Features of Low Cost Airlines

Low cost airlines or budget airlines are airlines in which the company has done away with all of the luxuries of flying. The lack of luxuries, such as first class, lowers the overhead cost to the company and they are able to pass on the savings to the customers in the form of cheaper tickets.

• Airplanes are all one class. Most budget airlines do not have a business, first and economy class. The entire plane is available to any ticket holder and the ticket holders usually choose where they would like to sit.


• No assigned seating. Many budget airlines do not offer assigned seats. When you get to board the plane depends on when you checked in for your flight. Some airlines charge more to automatically check you into your flight to ensure you are able to select a good seat.


• Expect more charges. Although the price of the ticket was probably considerably cheaper than that of a major airline, expect to be charged more if you want luxuries such as food. Low cost airlines usually charge for snacks, baggage and in-flight entertainment.


• May fly to limited destinations. Budget airlines are generally used to fly short direct flights. There are trailblazers attempting to profit from a long haul budget flight, but the economics has not worked out thus far.


• Be careful of hidden charges. One criticism of budget airlines is that they often hide the extra taxes and fees until the customer is ready to purchase the ticket. Sometimes, the fares may seem lower until you check out. Be aware that extra charges may apply and read the fine print.