Airports Join Airlines in Upcharging Customers

By Ruff Haus | For Executives | 0 comment | 14 September, 2017 | 0

The airline industry has changed dramatically in the past 25 years.

Go back to the 1990s and earlier, and you’ll remember that passengers once paid for airline tickets that included an array of complimentary services. Airlines mailed boarding passes, accepted checked bags and provided meals — all at no additional charge.

This made planning and managing business travel pretty straightforward. The cost of a trip was clear when reservations were made, which made it simple to evaluate whether a trip would be worth it or not.

But things have gradually changed in the 21^st century, making it more difficult for executives and travel managers to count the cost prior to booking a trip. Today, passengers are charged for airline tickets — as well as a wide range of other add-on services or “upcharges,” as they’re often called.

Today, passengers on different airlines may pay extra for:

Checked baggage
In-flight meals
Internet
Extra legroom

Some discount airlines even charge for carry-on bags, overhead space and printed boarding passes.

If you didn’t think it could get worse, though, you’d be wrong: Airports are now joining airlines on the upcharge bandwagon.

4 Ways Airports are Upcharging Customers

Yes, it’s true: Here’s a look at 4 upcharges that are already (or soon to be) in place at airports around the world and that could impact your bottom line:

1. Picking Up and Dropping Off

Airport parking fees already add to the overall bill for many business trips. Think you can save by having someone pick you up or drop you off? Perhaps not if you’re flying out of Boston in the future. The Massachusetts Port Authority is studying the effects of charging for pick ups and drop offs, all in the name of being more environmentally friendly. At DFW Airport, charges for picking up and dropping off have been in place for years. Anyone entering the airport must use a toll road, and it costs $2 to $3 for any pick up or drop off that takes longer than 8 minutes. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade voluntarily, check to see if your local airport offers valet parking — which is becoming a more and more prominent service around the country. Cleveland, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Diego are among the airports now offering valet parking service.

2. Streamlined Security

Most seasoned business travelers are also enrolled in the Transportation Security Administration’s Pre-Check program, which allows passengers to move more quickly through security — no taking off shoes or removing laptops from bags, plus other perks. But the TSA Pre-Check program isn’t free — a 5-year membership costs $85.

3. Premium Lounges

Airlines have long offered premium airport lounges for frequent fliers, with American Airlines’ Admirals Clubs being the oldest (the first one opened in 1939 at New York City’s La Guardia Airport). But, today, you don’t have to be a frequent flier to get out of the overcrowded and uncomfortable gate waiting areas and into a more luxurious environment. Many airlines now let you pay for airport lounge access, and third-party lounges (like Plaza Premium Lounges) are starting to appear at airports around the world. You can enjoy them, if you’re willing to pay.

4. Wi-Fi

Yes, you can find free Wi-Fi at many airports. But that service is spotty at best, and surveys indicate that airports in general are moving away from free Wi-Fi models toward hybrid Wi-Fi models — you pay for longer or faster surfing sessions. Some mobile users can access free airport Wi-Fi through their cellular providers, but others are left to pay premiums.

What are the Solutions?

If your business is looking to thwart airport fees, there are options. For example:

1. Transportation

Off-airport parking can sometimes provide a discount as well as service that’s nearly as fast as terminal parking. These off-site parking options often pick passengers up at their vehicles and run frequent shuttles to the terminals to provide an efficient alternative to on-site parking.

2. Security

It’s nice to avoid taking off your shoes, removing your laptop and leaping the other hurdles at security. The cost of Pre-Check membership is palatable, too. But make sure your team members aren’t paying for something they don’t need to. Many credit card providers offer TSA Pre-Check reimbursement. Does your corporate card provider offer a solution or discount? Make sure you check.

3. Lounges

What airline do your team members typically use? Concentrating your flights with one carrier can give you negotiating leverage. Can you negotiate the inclusion of memberships or passes for airport lounge access? These premium lounges can be great for productivity.

4. Wi-Fi

If your team members can use lounges, the issue of Wi-Fi is solved. Internet connections in premium lounges are much faster and far more dependable than the free (or even premium) Wi-Fi you’ll find in terminals.

Let Us Help You Navigate Upcharges

At JTB Business Travel, helping you save on parking, flights, hotels, meals and general trip costs is what we do. Every service we provide and every recommendation we make are focused on common sense solutions for companies and organizations large and small.

If you need help maximizing your investment in business travel, discover the difference that we can make at JTB Business Travel, a comprehensive corporate travel agency.

Contact us today about reducing costs and maximizing your investment in corporate travel.