The Truth About Budget Airlines: What You Should Know Before You Book

Budget airlines have made travel more accessible than ever — but they also come with surprises that can turn a $59 ticket into a $199 trip.

Before you hit “Book Now,” here’s everything you need to know.

1. What Makes Budget Airlines Different?

Budget airlines offer lower fares by removing extras:

• No free checked bags
• Limited seat selection
• Paid boarding priority
• Smaller seats
• No free snacks or drinks

You only pay for the seat — everything else is extra.

2. Pros of Flying Budget Airlines

✓ Amazing base prices
✓ Great for short trips
✓ Frequent flash sales
✓ Newer aircraft in many cases
✓ Good for spontaneous travelers

3. Cons of Budget Airlines

Be prepared for:

• Tight seats
• Strict baggage rules
• Lots of add-on fees
• Non-refundable tickets
• Fee for printing boarding passes (yes, really)

4. Hidden Fees Travelers Forget

Common charges include:

• Carry-on baggage
• Seat assignments
• Water and snacks
• Using a credit card to book
• Early or late airport check-in
• Boarding pass printing fee

A $50 flight can quickly triple.

5. How to Avoid Budget Airline Fees

Use these tricks:

✓ Bring only a personal item
✓ Check bag dimensions carefully
✓ Screenshot your boarding pass
✓ Eat before boarding
✓ Compare the “final” price, not the base fare

“A plane ticket is the answer. Who cares what the question is?”

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6. When Are Budget Airlines Worth It?

Budget airlines are great when:

• You’re flying short distances
• You don’t need a checked bag
• You’re flexible with timing
• You’re traveling solo

7. When to Avoid Budget Airlines

Avoid when:

• Traveling with kids
• You need flexibility
• You need multiple bags
• You’re flying long-distance

8. Compare Budget vs Major Airlines

Sometimes a major airline is only $20–$40 more — and includes bags, food, and comfort.

Compare both instantly using aviasales.

Real-Life Example

A traveler booked a $39 budget flight from LA to Vegas — but paid:

• $45 for carry-on
• $12 for seat selection
• $8 for water
• $20 for priority boarding

Total: $124, more than a major airline.

Budget airlines are great — but only if you know the rules.