Budget-conscious travelers have more options than ever, with cheap flights available for trips both local and international. But saving money on airfare can cost you comfort and convenience – plus there’s the potential of hidden fees. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls of flying budget.
Photo © Getty Images / VladTeodor
Cheap flights haven’t disappeared in 2026 (in fact, some cheap fares/routes are growing)- but the budget airline industry is changing fast. Some low-cost carriers are pulling out of markets or trimming schedules, while others are doubling down on popular leisure routes. With aircraft availability, operating costs, and reliability now shaping which airlines can grow, today’s budget travel landscape looks very different from just a few years ago.
- The advantages and disadvantages of budget air travel
- How to avoid luggage fees and seat-selection charges
- Other hidden fees to be aware of
- Budget airlines prioritize smaller airports
- Prepare accordingly and your budget flight will pay off
The advantages and disadvantages of budget air travel
I’ve flown budget airlines for more than two decades. Though you won’t exactly be traveling in style, nothing beats an airline ticket for less than the cost of an upscale dinner.
Take the budget route and you’ll save money while flying on a relatively safe Airbus plane. Moreover, budget airlines also fly to more remote airports than the industry’s top dogs. However, the budget route isn’t without flaws.
Most budget airlines offer few, if any, amenities – often no more than a beverage (typically water) and a rare bag of chips or pretzels. Prepare for the bare-bones service ahead of time by adding a couple of packaged snacks to your carry-on bag, and you’ll find your trip is that much more enjoyable.
How to avoid luggage fees and seat-selection charges
Budget airlines generate much of their revenue through add-on fees—many of which travelers don’t notice until they’re already booking or checking in. While carrying on used to be the cheapest option, some low-cost carriers now charge for carry-ons as well as checked bags. The best way to avoid luggage fees today isn’t simply “pack light,” but to understand each airline’s baggage rules before you buy and choose the option that actually costs less for your trip.
If you do need to bring a bag, timing matters. Many airlines charge higher prices at the airport than online, so paying for baggage in advance can save money. In some cases, checking a bag during booking may even be cheaper than bringing a carry-on onboard.
Seat selection is another common add-on. Window seats, aisle seats, and seats closer to the front—or with extra legroom—often come with an additional charge. Unless a specific seat truly matters to you, skipping seat selection and accepting a randomly assigned seat is usually the more economical choice.
In short, avoiding additional charges are about knowing which extras are worth paying for and which ones quietly inflate the cost of a “cheap” ticket.
Other hidden fees to be aware of
Checking bags and midflight snacks/beverages are only two potential budget airline costs to be aware of. If you aren’t 100% sure you will follow through with your trip, consider paying extra for insurance that will allow you to do so. Fees are also applicable for changing a flight instead of outright cancelling it.
Some budget airlines even charge extra for those who don’t check in on the web before the flight. Checking in online before reaching the airport is much more efficient as it creates a convenient phone-based digital boarding pass. Wait to check in when you are at the airport, and you might end up paying an unnecessary fee including extra for a printed boarding pass.
There is also the potential to pay more for a budget airline ticket when booking a flight using a PayPal or a credit card. Read the fine print, and you’ll find that paying with some such options often adds a couple more dollars. The additional fee is attributable to the cost of doing business with PayPal, Mastercard, Visa, etc. Consider using a debit card to buy your budget flight; you might sidestep such fees.
Changing the details of your reservation can also spur an additional cost. For example, changing your name or other information on the flight ticket might trigger additional charges so be sure to check the entirety of your information before completing the reservation.
Now that we’ve detailed all the potential fees for flying a budget airline, it is time to do the math. Add up the fees detailed above, and you’ll find that paying for such extraneous items can equal the cost of a standard airline flight. But if you pick and choose only a couple high-priority amenities, you’ll find flying budget is much more economically efficient.
Budget airlines prioritize smaller airports
In my travels, I’ve found that many budget airlines capture market share by efficiently addressing the market's shortcomings. Plenty of the industry’s top airlines rarely frequent or completely ignore smaller airports simply because of the lack of demand.
Budget airlines have filled the small airport travel route niche, often bypassing the major airports to focus on those with fewer travelers. Avoiding the major airports helps reduce costs, yet this approach presents transit challenges for money-conscious flyers.
Be prepared to take a lengthy car, bus, or train ride into the city after arriving at a small, remote airport. Such transit costs money, meaning you’ll have to factor in the additional cost when booking your flight.
Every budget traveler should know some low-cost airlines don’t indicate where smaller airports are located, meaning the onus is on you to get directions, including transportation to and from the airport and your intended destination after arrival.
Prepare accordingly and your budget flight will pay off
I've found flying low-cost airlines is a massive net positive if you keep the trip cost within reason using a bare-bones approach, while factoring in the potential cost for transportation from a remote airport to your destination.
When in doubt, run the numbers. Compare the cost of a standard airline round trip to that of a budget airline with a couple amenities added in, and you’ll find low-cost airlines are significantly cheaper.
Editor’s note: One other potential downfall of budget airlines is bankruptcy (it does sometimes happen). Keep in mind your travel insurance policy may not offer coverage if your airline becomes insolvent.
No Comments