The Real Deal When Flying On A Budget Airline

What’s the real deal when flying on a budget airline? Let’s be clear, budget airlines are promoted to save you money when you fly. And, they can. But, they are on the making money side of things; there is no budgeting when it comes to their ability to make money. However, let’s take a look at the ups and downs of flying with a budget airline and how you can save and have an enjoyable flight.

They are available all around the world.
Wherever you are traveling, you can find an airline to help you save money and get you to your destination. If you are going to Europe, there are well-known carriers like Ryanair and Easyjet. Recently Norwegian Air has become a popular choice from the U.S. to Europe. Canada has Swoop and Flair Airlines, and Asia has Air Asia, Spice Jet, and Jetstar to name a few. Here in the U.S. you’ll find Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier and Sun Country Airlines. When researching your flight choices, consider the budget airlines but also follow the tips below.

Budget airlines may not fly into your specific destination, but they’ll get pretty close

Many budget airlines will have flight routings into smaller airports in your destination. The carriers can more easily secure landing rights in the smaller airports where operation costs are lower and fewer flights are taking off and landing.

The alternate location may be closer to where you’re heading, but if you are further away from your final spot, you must add in the costs to get you there. Many smaller airports may not have shuttle services to hotels.

If you are arriving into a smaller airport, go online and research the services available including rental car, shuttle services and airline services.

 

Fees, fees and more fees
Budget airlines have a long list of charges for service options where you can opt-in  or not. Here is a list of possible fees which can swipe a pretty hefty chunk of money from your wallet.
Carry -on bag fee. With some airlines (Spirit) the cost is less when you select and pay the carry-on bag or checked bag fee when booking your flight. If you select to pay for a carry-on suitcase when checking-in online it will be several dollars more than when booking.
If you wait until you are at the airport, the fee can be double or triple the amount you actually paid for your ticket. How’s that for a wow-moment.

Check-bag fees can be less than carry-on bag fees. This is probably an attempt to encourage more checked bags vs. carry-on bags.

There is a fee to choose your seat which you select during online check-in. And, if you would like to board during the first or second round of passengers, you’ll also pay for that.

Have you noticed the call for bags to be checked at the gate?  Caution- Bags checked at the gate can be assessed extremely high fees.

While these fees may only be $37 for a carry-on or $34 or checked bags, and $5 for early boarding, they do add up quickly and you will pay these fees for both flights – leaving home and returning.

On a recent flight on Spirit, all of my added fees totaled more than my ticket price.
I paid for a checked bag, carry-on bag, select a seat and early boarding.

But the fees don’t stop there; print your boarding pass at home and save several dollars. If you need to print it at the airport, you’ll pay a fee.

Bring your own meal
Food costs extra on every airline these days, but now you also have to pay for soft drinks and water on some of the budget flights. Bring your own meals and refreshments onboard and avoid paying more for things you can control. If you want to go totally budget – Bring something to eat from home and purchase a beverage at the airport. Make sure it can fit in your personal item (the size of your purse or a small briefcase/backpack). The budget airlines are pretty strict about one carry-on and one personal item.

Check-in online and arrive early
My next tip is to read the fine print. I should change that to tip number one because it is so important. Note when check-in time is available online and what time checked bags and carry-on bags can be purchased without an additional fee on top of the regular fee.

Also, note the cut-off time for airport check-in.  There will be fees associated with a late check-in too.  If you’re not there to check your bag  you will still be able to get on the flight with your pre-printed boarding pass but your bags can costs as much as $100 to check at the airport.

I noticed when boarding is called, there is already a large group of folks at the boarding gate entry. If you want to be near the start of the line for your zone, you’ll want to get there early, find a spot close to the door and be ready when your zone is called.

During my flight on Spirit, we were slightly delayed, and there were a few words exchanged between passengers when someone assumed another passenger was breaking the line and had not paid for early boarding.

Read the fine print and all the details
Don’t skim over all the small print. Everything is there from fees to check-in time to luggage size and more. Why is this so important? Because some of the information can save you a ton of frustration, hassel and most important  – money!

Carry-on bag size and weight, and checked bags size and weight – Size does matter
Check your bag size before packing it and getting it ready for your flight. No need to try to slip by with an extra inch on your carry-on; the metal rack placed by the boarding gate is actually used by the airline to measure your bag.  And if your bag does not fit, it must be checked. Bring out your wallet, it will be a hefty fee.

Comfort vs. money saved – Aiming for the balance
With discount transportation, you must give up something to get something. And, a comfortable seat with extra legroom will be one of those things.
On my recent flight, I purchased the extra leg room and to be closer to the front of the plane. What I received was a bulkhead seat at the front of the airplane with no storage space in the overhead or under a seat in front of me; and absolutely no extra legroom.

The savings costs, especially on a short flight, is well worth the hour or two of discomfort. But, if you are purchasing any extra perks, ask questions, read carefully and choose wisely to make sure what you’re buying is really what you’ll get.

Upgrades, early boarding and selecting your own seat
To do either of these, you’ll pay fees. It may be worth it when traveling with family. If you are traveling alone and have a small carry-on bag and you’re not worried about overhead space being available when you reach your seat, you can go ahead and board your flight without the extras.

What’s the difference between budget airlines and “major or traditional” airlines – with all the fees & hassles, is it better to go with the major airlines
I advocate double checking when I hear the word, “deal.” Check the final costs against what you would pay to fly on one of the major airlines. Include your time, stress level and comfort into the calculation too. Sometimes you’ll find it is just a little more expensive to go with a major airline or it may be the same, especially if you book early and look for deals on the major carriers.

All in all, I know this article has a tone of being critical of budget airlines and unappreciative of opportunities I have to travel. And, there may be a little bitterness in my comments based on my recent experience. But, my real true feelings about travel is everyone should have an opportunity to get out and about to see and experience this big beautiful world we call home. And, budget airlines are there to provide transportation for all incomes, budgets and travel situations. This article is all about making sure you choose wisely and know what you’re purchasing and what you will experience. Knowledge is the best part of making sure you budget well and get what you really want.

Happy flying.