Checking more than one airport can save a fortune: Here is why
A variety of factors play into airfare ticket prices. Airport fees are a major cost driver that determine how much you pay for a ticket. Ever wondered why there are separate airports only for low cost carriers? Because airport fees for these airports are significantly lower. Usually, these airports are located further away from the actual destination than the main airport for normal carriers. In any case it is advisable to check multiple airports for your next vacation, especially in unknown areas.
Cologne — Hong Kong for 438€, from Brussels for 223€: Link here
These are the different airport fees included in flight tickets:
- Landing fees: This is usually based on an aircraft weight formula e.g. maximum airplane weight
- Parking & hangar fees: Dependent on aircraft dimensions and length of stay
- Passenger charges: Usually per departing passenger.
- Surcharges or rebates: Extra charges that apply e.g. for peak-hour operations or emissions-related
- Noise & Security: Dependent on aircraft type noise charges are payable per landing and take-off with fixed amounts per noise category, which are determined by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation).
A comparison for Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted in London shows why Heathrow is not the preferred airport for low cost carriers:
While Stansted Airport applies a flat passenger fee of 11.09 GBP, Gatwick and Heathrow differentiate between domestic/ European and international flights. Heathrow’s fees are almost 4x as high, as the ones charged by Gatwick and Stansted, which shows why low cost carriers typically avoid Heathrow.
Detailed airport charges can found on the respective airport websites. Gatwick: Link / Heathrow: Link / Stansted: Link
