You might have noticed that new airlines are at the top results when you searched for international flights in the last year. These airlines offer international flights for just a fraction the price of full-service traditional airlines.
Welcome to the new generation of low cost carriers. Norse Atlantic Airways (Norse Atlantic Airways), Play, French bee, and Zipair, among others, are flying long-haul to Europe and Asia from the U.S.
Online reviews may give you enough nightmares to make you think twice about a six-hour flight (or even longer) across the ocean. These low-cost carriers may be the best option for you, depending on your trip type and the traveler.
The cost is hard to dispute
Cheap airfares are the first thing that would make anyone consider using these airlines. The endless fees that low-cost carriers charge for food, drinks, and seat selection have given them a bad name. Even with these extra charges, the low-cost airlines may be cheaper than other options.
Brett Bernstein and his wife, who are the founders of Gatsby.ai in San Diego (an ambassador marketing software firm), were looking for flights to return from Paris, where they had spent their honeymoon last December. They chose to fly French Bee because they were able to save about one-third of the cost of other airlines.
Bernstein’s one-way ticket cost $400 plus change. When I looked to book a flight with a different carrier, the price was around $1,500 per person. ”
He was surprised. French Bee flies from Paris-Orly Airport. It is a smaller, older airport than Charles de Gaulle Airport but was quicker and easier to reach.
Seatback screens were crammed with entertainment and the seat was as large as most airline seats. Bernstein purchased a ticket that covered a carry on, a checked bag and a meal. The flight’s most notable feature was its lack of any kind of excitement.
Bernstein: “Flying is a commodity.” Once you get there, it doesn’t matter how you arrived as long as you are comfortable and safe.
All low-cost carriers must meet the same safety standards
Bernstein had done enough research to ensure that the low-cost airline he was flying with would be safe. It’s important to note that low-cost carriers do not compromise on safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration makes sure that international carriers flying to the U.S. meet international safety standards.
Katy Nastro is a spokesperson from Going.com.com, an online travel deal website. She also noted that low-cost carriers tend to have planes which are newer and equipped with the latest technology, as they either lease or purchase new aircraft.
Nastro claims that these planes are more comfortable than the jets of legacy carriers that have been in service for over 20 years and that were retrofitted.
Booking and flying on a budget airline
You should still know what you are paying for. You might not receive the same level of service on newer aircraft, especially in business class. These are some things to remember:
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Book only when you are sure you will take your flight.
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For greater reliability, look for low-cost airlines that have airline partners. If you are booking with a low-cost carrier that is a subsidiary of a more established airline, they will likely share the same level of customer service. You’ll want to make sure that the airline you choose has codeshare agreements with other airlines to assist you in rebooking if your flight is cancelled.
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Avoid fees. When comparing airline prices, make sure to include all add-on charges, including those for bags and seats.
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Check the rules. Many low-cost carriers have stricter restrictions on luggage size or the check-in time. If you are late checking in, your bag may cost more or you will not be allowed to fly.
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You should bring your own entertainment and food. You might not receive Wi-Fi, seatback screens or free drinks and snacks depending on your airline.
What does low-cost airline travel mean for international travel ?
Low-cost airline proliferation is predicted to increase. Fly Atlantic from Belfast is expected to offer low-cost flights across the Atlantic in 2024. According to Contrive Datum Insights’ market research, the global low-cost airlines market will reach over $302 billion dollars by 2030.
More low-cost carriers are good for all consumers.
Nastro: “People hate budget airlines but they are the ones who make it possible for us to get low-cost airfares in general.” More competition puts more pressure on legacy airlines. ”