Best Places To Buy Tickets At The Airport

Buying flight tickets at the airport is possible, but it depends on the airline. Some airlines, like Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines, charge online booking fees, so you can save money by buying your ticket at the airport. However, buying tickets at the airport usually involves long lines and frustrated airline employees who don't handle ticket purchases as often as they used to. It's also less convenient, as you have to physically go to the airport, and there are limited options for payment methods.

Buying tickets at the airport vs online

Buying tickets at the airport

Believe it or not, you can still buy a flight ticket at the airport. In some cases, like buying a ticket a few hours before departure, it may be the only option available. However, it doesn't come without obstacles.

Pros of buying tickets at the airport

You may be able to buy cheaper flights at the airport counter instead of booking online. If an airline includes online service charges in their fees, you may be better off buying at the airport. This is particularly true of budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, which charge online booking fees.

Cons of buying tickets at the airport

• You will have to go to the airport, which may involve a long commute, especially if you don't live near one.
• You may face long lines and waits at the airport.
• Airline employees may not be as familiar with ticket purchases as they used to be.
• Airlines may direct you to book online anyway.
• Tickets purchased at the airport may contain fees that aren't included in online bookings, negating any savings.
• You can't compare prices and perks across multiple airlines at the airport.
• It may be more difficult to cancel or change your ticket.
• You may feel pressured into booking by other people in line behind you.

Buying tickets online

The 21st century has made it possible to purchase airplane tickets from the comfort of your home with the click of a button.

Pros of buying tickets online

• It is more convenient than buying tickets at the airport.
• You can compare prices and perks across multiple airlines.
• It may be easier to cancel or change your ticket.

Cons of buying tickets online

You may end up paying online booking fees, especially for budget airlines.

Airlines that charge less for buying at the airport

While it is possible to buy flight tickets at the airport, it is not always cheaper than buying online. In fact, there are little to no advantages to buying a ticket at the airport. However, if an airline includes online service charges in their fees, you may be able to save money by buying at the airport.

Ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit are the airlines most likely to charge lower fees when buying at the airport. These budget airlines often have endless additional fees, including online booking fees.

Allegiant Airlines, for example, charges an electronic carrier usage charge of $18 per segment of your flight. This means that even if you book a round-trip ticket, you will be charged $18 for the flight there and back. They also charge $14.99 to purchase tickets through their call center. The only way to avoid these charges is to book in person at the Allegiant Airlines ticket counter.

Similarly, Frontier Airlines charges a carrier interface fee of $23 per flight segment, making it the most expensive of the bunch. Again, the only way to avoid this fee is to book at the airport.

Spirit Airlines is known for its cheap flights and extensive fees. Their passenger usage charge is typically $22.99 one way or $45.98 round trip. While this is almost as expensive as Frontier's online booking fee, there are some instances where the fee is lower. For example, $9 fare club member fares and other discounted fares may have online booking fees as low as $3.99 one way or $7.98 round trip.

Therefore, if you are looking to save money, it may be worth considering buying your ticket at the airport for these ultra-low-cost carriers. However, keep in mind that some tickets purchased at the airport may contain additional fees that aren't included in online bookings, potentially negating any savings you make by skipping the online fees. Additionally, you may have to deal with long lines and frustrated airline employees who are not used to handling ticket purchases.

Pros and cons of buying at the airport

Pros of buying tickets at the airport

• You can avoid online booking fees, saving at least $18 to $46 per passenger.
• You can pay in cash.
• You can get last-minute tickets, which may only be available at the airport.
• You can talk to real people – airline staff who can help with your questions and any travel complications.
• You get your ticket immediately.

Cons of buying tickets at the airport

• It's often more expensive to buy tickets at the airport. Airlines often charge more for tickets purchased in person, and you might miss out on the discounts and promotions available online.
• You may have to wait in line, especially during busy travel times.
• Your flight options are limited.
• You can't compare prices or perks across multiple airlines.
• It's less convenient, especially if you don't live near an airport.
• You may feel pressured into booking by other people in the queue.

How to avoid online booking fees

Avoiding online booking fees when buying a flight ticket can be tricky, but it is possible. Here are some tips to help you save money on your next flight booking:

• Check the airline's website: Some airlines, like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, charge online booking fees, while others don't. These fees can range from $4 to $23 per flight segment, so it's important to check before booking.
• Book at the airport: If you're booking with an airline that charges online booking fees, consider purchasing your ticket at the airline's ticket counter inside the airport. This way, you can avoid the online booking fee altogether. However, keep in mind that buying tickets at the airport can be inconvenient and may require a long drive.
• Compare prices: Before booking, compare prices between different airlines and booking platforms. Use search engines like Expedia and Priceline to find the best deals. By comparing prices, you can ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
• Avoid booking via telephone: Most airlines charge extra fees for booking over the phone, which can range from $5 to $20. Stick to booking online to avoid these additional charges.
• Be cautious of third-party booking sites: Online travel agencies like Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, and CheapTickets offer fares from multiple airlines, but they also charge booking fees, typically ranging from $2.99 to $12.99. Always consider these fees when comparing prices.
• Look out for special fares and promotions: Some airlines offer special fares or promotions that are only available online. For example, Frontier Airlines occasionally has "Penny Fare" sales with $15 one-way tickets that don't incur an online booking fee. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money.
• Book as a group: If you're travelling with a group, consider having one person book tickets for everyone. This way, you can avoid paying multiple online booking fees, as these fees are typically charged per person.
• Weigh the pros and cons: Buying tickets at the airport can help you avoid online booking fees, but it may also come with drawbacks. For example, you may have to deal with long lines, limited operating hours, and higher baggage fees. Consider all the factors before deciding where and how to book your flight.

Buying tickets at the airport: is it worth it?

Believe it or not, you can still buy a flight ticket at the airport. In some cases, like buying a ticket a few hours before departure, it may be the only option available. However, it doesn’t come without obstacles.

The pros

If you buy your ticket at the airport, you get to talk to real people – airline staff who can help you with your questions and any travel complications. If you prefer a personal touch, this can be quite reassuring. You also get your ticket right there and then, which can be a plus for those who like to have everything squared away before they leave the airport. Not everyone is comfortable using cards or online payment methods, so if you’d rather pay in cash, the airport ticket counter can accommodate that preference.

For those who have to travel suddenly, airport ticket counters can be a lifesaver. Airlines often set aside a few seats for last-minute passengers, and these may only be available at the airport.

If an airline includes online service charges in their fees, you may be better off buying at the airport for cheaper flights. If you’re flying with a budget airline, you may be able to save a few hundred dollars by buying a cheaper flight at the airport counter instead of booking online.

The cons

There are little to no advantages to buying an airline ticket at the airport. After queuing at the airport kiosk, you may even be told that to book a ticket, you’ll need to go online to the airline’s website. In the past, many would have queued at airport kiosks to book tickets. But today, kiosk staff are there to assist customers with checking in or provide information and help when flights are delayed or cancelled. So, save yourself a lot of time, stress and even money by booking your flights online before you head to the airport.

Airlines often charge more for tickets purchased in person, especially if it’s a last-minute decision. You might miss out on the discounts and promotions available online. Airport ticket counters might not be open 24/7, and their flight options could be limited. Plus, they might not have access to all the deals and fares you can find online, narrowing your choices.

Be prepared to pay extra for the convenience of buying your ticket in person at the airport. Airlines might tack on fees that can make your ticket more expensive than if you had booked online. Buying a ticket at the airport can involve waiting in line, especially during busy travel times. If you’re in a hurry to catch a flight, this could be frustrating.

While cash is accepted at the airport, online booking platforms offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and digital wallets. This could be more convenient for many travellers.

Tips for buying tickets

• Whenever possible, plan your trip well in advance. Booking ahead of time gives you access to a wider range of fares and online discounts.
• Before committing to a purchase, compare prices online across various booking websites. This will help you see if the airport ticket counter is offering a competitive rate for your chosen flight.
• Stay in the loop: sign up for fare alerts and newsletters from airlines and travel websites. These notifications can tip you off to special promotions or discounts available online.
• If you can be flexible with your travel dates and times, you may find significant savings. Adjusting your schedule to accommodate cheaper flights can be worth it.
• If you’re a frequent flyer, consider enrolling in airline loyalty programs. These programs offer rewards and discounts that can add up to savings on your airfare.
• Use travel rewards credit cards: they can earn you miles or points that can be redeemed for flights. They often come with extra perks and savings when booking online.

Frequently asked questions