Jazmin Li
Checking in at the airport can sometimes incur a fee, also known as a service fee, which is applied to compensate for the expenses incurred while providing the booking service. This fee is usually implemented by low-cost carriers (LCCs) and can vary depending on the sales outlet. Ryanair, for example, charges £60/€60 per person to print/reprint a boarding pass at the airport, while Spirit Airlines in the US charges $2-$5 per person. Some airlines may also charge for ancillary services such as checked baggage, preferred seating, and in-flight entertainment, which are not typically included in the price of the air ticket. It is recommended to check with the airline beforehand to understand any potential fees associated with airport check-in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is the check-in fee charged? | When the passenger purchases a ticket online, through a mobile application, call center, or sales office. |
| Is the check-in fee reimbursed in case of cancellation or refund? | No, except under certain circumstances, such as a cancellation or refund by the airline. |
| Why is the check-in fee charged? | To compensate for the expenses incurred while providing the booking service. |
| Is there a price difference between online check-in and airport check-in? | Usually, there is no price difference. However, some low-cost carriers may charge a fee for airport check-in, such as Ryanair, which charges £60/€60 per person for printing a boarding pass at the airport. |
| How to avoid airport check-in fees? | Check in online and drop off your bags at a bag drop counter at the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Check-in fees are charged for booking services
Check-in fees are typically charged by low-cost carriers (LCCs) when a passenger checks in at the airport rather than online. These fees are separate from baggage fees, which can also vary depending on whether they are paid for in advance or at the airport. For example, Ryanair charges £60/€60 per person to print a boarding pass at the airport, while Easyjet adds a £9 "booking fee" to all fares except the top flexible fare.
Some airlines, such as Air Asia, inform passengers during the booking process that additional charges may occur during check-in at the airport. However, the specific nature of these charges may not always be clear.
Check-in fees are also referred to as service fees and are meant to compensate for the expenses incurred while providing the booking service. These fees are typically non-refundable, even if a passenger requests a refund for their ticket. However, in certain circumstances, such as a cancellation or refund initiated by the airline, the check-in fee may be reimbursed upon the passenger's request.
In addition to check-in fees charged by airlines, passengers may also encounter service charges when booking accommodation through online platforms such as Booking.com. These charges can include commission fees, which are typically calculated as a percentage of the total booking amount, ranging from 10% to 25%. Other potential fees include payment processing fees for credit card transactions and cleaning fees for properties that offer additional cleaning services.
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Airlines may charge for printing boarding passes
Airlines may charge passengers a fee for printing their boarding passes. This is a common practice among low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, Spirit Airlines, and Air Asia. The fees for printing boarding passes at the airport can be substantial, ranging from €60 or £60 per person for Ryanair, $2-$5 per person for Spirit Airlines, and unspecified amounts for Air Asia. These fees are often justified as compensation for the expenses incurred in providing the booking service.
While some airlines charge for printing boarding passes at the airport, others offer this service for free. For example, major carriers like American Airlines do not typically charge for printing boarding passes. Additionally, some airlines provide self-service options, such as automated kiosks, where passengers can print their boarding passes without incurring additional costs.
It is worth noting that some airlines strongly encourage passengers to check in online and print their boarding passes before arriving at the airport. In some cases, passengers may be required to pay a fee if they fail to check in online within a specified time frame. For instance, Ryanair has been known to charge fees for printing boarding passes at the airport if passengers do not check in online beforehand.
To avoid unexpected charges, passengers should carefully review the terms and conditions of their ticket purchase, including any potential fees for printing boarding passes at the airport. Checking in online and printing boarding passes in advance can help travelers save money and streamline their airport experience.
Furthermore, even if a passenger does not have access to a printer, there are alternative options available. They can use their mobile boarding pass on their phone at the gate, or they may be able to print their boarding pass at the airport for free, depending on the airline and the availability of self-service facilities. Being proactive and exploring these options can help travelers avoid unnecessary fees.
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Some low-cost carriers charge for airport check-in
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have been criticised for their "unbundling" of ancillary charges, where airport fees and taxes are listed as separate charges rather than being included in the advertised fare. This practice can make the initial ticket price seem lower than it actually is. While most airlines are happy to check in luggage at the gate, low-cost carriers often charge for this service. For example, United charges a $25 gate-handling fee for economy passengers who bring a full-size bag to the gate. Similarly, Ryanair charges £60/€60 per person to print/reprint a boarding pass at the airport, though this fee is mentioned in their terms of service.
Some low-cost carriers also charge for carry-on baggage, which is usually limited to one personal item and one carry-on item. For example, Spirit Airlines charges $35 for carry-on baggage paid in advance, $50 if done at check-in, and $100 if done at the gate. Other airlines may charge a fee for a pillow or blanket, or for seat selection. Many low-cost carriers also have stricter baggage size and weight rules than traditional airlines, and may not offer complimentary food or drinks on board.
To avoid unexpected fees, it is important to understand the baggage allowance policy and any additional fees that may apply when flying with a low-cost carrier. Checking in online and paying for baggage in advance can often help to reduce fees. However, it is worth noting that some low-cost carriers have complex booking systems that make it difficult to understand the full cost of a ticket upfront.
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Check-in fees are non-refundable
Checking in at the airport can sometimes incur a fee, particularly with low-cost carriers. For example, Ryanair charges £60/€60 per person to print a boarding pass at the airport, while Spirit Airlines in the US charges $2-$5 per person. These fees are separate from baggage fees, which can also vary depending on whether you pay for them in advance or at the airport.
Some airlines bundle services such as checked bags, meals, and seat upgrades into package deals, which can save passengers money. However, these bundles are typically non-refundable, even if you cancel your flight or decide you don't need one of the items.
Check-in fees are typically non-refundable as they compensate for the expenses incurred while providing the booking service. These fees are applied to tickets as long as there is no cancellation made by the airline. In certain circumstances, such as a cancellation or refund initiated by the airline, check-in fees may be reimbursed upon request.
To avoid unexpected fees, passengers are advised to review the terms and conditions of their chosen airline carefully before booking. Checking in online and dropping off bags at a bag drop counter can also help to minimise fees at the airport.
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Online check-in is often free
While some airlines charge a fee for checking in at the airport, online check-in is often free. This is true for Flair Airlines, where checking in at the airport incurs a fee, but checking in online is free. Similarly, Wizz Air charges a fee for checking in at the airport, but it is unclear whether checking in online with them is free.
Some airlines, like Ryanair, charge a fee for printing your boarding pass at the airport, which can be avoided by checking in online. Ryanair charges £60/€60 per person, depending on the departure location, while Spirit Airlines in the US charges $2-$5 per person. Easyjet does not currently charge for printing a boarding pass at a machine, but they do add a £9 “booking fee” to all fares except the top flexible fare, and they charge extra if you pay by credit card.
Checking in online can save you money, as some airlines charge different prices for the same services depending on whether you pay for them online or at the airport. For example, from November, taking a carry-on bag onto a Spirit Airlines flight will cost $35 if paid in advance, $50 if done at check-in, and $100 if done at the gate.
When booking with Air Asia, you are informed that extra charges may occur during check-in at the airport, but it is unclear whether checking in online is free.
Therefore, it is generally advisable to check in online to avoid potential fees, but it is always best to check the specific policies of your airline before assuming that online check-in is free.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport check-in fee is a fee charged by some airlines for checking in at the airport. This is different from checking in online, which is usually free.
The check-in fee is meant to compensate for the expenses incurred while providing the booking service.
The airport check-in fee varies depending on the airline and sales channels. For example, Ryanair charges €60 or £60 per person for printing a boarding pass at the airport, while Spirit Airlines in the US charges $2-5 per person.
In most cases, the airport check-in fee is non-refundable. However, in certain circumstances, such as a cancellation or refund made by the airline, the fee may be reimbursed upon request.
To avoid paying the airport check-in fee, you can opt to check in online before arriving at the airport. Some airlines, such as Easyjet, do not charge a fee for printing your boarding pass at the airport.
