Some "brick and mortar" agents act as consolidators, buying tickets in bulk and reselling them, which can occasionally result in lower fares for specific routes.
Can You Buy a Plane Ticket With Cash? A Simple Guide - Remitly
Major airlines (e.g., Delta, United) may charge a service fee for in-person bookings, sometimes as high as $25–$50, making them more expensive than online options. 2. Physical Travel Agencies where to buy airline tickets in person
It is highly recommended to call the airline's customer service or the specific airport branch ahead of time to confirm that the counter is staffed and accepting in-person payments for future travel. Summary Table: Buying In-Person vs. Online Airport Counter (ULCCs) Airport Counter (Major Airlines) Physical Travel Agency Cost Often Cheaper (Fees waived) Often More Expensive (Service fees) Varies (May include agent fees) Support Face-to-face assistance High-level assistance Personal, dedicated support Convenience Low (Travel to airport, lines) Low (Travel to airport, lines) Moderate (Business hours only) Cash Option Possible at some hubs Possible at some hubs Often available Expand map
While most flight bookings have moved online, you can still purchase airline tickets in person at airport counters or through physical travel agencies. 1. Airport Ticket Counters Some "brick and mortar" agents act as consolidators,
Counters are typically located in the departure or check-in hall of the terminal.
Staffing is often limited to a few hours around scheduled flight departures. Some airlines, like Allegiant Air , have specific "ticket purchase hours" which are usually available for about one hour following each scheduled departure. like Allegiant Air
Most major airports still have physical ticketing desks, though their primary role has shifted toward passenger assistance rather than sales.