Is it worth flying with ultra low cost airlines?

The complete guide to avoid being robbed!

Is it really worth flying on low cost airlines? The answer is: it depends. Be very careful when buying the ticket and do the math. Defining airline tickets is a very important step when plan a vacation trip, about what I've written a lot here on the blog.

I've flown a lot of low cost around this planet, in Asia, Europe, USA and Latin America. I always arrived relatively safely at my destination, after all I'm still alive today, but not without going through some trouble (literally and figuratively) and asking myself why I had chosen that flight.

After the last experiences, flying WIZZ (part of our 20 day trip through the Balkans) and Ryanair (to arrive in the Azores, in this sensational one-week itinerary), I thought it was time to put down on paper a summary of everything you need to see, with that cold, rational calculation that disappears when we come across the prices of these companies, before buying any of these low cost tickets.

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What are the main low cost companies currently?

Europe:

1. Ryanair
2. EasyJet
3. Wizz Air
4. Vueling
5. Eurowings

Asia Pacific:

1. AirAsia
2. Jetstar Airways
3. IndiGo
4. Scoot
5. Cebu Pacific

Americas:

1. Southwest Airlines (USA)
2. Spirit Airlines (USA)
3. JetBlue Airways (USA)
4. Volaris (Mexico)
5. Interjet (Mexico)

Middle East:

1. Air Arabia
2. Flydubai
3. Jazeera Airways
4. flynas

Of these, I have had experience with WIZZ Air, Ryanair, Jetblue, AirAsia, and the bankrupt VivaAir (Colombian).

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(Apparently) unbeatable prices

Yes, these low cost companies have really good prices, extremely competitive rates.

The excerpt we took in our 3 week trip through the Balkans it was Milan – Belgrade, which cost €40,00 each way.

This is quite a high price for these internal flights in Europe: it is possible to find direct flights between European airports from €35 RETURN, with luck even less than that. Check out this search I did quickly on Google Flights, the tickets are really cheap:

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My heart beats faster when we see these prices: this is it, no one can stop me!

HOWEVER, be very calm, careful and calm at this point, as there are other factors that you should take into consideration before clicking “buy”.

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Check the airports

Many of these companies use secondary airports as a strategy to reduce ticket costs. – these airports typically have fewer flights, less infrastructure and charge lower fees.

Take a good look at the search screen I posted above, the first Ryanair flight leaves BGY airport and lands in BVA. The ticket is sold as Milan – Paris, but in fact BGY airport is in Bergamo and BVA is in Beauvais.

Bergamo is 60km from Milan and 90km from Malpensa, the city's main international airport, and by public transport (train and metro) it takes about 2 hours. The direct bus that connects the airports costs €20.

From Beauvais to Charles De Gaulle airport, the main airport in the French capital, it is 80 km, that is, 2 to 4 hours by train and metro, depending on the day of the week and time of day. The bus that connects the two airports costs €40.

Therefore, make sure that the departure and arrival airports are suitable for you, and do the math: in the screenshot I posted above, the €67 flight (still an excellent price) is between MPX (Malpensa) and ORY (Orly , not the second largest airport in Paris, in a super central region of the city) – if you intend to visit these two cities, even though it is practically double the price, this flight is much more worth it.

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Timetables

To keep costs low, many low cost flights are operated in times of lower demand at airports.

So get ready for mid-morning check-ins, to land when public transport has already closed its activities for the day, to do immigration with huge queues at just one open counter, to closed shops and restaurants and all the other hassles associated with alternative travel times.

If you face these small inconveniences, let's continue reading to see if it's really worth flying low cost.

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Extra fees

It is known that low cost companies charge extra for everything.

What is included in the fare is only transportation from point A to B, anything else you want must be paid separately.

Eg

• only a carry-on
• checked bag
• seat choice
• check-in at the airport counter (in person or by totem)
• any on-board service

Usually These tickets do not include ANY baggage. Pay close attention to this. No hand luggage, nor dispatched. The only one normally included is the personal item, which would be equivalent to a women's purse, wallet or school-sized backpack.

Just take a look at the price list for this Ryanair flight: the return fare between London and Prague is £30,63, but if you want to take a hand bag weighing up to 10kg, it's an additional £21,43 per flight , meaning the total cost of the ticket will be £73,49.

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So be very smart before you buy, and do the math carefully to decide if it's really worth flying low cost.

Compare with other flight options, including traditional airlines. Take into account the cost of going to and from the airport (if they are different airports) and the time involved.

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Check-in

I've always checked in via the app or online, so I can't evaluate the service at the companies' counters and customer service totems.

I recommend that you too check in electronically, because they will charge you for asking for information… better not to risk it.

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Changes and cancellations

Those low cost fares do not allow any type of change and do not provide any refunds, unless at the time of purchase you have paid the extra for that service.

Look again at the Ryanair table I linked above, a return ticket costs £30,63, to have the option to rebook there will be an additional cost of £73,43 each way – unless you really need something else benefit that this extra fee gives you, it makes no sense to buy the ticket that allows changes.

The tip then is to only buy the ticket when you are absolutely sure that you will take that flight, on that exact date, and know that if something happens, it will be money thrown in the trash.

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When it's time to fly

Needless to say, when boarding, it's a good idea to bring your snack, your water bottle duly filled after going through security controls, and a lot of patience and good will.

Yes, good will because the interior of the planes is, to say the least, poor.

To get an idea, WizzAir and Ryanair seats do not recline. No seats recline. The space between the seats is absolutely reduced. I, who am tall, suffer.

For short trips, I think it's worth it. You take a deep breath and try to forget about looking on the bright side: you researched, did the math and this really was the best value for money.

Don't expect comfort, don't expect service, don't expect anything.

Go with expectations as low as possible, because in the end you will feel better, after all you arrived at your destination alive and that is what matters.

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My opinion – is it worth flying ultra low cost?

In summary, flying with ultra-low cost airlines is a worthwhile option in many circumstances, but it is important to pay full attention when purchasing the ticket and be prepared when flying.

When considering flying with a low-cost airline, it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages, as well as understand each company's specific policies. With careful planning, you can enjoy an affordable and rewarding travel experience. Bon voyage! 🛫✈️

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Before going on a trip, be sure to have the you cell phone ready!I have been using AIRALO virtual chip – if you want to test it, on your first purchase use the coupon DANAE2375, you'll you get $3 off (and so do I 🍻)

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