Flight Ops HQ

Glossary

De-icing

De-icing is the process of removing ice and snow from an aircraft before departure in cold conditions, charged as a variable fee when it is needed.

Why it matters

Why de-icing matters

De-icing is a winter cost that cannot be quoted in advance, since it depends on the weather on the day of travel. It is a common reason a winter trip costs more than expected.

Cost

How it affects cost

When conditions require it, de-icing is added to the trip cost. The amount depends on the aircraft size and the conditions, and it is impossible to know in advance of the day.

Example

A quick example

A winter departure after an overnight snowfall requires the aircraft to be de-iced before takeoff. That service is added to the trip cost, even though it was not in the original quote.

Related terms

Other terms to know

Common questions

Why is de-icing not in the original quote?

Because it depends on the weather on the day of travel, which cannot be known in advance. It is charged only when conditions require it.

How much does de-icing cost?

It varies by aircraft size and conditions. The best approach is to budget a buffer for it on winter trips rather than expecting a fixed amount.

Last reviewed June 2026. Estimates use planning assumptions that we revisit periodically.