Sachin Walls
There is a common misconception that booking a flight at the airport is cheaper than booking online. While this is not true for most airlines, some budget airlines like Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier charge online booking fees, which can be avoided by purchasing your ticket at the airport. These fees can add up, especially if you are travelling in a group, so it may be worth going to the airport to book your ticket in person. However, it is important to keep in mind that these airlines often offer round-trip discounts for tickets booked on their websites, which may not apply to tickets bought at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost-saving | Yes, buying tickets at the airport can be cheaper, but only for certain airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit. This is because these airlines charge an online booking fee, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the airport. |
| Convenience | Buying tickets online is more convenient as it can be done from anywhere, whereas buying tickets at the airport requires a trip to the airport and may involve waiting in long lines. |
| Flexibility | Booking online provides more flexibility in terms of changing or canceling tickets. It also allows for easy comparison of prices and cancellation charges across different airlines. |
| Group travel | When traveling in a group, the savings from avoiding online booking fees can add up significantly, making it advantageous to book at the airport. |
| Seat selection | Booking at the airport may result in better seat assignments, especially if you want to sit together with your group, as you are more likely to get free seat assignments next to each other. |
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What You'll Learn
Budget airlines like Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier may be cheaper at the airport
Take, for example, Spirit Airlines. While the airline has accumulated losses exceeding $2.2 billion since 2020, it still remains a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. By purchasing your ticket at the airport, you can often avoid additional service charges that may be applied when booking online. This is because budget airlines like Spirit already charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other common flight amenities, and they may also sneak in additional fees for online ticket purchases.
Similarly, Allegiant Air, another ultra-low-cost carrier, may offer better deals when booking at the airport. While Allegiant often provides a "roundtrip discount" for tickets booked on its website, you can sometimes find cheaper prices at the ticket counter. However, it's important to note that their hours vary at each airport, so your ability to purchase tickets in person may be limited.
Frontier Airlines, yet another budget airline, also has its nuances when it comes to ticketing. Frontier charges a "Carrier Interface Charge" of $4 to $21 per leg for all fares booked online. This charge is described as the standard fare price displayed online, which includes a charge per passenger and per segment. By opting to purchase your ticket at the airport, you may be able to avoid this additional fee.
While buying tickets at the airport for these budget airlines may save you money on certain fees, it's important to consider the limitations and potential inconveniences. For example, you may need to print your tickets at home or risk being charged an extra fee at the airport. Additionally, your ability to purchase tickets at the airport may be restricted due to varying operating hours and limited flight availability.
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Online booking fees can range from $18 to $25 per flight segment
It is often cheaper to buy plane tickets at the airport, especially for budget airlines like Spirit, Sun Country, and Frontier. This is because these airlines charge online booking fees, which can range from $18 to $25 per flight segment. These fees can add up to as much as $100 per person on a round-trip flight with a connection. For example, Allegiant Airlines charges an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge" of $18 each way, which can be avoided by purchasing a ticket at the airline counter inside the airport. Similarly, Frontier Airlines charges a "Carrier Interface Charge" of between $4 to $21 per leg for fares booked online. These fees can be avoided by booking at the airline counter.
However, it is important to note that buying tickets at the airport may not always be cheaper. Some airlines, like Allegiant, offer a "round-trip discount" for tickets booked on their website, which may not apply to tickets purchased at the airport. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may result in higher bag fees than if booked online. For example, Frontier Airlines offers a Works bundle that includes a carry-on and checked bag, seat selection, priority boarding, and flight flexibility, but this bundle is only available during online booking.
Furthermore, purchasing tickets at the airport may not always be convenient, especially if you have to travel to the airport specifically for this purpose. In some cases, ticket counters at the airport may have limited operating hours, and customers may have to deal with long lines and wait times. Additionally, changing or canceling a ticket is often simpler when booked online, as you can easily compare cancellation charges and know all the related rules beforehand.
Overall, while it is true that online booking fees can add up, there are other factors to consider when deciding whether to book at the airport or online. These include potential discounts, bag fees, convenience, and the availability of special fares and bundles. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and compare prices and fees before making a purchase decision.
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Some airlines charge an online booking fee
It is true that some airlines charge an online booking fee. This is a fee that can be avoided by purchasing your ticket at the airline's ticket counter inside the airport. Airlines that are known to charge online booking fees include Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Breeze Airways. These fees are often lumped in with government-imposed taxes and fees, making them seem like a mandatory charge. The fees are also often listed under obscure names, adding to the confusion. For example, Allegiant Air refers to its online booking fee as an "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge", while Sun Country Airlines calls it a "Passenger Interface Charge". These fees can add up, especially for larger groups or families.
However, it is important to note that not all airlines charge these fees, and for some airlines, booking online may even be cheaper. Additionally, booking online offers the convenience of being able to do it from anywhere, whereas purchasing tickets at the airport may require a trip and can be time-consuming. Furthermore, some airlines offer discounted bag fees during online booking, which may offset any potential savings from purchasing tickets at the airport.
When deciding whether to book online or at the airport, it is essential to consider the specific airline's policies and any potential fees or discounts associated with each booking method. It is also worth noting that, in some cases, purchasing tickets at the airport may be limited by counter hours, which vary by airline and airport.
While it is true that some airlines charge online booking fees, the best option for travellers depends on their individual circumstances, preferences, and the specific policies of the airline they are considering. It is always a good idea to compare prices and fees before making a purchase to ensure you are getting the best deal.
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Airports may have limited hours for in-person booking
While it is possible to save money by buying a plane ticket at the airport, this is not always the case. The savings are limited to ultra-low-cost or budget airlines that charge online booking fees, such as Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. These fees can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person at the airline's ticket counter in the airport. However, it is important to note that these airlines often have limited operating hours at the airport, and their ticket counters may only be open during specific times, usually surrounding flight departure times. Therefore, it is advisable to check the flight schedule before heading to the airport to ensure the ticket counter is open.
For example, Allegiant Air typically operates on very limited schedules, and there may only be a small window for purchasing tickets at the airport. On its website, Allegiant Air states that "in most cities, airport ticket purchase will be available for one hour following each scheduled departure." Similarly, Frontier Airlines charges a "Carrier Interface Charge" for online bookings, which can be avoided by booking in person at the airport.
In addition to saving on online booking fees, buying tickets at the airport can offer other advantages. For instance, if you're travelling in a group, the savings can add up as online booking fees are typically charged per person. By booking in person, you can purchase tickets for your entire group and avoid multiple fees. Additionally, booking at the airport may increase the likelihood of securing free seat assignments next to each other, especially if you don't want to pay extra for seat selection.
However, it is worth noting that buying tickets at the airport may come with certain drawbacks. Firstly, you would need to physically travel to the airport and potentially wait in long lines, which may not be convenient for everyone. Secondly, some airlines, like Allegiant Air, may offer a "roundtrip discount" for tickets booked on their website, which may not apply to tickets purchased at the airport. Lastly, while you can add a carry-on or checked bag to your reservation after purchasing at the airport, the price difference for luggage may offset any savings made on the ticket itself.
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It's simpler to cancel or change an online booking
It is simpler to cancel or change an online booking than buying a ticket at the airport. This is because you can compare the cancellation charges and know all the related rules before buying a ticket online, and you can avoid paying an extra 'external fee'.
For example, if you want to change a ticket with Southwest Airlines, you'll only have to pay the difference in fare. Refunds on cancelled flights are given as a travel credit, which can be used within a year of the booking date. American Airlines has also eliminated its change and cancellation fees for flights within the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you book a ticket with Allegiant, they won't refund the difference, carrier charges, or any other booking fees. Instead, you'll receive a non-refundable, non-transferable voucher for future travel up to two years from the original booking date. Within seven days of travel, no changes are allowed, and no credit is given unless you purchased Allegiant's "Trip Flex" add-on at the time of booking.
If you book with Frontier Airlines, you will pay the difference if the new ticket price is higher, and no refunds will be issued if the price is less than the original ticket price.
Ultimately, it is much simpler to cancel or change an online booking than at the airport. You can do it at home, in the office, or on your way to somewhere, and you can avoid the hassle and cost of driving to the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline. Some airlines, such as Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, charge a fee for booking online, so you can save money by purchasing your ticket at the airport. However, it's important to note that Allegiant often offers a "roundtrip discount" for tickets booked on its website, which may not apply to tickets booked at the airport.
Fees for online purchases can range between $4 to $25 per flight segment, which adds up to as much as $100 per person on a round-trip flight with a connection. That’s $200 for two people, and even more for a family!
Yes, there are a few disadvantages to consider. Firstly, you have to physically go to the airport, which takes time and may not be convenient for everyone. Secondly, there may be limited hours for purchasing tickets at the airport, as ticket counters are usually only open during the hours surrounding flight times. Finally, some airlines, such as Allegiant, do not accept cash payments at the airport, so you would need to have a credit or debit card for payment.
