Airports Like Fees, Too

While airline fees have gotten plenty of press over the past three or so years, there are fees that airports charge as well. Unlike many airline fees (i.e. Wi-Fi), however, airport fees often aren't optional.

Like any other business, an airport needs to generate revenues to cover its operating expenses. First, there are the landing fees charged to the airlines, which for all intents and purposes are paid for with your fare. Second, airports can impose a passenger facility charge (PFC), which is added on to a passenger's base fare and goes back to the airport. This fee is currently capped at $4.50, though some airports are hoping that this cap is increased.

Of course, the airlines don't really like that idea. Even though PFCs aren't part of the fare, passengers only really care about the total amount they're paying, and now how much of it is going to the government. We'll have to see how it plays out.

The other major sources of airport revenue? Things like retail, food, and parking. Here, passengers actually have some choice. And for that third revenue...considering this is the blog for About Airport Parking, after all...I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that this website can help. It's easy (and free!) to find the prices of parking at many major airports here, so it's at least worth comparing the prices of off-airport lots found here to what the airports offer in terms of parking, and see how much you can save!