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New York Area airports most expensive in the US

Newark Liberty International Airport.

McCarran and Orlando are the most affordable.

NEW YORK – In a new study of the 50 busiest airports in the country by The Points Guy, the following were found to be the most expensive airports in the country:

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (Newark, New Jersey)
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (New York City, New York)
  • Dulles International Airport (IAD) (Dulles, Virginia)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (San Francisco, California)
  • LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) (New York City, New York)

The ranking is based mostly on the average cost of round-trip domestic airfare as incurred by passengers. However, other incremental airport costs were also considered, including baggage-cart rentals by Smarte Carte and others, 24-hour parking fees, ride-hailing costs to and from the nearest city center and the average cost of a Starbucks (or comparable chain's) cup of coffee. Also factored in is the number of Priority Pass lounges and restaurants in relation to annual passenger volume, since many travelers use lounge access to offset food and beverage costs in the airport.

Topping the list of most affordable airports in the country are:

  • – McCarran International Airport (LAS) (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • – Orlando International Airport (MCO) (Orlando, Florida)
  • – Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
  • – Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) (San Jose, California)
  • – Oakland International Airport (OAK) (Oakland, California)

Airfare is only part of the equation when calculating the true cost of a vacation,” says Executive News Director for The Points Guy Scott Mayerowitz. “Sometimes it might actually be cheaper to pay $10 more per ticket in order to save much more on a taxi or food at the airport. Savvy travelers can use our research to make informed decisions ahead of their next trip.”

Airfare Isn’t Everything
Baggage carts, Uber and refreshment costs pushed Newark to the most expensive spot despite having cheaper domestic airfare prices than Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Houston and Washington Dulles. That’s because it can cost over $130 for an Uber ride to the main city center (midtown Manhattan) and the airport's parking and cart fees are some of the most expensive in the country.

I’m always amazed at how much some airport charge passengers for parking,” Mayerowitz says. “Yes, the airport needs to pay its bills, but at the same point the mission should be to encourage more people to travel. And the cost of parking for a weeklong vacation at some airports can cost more than the flight.”

The same considerations moved Washington Dulles down to the No. 3 most expensive airport despite having the highest airfare of all airports considered. An Uber ride to the main city center can be relatively cheap (about $45) compared to its neighbors in the ranking, and there are six Priority Pass Lounges — helping to offset the cost of refreshments for members.

Of the most affordable airports in the country, the top five also have the most affordable average airfare. However, San Jose pushed Oakland down one spot on the list for its slightly more affordable ride-hailing cost ($15 versus $22), Smarte Carte ($4.75 versus $5) and coffee prices ($2.62 versus $2.65) plus its two Priority Pass lounges (Oakland has none).

Most/Least Expensive Airfare:

  • Dulles International Airport – $448
  • McCarran International Airport – $248

Most/Least Expensive Cup of Coffee:

  • LaGuardia International Airport – $3.10
  • Portland International Airport – $2.15

Most/Least Expensive Baggage-Cart Rental:

  • LaGuardia International Airport – $6.39
  • 30 airports tied for this metric – $4.75

Most/Least Expensive 24-hour Parking Fee:

  • Tie: Los Angeles International Airport, O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport – $40
  • Charlotte International Airport – $10

Most/Least Expensive Ride to Nearest City Center:

  • Newark International Airport – $132
  • San Diego International Airport – $8.50

Most/Least Number of Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Tie: Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport and Dulles International Airport – 6 lounges
  • 19 airports tied for this metric with 0 lounges
News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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