We can all sympathize with having to manipulate our budgets to get the most from a holiday. Whether it’s a family getaway, a city break or an extended vacation in the sun, getting the most for your money is of paramount importance. Hence why planning, well before your departure date, should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind if they wish to lower the cost of their vacation considerably.It’s been well documented that budget airlines have their shortcomings. Unlike some of the long haul airline companies such as Etihad, Emirates or Qantas, budget airlines have been battling to survive over the last 5 years and unfortunately have had to sink to new lows to help drive their profit margins.
But what should we be wary of when we consider booking with a budget airline?
1) Always check your checked baggage and hand baggage allowance
In 2012 there was a high-profile news story concerning Irish budget airline RyanAir who unceremoniously reduced its hand baggage allowance by 30% without releasing a press release. Thus, many unsuspecting passengers incurred extra charges on their flight tickets. The Telegraph then published an article in which Chief Executive Michael O’Leary was prompted to change this ruling after being so heavily scrutinized by the media and customers.
2) Children can cost you dearly
Some airlines allow children to fly for free if they are under the age of 24 months. However, to help increase profits, Parking4Less reported on their blog that many smaller airlines impose infant charges on unsuspecting parents, so be sure to research this when booking. The price for an infant can be inflated to that of an adult ticket price with some airlines.
3) Check for EU taxes
If you are traveling out of the EU, some smaller airlines have `a tendency to charge their passengers with EU261 legislation which the Guardian reports can add anything up to 6% onto an initial ticket price. If you visit the respective airline’s official website, they should make this clear whether they charge passengers or not.
4) Online checking and Seat Reservations
The convenience of being able to check-in online in today’s technologically advanced age is something we take for granted especially with bigger airlines. However, the privilege could well cost you with some budget airlines, as well as reserving your preferred seating option.
5) Be sure to print your own boarding card off
This may seem a little trivial but always make sure to print your boarding card/s off prior to arriving at the airport. In 1999 a leading smaller airline carrier began charging passengers for the privilege of printing their boarding cards for them. In one year they made approximately £20 million ($13 million) from the charges.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you save money when flying with budget airlines. If you have any other tips please impart your knowledge in our comments section below.
