A travel expert has warned holidaymakers about the pitfalls of booking the cheapest flights. Ski Vertigo, a renowned travel specialist, has outlined key reasons why opting for the lowest-priced flight may not be the best decision.
It might seem like a good idea to save money on your airfare, but it could end up costing you more in the long run. According to Ski Vertigo, budget airlines often have a host of hidden charges that can take you by surprise.
A spokesman explained: “The initial price of a cheap flight often doesn’t reflect the full cost of your travel. Low-cost carriers typically charge extra for a variety of services that traditional airlines include in their ticket prices. These additional costs can quickly add up and sometimes exceed the price of the flight itself.”
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If you’re travelling with anything more than a backpack, you could find yourself paying a hefty fee for carry-on or checked-in luggage. Budget airlines may also charge extra for onboard food and drinks, seat selection, and even booking fees.
Budget airlines are known for their strict policies on refunds, cancellations and changes, which could end up costing you more if you need to make last-minute adjustments. Flights from these airlines often have inconvenient schedules, meaning you could find yourself stranded if there’s a cancellation and the airline doesn’t operate multiple daily flights.
Ski Vertigo also warn about poor customer service due to having fewer customer service agents, leading to longer hold times. They stated: “Having reliable customer service is crucial, especially when dealing with travel disruptions. Poor service can turn a minor inconvenience into a major hassle.”
It’s also important to consider the costs of transportation, as budget airlines often operate from secondary airports that are further away from city centres. Moreover, cheap flights often depart very early in the morning or late at night, leaving you with limited transport options. Ski Vertigo added: “Using secondary airports can offset any savings you might have made on the ticket price and add extra travel stress, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area or if transport options are limited.”
Finally, low-cost carriers are infamous for cramming seats together, with some planes even removing the recline option to fit in more seats. While this may be tolerable on a short flight, it could make stretching out or sleeping difficult on a long-haul journey. And while you’re struggling to rest, you can’t access in-flight entertainment to distract yourself either as it costs extra too.