We have all taken low-cost of budget airline flights that park up far from the terminal. Even if they park at an airport gate, they may well not use the installed jet bridge. As with many things in the low-cost world, this comes down to saving money - both from the hire of the jet bridge and in operations.

Developing the jet bridge

The jet bridge was a great innovation in aviation. It was first introduced in the US in the 1950s. United Airlines began experimenting with a fixed 'Air Dock' in 1954. This developed into the extending jet bridge design by 1959, with United Airlines installing them at New York JFK, Los Angeles, and San Fransico airports. Use expanded quickly around the world, with most major airports using them by the 1970s and 1980s.

Jet bridges brought many advantages for passengers and airlines. Passengers could board from and disembark straight to the terminal. Turnarounds should be quicker with direct connections and less reliance on other infrastructure.

There have been many developments to make bridges more efficient too. Multiple bridges were developed for larger aircraft to meet additional doors. This has changed again with the A380 to handle two levels as well. And the over-wing jet bridge was developed to handle aircraft like the Boeing 747, using pylons to support a bridge connection over the wing. Amsterdam Schiphol was a major adopter of such gates and still has two in operation.

KLM over wing jet bridge
KLM's over wing jet bridge shows the commitment to jet bridges from many airlines. Photo: Mike Peel via Wikimedia

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Not paying the price

Jet bridges may have brought many conveniences, but they come at a price. Airports charge usage fees for many facilities, which are not included in the standard airport landing fees. This usually includes jet bridges.

Things have changed since their introduction. Firstly, increasing traffic at most airports has caused the price of services such as this to increase. More and more airports have remote stands and other gates available as competition (and prices) increase for better gates. Alongside this, the number of low-cost airlines has risen. Legacy carriers may be focused on offering convenient services to passengers. Low-cost carriers are more concerned about price.

To put costs into perspective, consider London Gatwick airport. This charges a "departing passenger charge" of £14.95 ($20.46) per passenger. This is reduced by £3.48 ($4.76) if using a remote stand without a jet bridge. Daytime parking charges are also tripled if using a jet bridge stand (from the base rate of £10.68 ($14.62) per five minutes for the largest aircraft, for example). If interested, you can see the full charges here.

Lauda leaving vienna
Low-cost airlines often don't include jet bridges in their operating plans at all. Photo: Getty Images

It is not just the cost of using the jet bridge that is a consideration here. The whole process and infrastructure come into play. As well as paying to use the bridge, airlines will require jet bridge operators and have staff located at the bridge area.

Boarding via the bridge could mean operating in different parts of the airport. If the airline is set up to operate with buses, then it is likely simpler to use this method for all flights. This is why you will sometimes see aircraft parked at a gate with a jet bridge but not using it.

Taking things further

We have seen other changes recently from low-cost airlines along the same cost reduction lines. Adding built-in stairs to the aircraft is one such change. This is common in smaller aircraft but not on standard commercial narrowbodies.

Ryanair low cost airline Boeing 737 airplanes seen in London
Ryanair has fitted stairs on many of its aircraft. Photo: Getty Images

Adding them, though, allows for independent operation. There is certainly no need to use a jet bridge, but no need to hire stairs either. You also do not have to wait for stairs to be available - a common delay at busy airports. Speeding aircraft turnaround is a significant consideration for low-cost airlines, with tight schedules that maximize the number of flights an aircraft can make each day.

There are some possibilities of more use of jet bridges in the future, though. Lower aviation volumes in some regions post-pandemic could lower costs and free up gates. And improved designs of automated jet bridges will reduce operating costs. But as passengers are used to avoiding them, many airlines will no doubt continue to save money.

Does the avoidance of jet bridges annoy you when flying with low-cost airlines? Or do you support them in saving costs wherever they can? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.