Airline tickets are quite expensive. If you are on a budget, it will give you second thoughts about travelling. In an attempt to find a cheaper means, passengers may opt for low-cost carrier flights. Budget airlines operate differently from the major airlines. The significant difference is the super cheap air tickets. However, you will have to pay additional costs for some services like luggage handling and meals. In full-service airlines, the price of a ticket is inclusive of all services provided by the airline. 
When buying a low-cost carrier ticket, always compare the total cost of your flight with other major airlines. Sometimes the additional charges pile up making the ticket costly. To get the best deal, you need to carry out extensive research on the budget airline and know the possible outcomes. Let’s take a look at low-cost carrier flights and what to expect before you decide whether they are a good idea or not.
What You Should Expect with Budget Airlines
Low-cost airlines can afford to charge low prices because passengers are only paying for the flight. There are no extra perks! So don’t expect free meals or any form of entertainment. Even expedited check-ins attract additional charges. Their fare schemes are simple; for instance, the cost of a one-way ticket is half that of a round trip. However, the airfare increases as the plane fill up. Therefore, early birds get better deals. Here are some things to expect in popular low-cost airlines:
1. Food and Drinks Attract an Extra Charge
Full-service airlines offer free meals and beverages to passengers. The cost of the meals is included in the air ticket. Low-cost carriers exclude meals to reduce the cost of the ticket. Therefore, if you want some food, you will have to pay for it from your pocket. Food onboard is usually cheap. However, if you are saving every dime, you can bring snacks or takeaway meals onboard. Also, carry your beverage and water.
2. Carriers Use Secondary Airports
Most low-cost carriers fly in and out of secondary airports far from the major cities. While smaller airports save the airline money on landing fees, travellers may have to spend more on transport. Air travellers have to incur additional expenses to get to the airport. Also, when they reach their destination, they have to find a way to get to the hotel. However, this isn’t always the case; some budget airlines land in the main airports within the major cities.
3. You Will Have to Pay for Luggage
Budget airlines provide a small weight allowance (between 7 and 10 Kilogrammes) for hand luggage or sometimes none. Before buying a ticket, confirm the baggage allowance and pay for it in advance. Allowances at the gate are expensive. Checking in luggage at the airport requires an additional fee to offset the cost of handling and loading the luggage. Adherence to size and weight limits is vital if you wish to avoid incurring other expenses on excess baggage weight.
Tips on Buying a Ticket on Low-Cost Airlines
Book your ticket online to enjoy low prices and avoid add-on fees. Most low-cost airlines offer direct tickets and shun away from connecting tickets. However, a traveller can create a connection by purchasing two separate tickets. When a passenger links, the airline isn’t liable for a missed connection due to delayed inbound flight. However, you can still get compensation for disrupted low-cost carrier flights. The disruptions include delays, cancellation or denied boarding.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, GIVT can help you get compensation for the disruption and inconvenience caused.
