As we all know, flying anywhere, whether domestic or international, can get very expensive very quickly. Airline ticket prices have only increased in the past few years, and on top of that, most airlines make extra cash from all the hidden fees that always seem to come with airfares. That said, it's no surprise that many travelers are abandoning major airlines like Delta and American Airlines in favor of budget carriers like Spirit and Southwest. Budget airlines offer lower airfares than many of their competitors, which makes them seem like the best option. But there's actually a surprising problem with budget airlines that might make you reconsider using them.
When booking a flight, a quick search through platforms like Google Flights may make budget airlines appear to be the best deals: prices for the same time may be much lower, even from the airport closest to you Much more. Why don’t you pre-order something now that’s almost double the price? But here's the thing: Budget airlines don't always save you as much as you think. In fact, sometimes they may even cost you more money.
The main reason for this is that cheap air tickets almost always come with additional fees. Have you ever wondered why airfares are so much lower than those on major airlines? Because it contains nothing . With almost all budget airlines, if you want to select your seat before the flight, bring any luggage other than a carry-on (in some cases, you even have to pay for a carry-on), you have to pay an additional fee, and on Have a snack on the plane – This doesn’t cover all potential additional costs. So even if the ticket you purchase is relatively cheap, all of these additional fees (if you choose to choose them) will make the ticket more expensive and more compatible with legacy airlines.
Another reason budget airlines end up being more profitable than you think is ground transportation. Many budget airlines do not fly from major city airports, but from smaller airports further away from where you are. For example, TripSavvy notes that while flying to London from Heathrow or Gatwick is the easiest and most cost-effective way, “many low-cost airlines fly from Luton or Stansted, both of which None are more than 30 miles from central London. "You then have to pay for transport to airports further away, which can add to the cost. This is just one city example!
It's not about the money, if you're looking for a seamless, painless flight, budget airlines may not be worth it. As Traveler magazine writes, budget airlines have a reputation for flight delays, cancellations and poor customer service. They also don't typically offer the same amenities as the larger airlines, so the seats may be less comfortable, the TVs may be more outdated, and the food may not be as good.
Does this mean you should give up budget airlines for good? unnecessary. If you're on a short-haul flight, don't need to check a bag, have no problem giving up luxury, and are really cheap, budget airlines are totally worth it. But if you're flying long-haul, carrying a lot of luggage, and want more control over your experience, you'll probably choose a legacy airline - which will be more worth it in the end.
