Are budget airlines really low cost?

I’ve asked this question to a few holidaymakers and, no surprise to me, it gets mixed reactions.  The split between yes and no was around 50%, so the best answer I can give is….sometimes.

Confused?  Well don’t be.  I will try to explain below the positives and negatives of booking with a low cost airline, and hopefully will enable you to understand how the low cost airlines operate and how to grab yourself a bargain.

Yes, you can get cheap flight by booking with a low cost airline, but be careful, as they tend to add on non-compulsory extras such as insurance, carbon offset donations, in-flight meals and checked in baggage.  All of these can be removed so your flight will be as cheap as possible.

The flight is advertised for £4.99, why can’t I buy it for that price?

The OFT have taken a firm stance on airlines advertising stupidly low prices to attract customers – Read the Press Release here.

Many airlines were advertising prices that they could not honour such as fly from £1, but as you went through the flight booking, they would add on the compulsory charges such as airport tax, which you have to pay when flying.

Now a days, if they offer a flight for £30, they have to sell you the flight, including all airport taxes for that price.  (the fare will not include any optional extras such as checked in baggage, in-flight meals etc.)

I’m being charged for baggage, but surely everyone takes a suitcase on holiday?

This is a great annoyance, not just to me, but many travellers.  It is just another way for the airlines to advertise low prices, to appear cheap and to add on extras when you are booking the

flight.  You need a bag right, so your going to pay to add it on.

Does that mean I have to pay for a pushchair?

No, all airlines will allow you to take 1 pushchair or buggy per child.

Can I pay a deposit when booking with a low cost airline?

Unfortunately not, low cost airlines will take the full cost of the flight at the time of booking, but you can still pay considerably less than booking a charter flight and paying a deposit.

I’ve noticed that the price increases as you get closer to the departure date.

That’s correct.  Budget airlines start with an empty plane and price the seats at the cheapest possible price.  As seats are sold, the airlines slowly increase the prices of the flights, as they want to maximise profit.  As the seats gets less, they become more expensive as the demand is higher.  The trick is to book early when the airlines first release the flight routes, or when they have special offers if they are struggling to sell certain flights.

I need to change my flight, how much will it cost me?

This is where low cost airlines will make their money, in booking amendments.  Making a mistake when spelling a name can cost you hundreds.  Some airlines charge over £100 to change a name or even correct a spelling mistake, even if you paid less for the flight.

Changing your travel plans can also be costly.  Many airlines charge you an admin fee or around £40-£60 per person…..AND…..the increase in the cost of the flight price.  Which basically means, if you paid £100 for the flight you booked 3 months ago and the cost to book it today is £200, then you will have to pay the £100 difference, plus the admin fee to change your flight.

The majority of people find this ridiculous, as you are not booking another flight, so why should you be charged the extra when it’s the same flight? And by the way, if the flight price is cheaper, they won’t refund you either.

Why am I being charged to check-in for my flight?

Again, another way of the airlines saving money.  By having less staff at the airport checking people in, they can keep the price of the flights lower.  The only problem you may face, is if you do not have a printer or access to one, you will not be able to print off your boarding cards/tickets and will have to pay to check-in at the airport.  Make sure you are careful which option you select when booking your flight.

I have a debit card, but am being charged to use it.

When using your card to book the flight, the bank will charge the airline processing the payment around £0.30 – £0.70 per transaction for a debit card payment and around 1.5 – 2% for a credit card.  A few of the airlines will also try and capitalise on this by charging up to £10 per person for a debit card and over 5% for using a credit card.  See how easy it is for the low cost airlines to make money?

Where can I read reviews on the different airlines?

There are not many websites dedicated to specific reviews but the best one we have found is – airline reviews

To summarise You can get a cheap deal when booking with low cost airlines.

Book early to take advantage of special offers.

Try not to take too many checked in bags as you can normally take up to 10kgs as hand luggage.

Some airlines offer no card charges if you use a prepaid visa or mastercard.

Remember to read airline reviews so you know what to expect before you travel.

Make sure you spell each name correctly and make sure you can travel on the dates you have booked.

Eat at the airport, or take your own food on the plane, as there is nowhere else to eat once your at 35000 feet.

Happy Holidays - Chalky Chicken Nuggets

Pictures: Easyjet by eisenbahner / Ryanair by Andres Rueda