Particularly on a multi-day trip, that planning can include an assessment of fee structure in the context of all the expenses. I've become kind of a fan of larger airports. When I went to visit my old Springfield, MA stomping grounds, I had several good choices, including 7B2 where I learned how to fly.
Better alternatives like...?
Short answer: yeah I pay the fees. No choice.
What alternatives are there? Paying the overnight fee(s) is part of the game. Usually you will get a night or two waived with a certain amount of fuel purchased, but there is typically still a fee involved for staying overnight, especially multiple nights.
I usually just land in a corn field next to the airport and tie down. It ****es the farmers off, but they will get over it.
Second best. Best is emailing the FBO where you are going or looking at the FBO website.
I've had enough mixed results with emailing FBOs that I don't bother anymore - meaning I never hear back or it takes too long for them to respond. This includes the "Contact Form" on FBO websites as well. Some are really good about responding, but enough others aren't that I gave up and just call them. Yes, it would be nice to have the fees in writing though.
I have a funny attitude about email. It's normal communication. If there's a choice of FBOs (or close by airports) I might email both. Whoever gets back to me in writing will usually get my business. No real choice; no reason to ask.
Wow, $25 or more, like in today’s economy that’s a lot of money and honestly if you want to save money driving or taking the bus is your best option.
I have mixed feelings about ramp fees in that the airport needs to cover operating expenses to stay viable. I am not versed in the normal operating expenses of a small rural airport with SS fuel and whether fuel sales profit covers expenses. A small nominal fee doesn't bother me. At a full service ramp with very high fees I find a ramp fee unpalatable if I am in just for a splash. I wouldn't mind a minor courtesy car fee ($20-25) either if the fuel was near the lower end of cost. Although I have not encountered very high ramp fees I would tend to avoid such landings unless I had no option. Hopefully, congress can get legislation passed that will provide penalties for FBO's/airports that do not disclose fees in a readily accessible manor.
Fuel sales usually don’t generate enough revenue to stay afloat on their own, unless you’re pumping a lot of Jet-A on an annual basis. There simply isn’t enough margin on AvGas to get a lot of profit on. Depending on the operation, the ramp fees are nominal in terms of revenue, but every little bit helps!
What's wrong with Signature? They've always been pretty transparent about fees for me, even at the more expensive locations I've visited.
Charging $86 to pull on their ramp and receive zero services is a scam.
Fair fair -- I've never gotten billed that before. But I totally agree if they handed me that bill I'd say it's a scam -- or unethical business at best.
All the time. Not for a day trip or a $100 hamburger. But a muti-day trip where I also want a car? It's usually less expensive and more convenient. And if I didn't care about convenience, I'd take an airline or drive.
It's not really a scam - they are upfront about it. OTOH, there's a reason they were not permitted to acquire the TAC Air locations where it would reduce existing competition.
Dallas Love field is actually a pretty reasonable GA stop if you are going to Dallas. I've been there multiple times in light GA aircraft, including single engine pistons. And they have a landing fee (6.55 per 1000 pounds).
Hey, it's your money; spend it however you like.
I was more thinking of a 2 week trip to visit family in a different area. How do you all normally deal with the parking?
For two weeks, I would definitely call the airport in advance.
