This Is Why Some Airlines Don't Use Jet Bridges To Board Passengers

If you’ve ever wondered why some airlines never use bridges while boarding passengers, then wonder no more because there’s a very simple answer. 

For anyone who is a fairly frequent flier, you might have noticed that some airlines will always use steps rather than bridges for passengers - even if the plane is parked up and waiting right at the gate. 

Jet bridges are the more convenient option, they save you from having to brave the elements - which comes in handy for the UK’s changeable weather - and mean you can move from the airport to the airplane in a quick and straightforward manner. 

But, some airlines will forgo this convenience for its passengers, simply because it’s cheaper to use stairs instead, which is why you’ll usually find it's the more budget airlines that don’t use jet bridges. 

This is because airports charge usage fees for many of the facilities that aren’t included in your bog standard airport landing fees - and this often includes the use of bridges. 

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According to Digg, cheaper airlines will also opt for landing and boarding spots that are further away from the airport as, again, these will be a little bit less expensive and a pretty easy way to cut costs.

In the example Digg uses, London Gatwick charges airlines a departing fee of £14.95 per passenger but airlines can slash £3.48 off this cost if they use a ‘remote stand’ without a bridge. 

Meanwhile, airlines can save even more by choosing a further away stand, as parking charges are three times higher if you use one with a jet bridge stand.

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Alongside the cost of the actual bridge, airlines will have to ensure they have extra staff to cover the bridge and have some waiting at entrance. 

The video from Digg goes on to explain that cheaper airlines can also speed up boarding and alighting by using two sets of stairs to get people on and off quicker. 

And to speed things up even more, some aircraft come equipped with their own stairs built in - meaning they don’t need to hire a bridge or a set of stairs.