These airlines are also forcing traditional airlines to find ways to be more efficient in their operations. How? Low-cost airlines find ways to make flying more affordable, like: 

• Offering a base fare ticket, with add-ons available 

• Providing plenty of ways for fliers to customize their trips 

• Giving travelers more control over their booking and flight experience 

• Offering membership programs and advance payment options 

In many ways, everyone wins when cheap flights are available. It’s important, however, to understand what you are and are not getting when you book cheap airline tickets. 

What you get when booking seats with low-cost airlines 

With most low-cost airlines, you’re basically just getting the seat you booked plus one personal item of carry-on luggage. A personal item could be a laptop bag or a backpack that fits under your seat. With some low-cost airlines, even a traditional carry-on stored overhead comes with an additional cost. 

With this system, you always know exactly what to expect from each of your flights. But most discount airlines aren’t interested in just selling cheap tickets. They happily provide extra comforts for a price. 

As you add things onto your order, the price climbs, but you have control over the total. If all you’re interested in is plane tickets, that’s all you need to get. If you want a meal, they’ll happily sell you that, too. 

What airlines are considered “low-cost”? 

Here are some of the most well-known budget airlines as well as some add-ons they provide. We’ll start with those based in the United States. 

Southwest Airlines 

Southwest Airlines is one of the largest low-cost carriers in the United States. Known for its no-change-fee policy and two free checked bags, Southwest focuses on domestic routes and offers a simplified fare structure. 

Spirit Airlines 

Spirit Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost carrier recognized for its à la carte pricing model. While its base fares are among the cheapest in the industry, passengers must pay extra for most services, including carry-on bags and selecting seat assignments. The airline sells a variety of snacks and beverages during the flight, but they also don’t object to passengers bringing their own refreshments if they’re looking to save. By paying for an annual membership, travelers can get even deeper discounts on their individual fares. Finally, Spirit offers a more traditional rewards program where customers earn points for future travel. 

Frontier Airlines 

Frontier Airlines is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier offering budget-friendly flights primarily across North America. Its business model emphasizes low fares with the option to purchase additional services such as baggage, seat selection, and in-flight refreshments. 

Norwegian Air 

Norwegian Air is a popular long-haul airline with shockingly inexpensive flights. Their website has a low-cost flight calendar that will help you find the right trip for you. Fliers can upgrade to better seats or cabins as they like. This airline is very flexible and offers several levels of luxury. They also have a traditional frequent flier program. Extras that Norwegian offers, for a fee, include connecting flights, checked baggage, headsets, and travel blankets. 

Ryanair 

Ryanair is a prominent European budget airline headquartered in Ireland. It is known for offering ultra-low base fares with additional fees for extras like seat selection, baggage, and priority boarding. Ryanair primarily serves short-haul routes across Europe. 

AirAsia

AirAsia is a leading low-cost airline in Asia, headquartered in Malaysia. It offers extensive regional coverage and international routes at budget prices. AirAsia is known for its frequent promotional fares and strong presence in Southeast Asia. 

Jetstar Airways 

Jetstar Airways is an Australian low-cost airline and a subsidiary of Qantas. It operates both domestic and international flights and is known for combining competitive pricing with optional extras tailored to traveler needs. Those extra options include blankets and neck pillows, early boarding, seat selection, etc. 

Wizz Air 

Wizz Air is a low-cost carrier based in Hungary, serving Central and Eastern Europe. It is known for aggressive pricing, a growing network, and a streamlined digital booking process that caters to budget-conscious travelers. You can add extras to your base fare ticket like WIZZ flex (for no-charge flight changes), early boarding, seat selection, larger carry-on baggage, and more. 

Typical low-cost airline customization options 

As you can see, airlines offer a variety of upgrade possibilities in addition to the base fare ticket, which typically only includes a seat on the flight and maybe an under-the-seat carry-on bag. But there are some general trends in add-ons that you can expect most low-cost airlines to offer. 

These include: 

• Upcharges for selecting specific seats 

• Food, including meals, snacks, and drinks 

• Travel insurance options 

• Comfort packs (like blankets and pillows) 

Tips for booking your next low-cost flight 

Before you book your next flight with a low-cost airline, make sure to check out a few general tips. Remember, these airlines allow you to customize your experience for additional fees, so make the most of it! 

Compare total costs, not just base fare 

Low-cost carriers offer very low base fares, but extras like baggage, seat selection, and airport check-in can add up quickly. Always calculate the total cost of your trip, including add-ons, before booking. 

Book early for the best prices 

Budget airlines usually offer their lowest fares months in advance. Prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so it’s usually best to book as early as possible. However, there are many ways to secure the best deal, including looking for last-minute price changes and booking flights in specific seasons. 

Be strategic with baggage 

If you're only traveling for a short trip, try to stick to the free carry-on allowance. If you do need checked baggage, it's almost always cheaper to book it online in advance rather than at the airport.  

Watch out for extra fees 

Fees can apply for printing boarding passes at the airport, choosing seats, or even paying with certain credit cards. Read the airline’s fee chart carefully so you’re not caught off guard. 

Travel light and smart 

Weigh and measure your bags before heading to the airport. Budget airlines strictly enforce size and weight limits and charge steep penalties for excess baggage. 

Watch out for fare drops and promotions 

Follow budget airlines on social media for promotions and set Price Alerts on Skyscanner to get notified when prices drop to your destination. 

Check the airport location 

Some low-cost carriers fly to secondary airports that are farther from the city center. Factor in the time and cost of transportation when planning your trip. 

Understand the airline’s policies 

Each low-cost airline has unique policies regarding cancellations, changes, and refunds. Knowing the rules beforehand can save you time, stress, and money later. 

Book low-cost air travel the smart way 

Now that you know the basics of low-cost air travel, it should be easier to book according to your needs. With the deep discounts provided by these companies, you are sure to find airline tickets that fit your budget. You can see the places you’ve always dreamed of, at the price and comfort level that work for you. 

Looking to save on your next trip by switching to a less expensive flight? Check out this guide to the cost of changing flights, broken down by airline.