Airports: Deals, Discounts, And More For Travelers

There are various deals and discounts that airports offer to their customers. These include discounted airline tickets, deals on parking and shopping, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, and reward programs. Some airlines also offer deals on refundable and non-refundable fares, special fares, discounts, taxes, fees, and currencies. It is important to note that these deals may vary depending on the airport and the airline. Additionally, certain airlines may provide discounts for purchasing tickets at the airport instead of online.

Characteristics and Values of Airport Deals

Discounted tickets at certain airports

When it comes to discounted tickets at certain airports, there are a few things to consider and keep in mind to ensure you're getting a good deal. Firstly, it's important to book in advance. Generally, booking at least 30 days in advance can help you secure more cost-effective tickets. If you're planning to travel during peak season, it's advisable to book even earlier, with airfares typically rising as the departure date approaches. Aim for 45 to 60 days in advance to increase your chances of lower fares.

Additionally, be flexible with your travel days and times. Fares usually vary from day to day and are generally lower on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. They tend to be highest on Fridays and Sundays. If your schedule allows, consider travelling on the cheaper days to benefit from lower demand. Similarly, flights later in the evening often have lower demand, which can translate to lower prices.

It's also worth checking nearby airports. Sometimes, a particular airport may have sold out of low fares, but a nearby airport could still have those fares available. This strategy can be especially useful if you're open to using different airports that are conveniently located for your travel plans.

Another factor to consider is the type of fare you choose. Airlines often offer basic economy fares, which provide the lowest price, but come with certain restrictions. These tickets are typically non-refundable, non-changeable, and may not allow advance seat selection. Seats are usually assigned after check-in, and any changes or refunds before departure incur a cancellation charge.

To stay informed about discounted tickets and special offers, sign up for email notifications and newsletters from airlines and travel websites. They often promote their latest deals and discounts through these channels, so you can take advantage of them when booking your trip.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of last-minute deals. While it's generally advisable to book in advance, sometimes unexpected circumstances can lead to cheap last-minute flight deals. Keep an eye out for such opportunities, especially if you're flexible with your travel plans and can make spontaneous decisions.

Discounted tickets for buying at the airport

While buying tickets at the airport can be a great way to save money, it is not always the most convenient option. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to purchase tickets at the airport. One significant advantage of buying tickets at the airport is that it can help you avoid the online booking fees charged by some airlines. These fees, often referred to as passenger usage fees, can add up to a considerable amount, especially for larger groups. For example, a family of four could save up to $91.96 one way or potentially $183.92 for a round trip when avoiding these fees by booking at the airport.

Additionally, buying tickets at the airport can be a good option if you are looking for last-minute travel, as it may be the only available method in such cases. However, it is important to keep in mind that this method can also have its challenges. For instance, you may need to join a long queue to purchase your ticket, and there is a higher risk of errors on your ticket due to the rushed nature of last-minute bookings. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance and double-check all the details on your ticket before leaving the counter.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that not all airlines offer discounts for buying tickets at the airport. Typically, only ultra-low-cost airlines or discount carriers provide such benefits. Airlines like Frontier, Allegiant, and Spirit are known for their extensive fees, including online booking fees, which can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the airport. However, it is always a good idea to cross-check prices and discounts online before making a special trip to the airport, as some airlines offer exclusive discounts to their $9 fare club members, which may outweigh the savings from buying at the airport.

Lastly, when it comes to finding the cheapest flights, it is recommended to plan as far in advance as possible. Fares are usually lower on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays and highest on Fridays and Sundays. Additionally, consider flying during off-peak hours, as flights later in the evening typically have lower demand and, consequently, lower fares. By combining these strategies, such as buying tickets at the airport and choosing off-peak days and times, you can maximize your savings on air travel.

Discounted tickets for buying online

While it is not always the case, buying flight tickets online can sometimes get you a discounted deal. Here are some tips to help you find discounted tickets online:

Timing is Key

Flight ticket prices fluctuate depending on the day of the week and time of the year. For instance, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive. Moreover, booking on a Sunday can save you up to 6% on your airfare compared to other days of the week. The month of travel also plays a role in pricing, with November being the cheapest for international flights and August for domestic flights.

Plan in Advance

Planning your trip in advance can often result in lower fares. For domestic flights, prices tend to increase 3-5 weeks before departure, while for international flights, this happens 4 weeks before. However, some flights may be cheaper at the last minute, depending on the destination and the type of flight.

Flexibility

Being flexible with travel dates, carriers, and nonstop/layover flights can help you find better deals. Additionally, you can consider changing your destination to a similar place with lower ticket prices.

Frequent Flyer Programs

Joining a frequent flyer program can help you earn points to get cheaper tickets and upgrades. These programs are usually free to join and can be very beneficial if you travel often.

Online Booking Platforms

Using online booking platforms such as Cleartrip, Expedia, and CheapOair can help you find discounted tickets. These platforms offer features like fare alerts, flexible booking, a wide range of airline options, and reward systems to help you save money on your bookings.

Email Subscriptions

Subscribing to email notifications from airlines and booking platforms can keep you informed about the latest deals and discounts. For example, Delta offers weekly email fare specials and web fares to various destinations.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can increase your chances of finding discounted flight tickets online.

Airport rewards programs

More than 70% of airports worldwide offer some form of loyalty program. Airport reward programs are designed to improve the travel experience and encourage repeat business. These programs allow members to earn points from different activities like shopping, dining, parking, booking hotels, and currency exchange. Reward points can be redeemed for vouchers, gift cards, flight bookings, and upgrades.

For example, the Heathrow Rewards program enables travellers to earn points for various airport activities, which can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, tickets, and airline miles. Similarly, the My Paris Aeroport program offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, discounts at participating airport shops, and a points-based rewards system for vouchers, parking discounts, and miles with partner airlines.

Some airlines also have their own loyalty programs. For instance, Norwegian Reward members earn CashPoints even when they don't fly, and can earn points through everyday purchases. Lufthansa's Miles & More program is based on accumulating points, qualifying points, and HON Circle Points, offering benefits like free seat selection, access to first lounges, and extra baggage allowance. The Flying Blue program from KLM-Air France offers benefits like priority access to check-in, baggage drop-off, boarding, and free standard seat selection.

Additionally, Delta Air Lines offers weekly email fare specials and web fares, providing deals to exciting places. They also offer refundable and non-refundable fares, with the latter being priced for the best value but with more restrictions.

Discounted tickets for children

When it comes to discounted tickets for children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the availability of discounts can vary depending on the airline, the route, and the age of the child. Some airlines offer discounts for children under a certain age, typically under 11 or 12, but this can differ between airlines. It's always a good idea to contact the airline directly to inquire about any applicable discounts and to understand the specific terms and conditions.

For example, Frontier Airlines has a program called KidsFlyFree, which allows one child under 15 to fly for free with each adult Discount Den® member fare purchased on select flights. This program is exclusive to Discount Den® members and has certain limitations, such as non-refundable reservations and limited seat availability.

Additionally, some airlines may offer complimentary seat selection in advance, even with basic economy fares. This can be a great way to ensure your family sits together without incurring extra charges. It is recommended to call the airline after booking to reserve your seats, as this can often be done for free.

When travelling with infants, some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, allow children under 2 years of age to sit on an adult's lap (Infant-in-Arms) for free on domestic flights. However, it is important to note that some airlines may charge taxes and fees for lap infants on international flights. In such cases, bringing a travel car seat and checking for available seats can be a good alternative.

Furthermore, planning your trip in advance can often yield lower fares. Fares are usually lower on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and the highest on Fridays and Sundays. Holidays and school vacations are typically the highest-demand travel times, so booking early can help secure better prices. Additionally, considering alternative airports and round-trip itineraries can also lead to cost savings.

Frequently asked questions