Low-budget airlines give travelers the promise of inexpensive fares, and it seems that global escapades are possible for pennies with a few strokes of the keyboard. But while the introductory fare may seem highly reasonable, further investigation typically reveals additional charges which turn a bargain flight into an expensive one.
From bag charges to seat choice fees and expensive in-flight food, being aware of these additional costs will allow you to budget smarter and travel without surprise. Let us examine the hidden fees of the low-cost carriers closer and learn how to better avoid them.
Read more about: Top 25 Places to Go in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bag Fees: The Hidden Cost That Accumulates
One of the biggest ways budget airlines make up for cheap fares is that they will charge extra for bags. Full-service airlines do not usually charge for checked bags (or even carry-on bags) in their base fare.
How to Avoid It
1-Check the airline’s baggage policy: Check the airline’s baggage policy before booking. Certain airlines have strict weight policies, and additional payments at the airport can be extremely heavy on your wallet.
2- Lighten up: Opt for a carry-on bag and pack smartly. Utilize packing cubes and wear the bulkier items on the flight.
3-Pre-booking baggage: If you need to check a bag, purchasing baggage allowance at the time of booking is cheaper than purchasing it later.
4- Look out for deals: Certain low-cost airlines offer special deals with free baggage allowance—make sure you are aware of these opportunities.
Read more about the most famous event in France: Tour de France Highlights
2. Seat Selection Fees: Paying Extra for Comfort
In contrast to normal airlines, low-cost airlines charge you more to select a particular seat, e.g., an aisle seat, extra legroom, or just sitting next to your travel companion.
How to Avoid It:
- Accept the auto-assigned seat option: If you don’t mind where you sit, accept auto-assignment for free.
- Check in early: Certain airlines offer free seat choosing to passengers checking in online upon the window being first opened.
- Compare the benefits of additional legroom: If convenience is important, see if paying extra for extra legroom is worth it.
3. Food and Beverages: Pricey In-Air Purchasings
Unlike their full-service counterparts that provide free snacks and drinks, low-cost carriers even charge for a bottle of water.
How to Avoid It:
- Pack your own snacks: Carry light bites such as granola bars, nuts, or sandwiches to escape overpriced in-flight meals.
- Buy meal deals in advance: While some budget airlines enable travelers to pre-book meals at a low cost when booking the ticket.
4. Change Fees: An Expensive Blunder
Making last-minute changes to your flight details—whether it’s correcting a misspelled name or changing your departure date—can come with exorbitant fees on budget airlines.
How to Avoid It:
- Double-check your booking: Before finalizing your purchase, ensure all details—including spelling, dates, and destinations—are correct.
- Consider flexible fare options: Some budget airlines offer a slightly higher-priced ticket with free or discounted change options.
- Buy travel insurance: Some policies refund flight changes, protecting you from unexpected change fees.
5. Credit Card Fees: The Sneaky Checkout Fee
Some low-fare airlines add surcharges to book with certain payment methods, specifically credit cards. These fees won’t appear until checkout, adding to your final bill.
How to Avoid It:
- Use a debit or travel card: Most airlines charge a lower processing fee for debit card transactions.
- Check the final price before paying: Always view the entire breakdown of fees before final payment.
- Consider airline-branded credit cards: If you fly the same low-cost carrier frequently, their co-branded credit card will save you on processing fees and reward you with points to redeem for travel in the future.
6. Airport Fees: The Hidden Charges of Secondary Airports
Most low-cost carriers operate out of smaller, secondary airports instead of large international airports. Although this is cost-effective, it also means additional charges for passengers.
How to Avoid It:
- Look at overall travel costs: A cheaper flight to a distant airport may not be budget-friendly if airport transfers and transport charges are high.
- Compare other airports: Compare transport options and ease of access at all other accessible airports prior to booking.
7. Add-Ons and Upselling: The Marketing Trap
Low-cost airlines push extras—boarding priority to travel insurance—on booking aggressively. While some may prove useful, most are unnecessary.
How to Avoid It:
- Be aware of what you truly need: Take a moment and reflect before purchasing extras to determine if they actually enhance your journey.
- Skip VIP lounge access: Without an extended layover, lounge access is not worth the price.
Conclusion:
Last Thoughts: Are Low-Cost Airlines Really Cheap?
Low-cost airlines can be a bargain—when you’re prepared. Extra charges creep up on you and could make the budget fare more expensive than a full-service fare.
To maximize your travel experience:
- Always read the fine print before you book.
- Do not compare ticket prices but overall costs.
- Outsmart surprise fees by comparing baggage, seat selection, and payment policies.
