US and $50 for flights to/from Canada, while Sun Country Airlines' fees vary by distance. Aerolineas Argentinas charges $70 for flights to/from Europe on its Economy Basic fare but has no fee for Standard Economy. China Eastern Airlines offers free checked bags for flights to/from certain South American countries, while charging $40 for other destinations.

To avoid unexpected costs, it's always best to check the specific baggage policies and fees of the airline you are flying with, as these can vary significantly. Additionally, consider alternative options such as shipping your luggage ahead of time, which can sometimes be more convenient and cost-effective than paying checked baggage fees at the airport.

Frequently asked questions