Booking a low-cost flight seems like a great money saver, but there’s a reason why they’re so cheap. There are many trade-offs and hidden costs involved in each low-cost flight, and here are five factors worth considering before buying your ticket.
Baggage Fees
Low-cost airlines have a very strict baggage policy, and you should understand how much luggage you’re allowed to bring for free before booking your flight.
Airport Location
Low-cost carriers often fly into secondary airports located further from your final destination. It’s important to consider the time and money required to get there before finalizing your booking.
Flight Schedule
Low-cost flights tend to take place at odd hours, and you’ll often be at your destination too early or too late. Flying early shouldn’t be a problem, as long as you have somewhere to leave your luggage before check-in, but flying late is usually a waste of money.
Overall Comfort
Airplanes on low-cost flights usually offer less legroom and aren’t extremely comfortable, and that’s worth keeping in consideration when embarking on a long-haul flight.
Flight Length & Layovers
Low-cost airlines are a good pick for short flights, but lack of comfort and amenities can become a problem when you’re flying for longer than 2-3 hours. Short layovers can also be tricky because delays are pretty common with low-cost carriers.