Are you looking to save money when flying with a low-cost airline but wondering if they’re really worth it? Let me share my experience and some tips for budget-friendly flying with low-cost carriers.
When we took a mini-retirement trip in September 2019, we booked some last-minute deals right before we left. Naturally, we turned to low-cost airlines since the other options were way too expensive. We aimed to find the cheapest plane tickets and chose a low-cost airline to cut costs. My years as a student gave me some experience with budget airlines, which came in handy. Hunting for the cheapest tickets or the best low-cost flight deals can be thrilling because you’re on the lookout for airfare that fits your plans perfectly.
In my experience, budget airlines are definitely worth it for saving both money and time. Often, premium airlines don’t have direct flights to your destination, forcing you to take more expensive and time-consuming indirect flights. Low-cost airlines usually offer cheaper flights and tickets.
For instance, I flew from Copenhagen to Los Angeles for $250 with Norwegian Airlines in January 2017. I also flew from Bogota to Cartagena for $40 and from Los Angeles to New Orleans for $80 with Spirit Airlines.
So, what’s the catch? How can these airlines offer such low prices, and how do you find the best deals that fit your budget? Well, budget airlines have their own ways of making money, which can be different from traditional airlines. They charge extra for almost everything, which can be frustrating if you’re not aware of it.
I always check the flight restrictions beforehand to ensure we’re getting the best balance between cost and convenience. This helps save money and ensures a stress-free journey to your holiday destination.