Cheap airfare is the number one way to save money when you're traveling. Often times you'll find that you can save up to 80% on standard prices by booking with a low cost airline. With RyanAir, EasyJet, Jet Blue and West Jet all competing with relatively the same business model, there are plenty to choose from wherever your journey takes you. With extreme savings comes a few limitations, and they can be pricey if you are not prepared in advance. Here are a few MUST KNOW tips before booking your $15 flights!
1. Boarding Passes and Early Check In
The policies vary according to airlines, but some of them require a physical print out of your boarding pass (not mobile) so they can mark whether or not it has been checked. If their check in time is a few days before you board, you don't want to find yourself on vacation trying to track down a printer without missing your flight, or paying a small fortune at the check in counter to have them do it for you. I know EasyJet allows you to check in and access your boarding pass 30 days before your flight, which adds to the convenience of being able to pre-print your boarding passes when you have a printer available to you. RyanAir, however, only allows you to check in two days before your flight, unless you pay extra for priority boarding and/or choosing your seat. Since the goal with utilizing these airlines is to fly for as cheaply as possible, you want to avoid spending money on all of the little extras they offer, as they can add up. Try to print your boarding pass at your hotel/hostel before you leave, just call ahead and make sure they have a printer!
2. Pack Light
Many of these airlines limit free baggage allowance to a single, reasonably sized carryon. While it isn't extremely expensive to check your bags, if you can pack using a backpack or a carry-on approved suitcase, you should take advantage of the free baggage. Be mindful of the sizes, you can find them heavily advertised on the airline's website. Also be mindful of the weight; I know Norwegian has a 10kg limit for carryon items to be free, and you don't want to have to unpack and wear four layers just to board the plane like I did...
3. The Gate Situation
Unlike major airlines, the low cost airlines will not provide gate information when you check in. They tend to be located in smaller airports, so It's likely that they don't have specified boarding sections or terminals. You will need to search for that information on the screens provided throughout the airport. Remember to keep checking, as the gates close shortly after they are posted and they typically do not reopen them!
4. In Flight Purchases
Many of these airlines don't do long-haul, international flights, with the exception of maybe WestJet, meaning their inventory of snacks, drinks, and other amenities may be lacking. Recently I flew RyanAir and tried to buy a drink, but I was told their credit card machines didn't take American cards, which I found surprising, but if you want to be sure that you can purchase something on your flight, always carry the common currency in the region you're flying.
5. Dress for the Tarmac
In many of these airports, you will walk out onto the tarmac and climb the stairs provided to board the aircraft. Several times I have found myself dressed for the comfort of the airplane, not the wind/rain outside, and I found myself drenched upon boarding. Don't be like me. If the weather isn't ideal, prepare yourself BEFORE you get in line to board. I'd recommend an umbrella, sunglasses, jackets, etc. Be prepared to spend 10-30 minutes outside boarding your flight.
6. Check the Regions of Your Travel
EasyJet and RyanAir both fly through most of Europe, WestJet is located in Canada and has ties to Europe as well, and JetBlue is predominately located in the Americas. It may be cheaper to book one way flights from region to region, rather than round-trip with another airline.
If you've flown these airlines or any others and think I've forgotten anything, please comment below and I'd be more than happy to add/edit information; you can never know too much. Safe travels!
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