Airport Ticket Buying Guide For First-Timers

Buying tickets at the airport is a valid option, but it is not always the best choice. While it can be cheaper to buy tickets at the airport for certain airlines, it is not always the case. Buying tickets online is generally more convenient and offers more options for payment methods and flight choices. It is also usually quicker to book online, as airport staff are primarily there to assist with checking in or providing information about delayed or cancelled flights.

Buying tickets at the airport vs online

Buying tickets at the airport

Buying tickets at the airport is still possible, although it may be the only option for those who need to purchase a ticket a few hours before departure. However, it is not a straightforward process and comes with several obstacles.

Firstly, it is a time-consuming process. You may encounter long lines at the airport kiosk and, once you reach the front, you may be told that you need to book your ticket online. Even if the staff are able to assist with your booking, they may be flustered by the process, as it is not a common request.

Secondly, it is an inconvenience. For those who do not live near an airport, the journey there can be time-consuming and costly. This is especially true for those near a major airport, where traffic can be a significant issue. Once you arrive, you will need to navigate the airport, find parking, and potentially join another long line.

Thirdly, you will be unable to compare flights, prices, and perks from multiple airlines. This means you may end up paying more for a flight that does not suit your needs.

Buying tickets online

Purchasing tickets online is the preferred method for most travellers. It is quick, convenient, and can be done from the comfort of your home. It also allows you to compare multiple airlines, prices, and flight routes, ensuring you get the best deal for your specific needs.

Booking online also means you can take advantage of the various payment options available, such as Visa, Debit, PayPal, and buy now, pay later instalment plans.

Additionally, booking in advance online can save you money, as flight prices tend to increase the closer it gets to the departure date.

While it is possible to buy tickets at the airport, it is not recommended. The process is time-consuming, inconvenient, and may not yield the best results in terms of price and flight options.

Booking online is the easiest, quickest, and most affordable way to purchase flight tickets. It allows you to compare multiple airlines, take advantage of various payment options, and save money by booking in advance.

Advantages of buying tickets online

When you are planning your travel, purchasing your airline tickets is one of the most crucial steps, and there are a few different ways to go about it. Buying your tickets online offers a range of benefits and can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Here are some advantages to consider:

Advantage 1: Convenience and Flexibility

One of the primary benefits of buying tickets online is the convenience it offers. With just a few clicks, you can book your travel from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection. Online ticket purchasing allows you to bypass the often-lengthy process of buying tickets at the airport. You can easily search for flights that fit your schedule and budget and book them instantly. Additionally, you have the flexibility to make changes or cancellations online if your plans change, without having to visit a physical location. Many airlines and online travel agencies provide mobile apps, making it even easier to manage your bookings on the go.

Advantage 2: Cost Savings and Special Offers

Purchasing tickets online can often save you money. Online travel agencies and airlines frequently offer special deals and discounts exclusively available through their websites or mobile apps. By booking online, you may gain access to lower fares, early bird specials, last-minute deals, or package deals that include hotels and car rentals. You can also easily compare prices across different airlines and dates to find the best value for your money. Some websites even offer price alerts, notifying you when the fare for your desired route drops, so you can book at the optimal time.

Advantage 3: Easy Payment Options

Online ticket purchases usually offer a wide range of payment options. You can use your credit or debit card, and many websites also support digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, providing secure and fast transactions. Some airlines and online travel agencies may also offer the option to hold your booking for a limited time without payment or allow monthly installments to make your dream vacation more affordable. These flexible payment options ensure that you can secure your tickets without any hassle, choosing the payment method that suits you best.

Advantage 4: Instant Ticket Delivery

When you book your tickets online, you will typically receive your e-ticket immediately or within a short time frame. The e-ticket, along with all the necessary booking details, will be sent to your email, and you can also access it through your online account or mobile app. This instant delivery provides peace of mind and eliminates the worry of losing a physical ticket. You can easily manage and view your bookings digitally, and if required, you can also print a copy of your e-ticket for your records or to present at the airport.

By taking advantage of online ticket purchasing, you gain access to a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible way to plan your travel. The convenience of booking from anywhere, the availability of special offers, the range of payment options, and the instant delivery of your tickets make it a compelling choice for modern travelers. So, the next time you're planning a trip, consider exploring the online ticket-buying process to enjoy these benefits and streamline your travel preparations.

Budget airlines and their fees

Budget airlines are known for their low-cost flights, but it's important to be aware of the various fees they may charge for additional services. These extra charges can add up quickly, so it's essential to be informed and prepared. Here are some common fees to look out for when flying with budget airlines:

Online Check-In Fees

Online check-in is usually free, but some airlines may charge a fee if you don't check in within a specific time frame. For example, Ryanair charges a fee of €55 per person if you don't check in online between 48 hours and 2 hours before departure. easyJet, on the other hand, allows check-in between 30 days and 2 hours before the flight without any fees. Wizz Air also offers free online check-in, but the time frame depends on whether you've purchased a seat reservation.

Name Change and Spelling Mistake Fees

Budget airlines can be strict about name changes and spelling mistakes on bookings. Ryanair, for instance, charges a high fee of €115 online and €160 after booking/at the airport to correct a name from "Chris" to "Christopher." easyJet is more lenient, allowing free name corrections online, but charges a fee for transferring the booking to another passenger. Wizz Air allows one free name change correction with up to 3 characters being changed.

Flight Change and Cancellation Fees

Flight change and cancellation policies vary among budget airlines. Ryanair flights cannot be cancelled, but you can change dates, times, and routes up to 2.5 hours before departure. easyJet allows cancellations within 24 hours of booking for a fee, and charges a fee for changing flight details, which increases as the departure date approaches. Wizz Air also charges a fee for changing flights, and you can request a refund for your purchase price as credit to your WIZZ Account up to 3 hours before departure.

Baggage Fees

Budget airlines typically charge extra for checked baggage. Ryanair, for example, allows passengers to bring a small bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm) for free, but charges extra for a trolley bag. easyJet has similar policies, with basic ticket holders only allowed one piece of hand luggage. Wizz Air also offers one piece of free hand luggage, but with a smaller size allowance. Additional or heavier baggage will incur fees, and these fees can vary depending on the season and other factors.

In-Flight Food and Drink Fees

The prices of food and drinks on airplanes are typically higher than at the airport. Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air all offer a range of snacks, beverages, and meals onboard, but at a higher cost than what you would pay before boarding. It's a good idea to eat before your flight and bring your own water bottle to fill up after passing through security.

Credit Card Fees

Some budget airlines charge a fee for using a credit card to make a booking. Ryanair, for instance, charges a payment fee of up to 1.2% of the total transaction value, depending on the form of payment and the location of the payment service provider. easyJet, on the other hand, doesn't charge any fees for using accepted credit or debit cards. Wizz Air offers a range of payment options without additional fees, including credit and debit cards, bank transfer, WIZZ Account, and even cash at the airport sales desk.

When flying with budget airlines, it's essential to be aware of these potential fees and plan accordingly. Read the fine print, understand the policies, and consider your needs to avoid unpleasant surprises. While budget airlines can offer great deals on airfare, the additional fees can add up, so be sure to factor them into your travel budget.

Buying tickets at the counter

While it is possible to buy tickets at the airport, it is not always the best option. Buying tickets at the counter can be a lengthier process, and you may encounter airline employees who are less familiar with the process. Airlines would prefer you to book online, and you may even be directed to a kiosk to do so.

However, there are some instances where buying at the counter can be beneficial. For example, if you are travelling with a wheelchair, a customer service representative at the ticket counter can help accommodate you. If you are travelling with an approved pet, you must visit the ticket counter to ensure all requirements are met. The same goes for service animals and emotional support animals, where documentation must be reviewed.

If you are travelling with firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts, you must declare this to a customer service representative at the ticket counter. If you have any unpaid balance on your purchase, you will need to settle this at the counter before checking in.

If you need to make an immediate change to your reservation, the ticket counter should be able to assist. If you are buying tickets on the day of travel, this may be your only option, but you will pay a premium for the convenience.

Some airlines, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, charge online booking fees, so you may save money by buying at the counter. However, this is not always the case, and you may find that some tickets purchased at the airport contain additional fees. It is also worth noting that some airlines charge higher baggage fees for bags purchased at the ticket counter.

Pros and Cons of Buying at the Counter

Pros

• You can avoid online booking fees.
• In some cases, you may save money on ultra-low-cost carriers by buying at the counter.
• If you need to make an immediate change to your reservation, the ticket counter can help.
• If you are travelling with a wheelchair, pets, service animals, or firearms, you may need to visit the ticket counter.

Cons

• It can be a lengthier process with less experienced staff.
• Airlines would prefer you to book online.
• You cannot compare flights and prices as you can when booking online.
• It is less convenient, as you have to physically go to the airport.
• You may feel pressured into booking by the people waiting behind you.
• Cancelling or changing tickets bought at the counter can be tricky.

Comparing flight prices

Use Online Tools and Websites

Take advantage of online tools and websites that compare flight prices across different airlines and travel sites. Websites like Kayak, Expedia, and Travelocity allow you to search for flights to your desired destination and compare prices from multiple sources. These sites also offer features such as price alerts, flexible date searches, and filters to refine your search.

Book in Advance or Last Minute

The best time to book flights depends on your destination and flexibility. For international flights, it's recommended to book up to 12 months in advance or look for last-minute deals that appear 2-4 weeks before departure. For domestic flights, last-minute deals can be found up to 3 weeks before departure. Keep in mind that booking too close to your travel dates may limit your options.

Choose the Right Day to Book and Fly

The day of the week you book your flight and the day you fly can also impact the price. For both domestic and international travel, Sundays are often the cheapest day to book flights, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive. When it comes to flying, Tuesdays and Mondays are generally the cheapest days to fly, while weekends tend to be more expensive due to higher demand.

Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Times

Flexibility with your travel dates and times can help you find cheaper flights. Flying during off-peak hours or choosing flights with multiple stops can often result in lower prices. Additionally, consider avoiding peak travel seasons for your destination, as prices tend to be higher during these periods.

Compare Different Airlines and Routes

Different airlines offer varying prices for the same route. Compare prices from multiple airlines, including budget carriers like Indigo and Air India, to find the best deal. Additionally, consider using connecting flights or flying into alternative airports near your destination, as this can sometimes result in lower prices.

Take Advantage of Special Fares and Discounts

Look for special fares and discounts offered by websites and airlines. For example, ixigo offers exclusive deals and discounts for students, seniors, and members of the armed forces. Loyalty programs and memberships with airlines or travel websites can also provide access to lower prices and exclusive deals.

By following these tips and comparing flight prices, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals when buying tickets at the airport.

Frequently asked questions