It's the frustration that forces savvy fliers to drive to a distant airport or take connecting flights just to land a cheaper fare. Some airports are significantly more expensive than others.

Cincinnati travelers pay a heavy premium: It's most expensive among the 75 largest U.S. airports. Passengers there paid an average 22.2 cents per mile traveled in the fourth quarter of last year. Cheapest per mile among the 75 busiest: San Juan, Puerto Rico, at an average of 10.7 cents, according to Transportation Department data compiled...