In short
The base fare of a budget airline usually covers only a small bag under the seat. Cabin bags, checked luggage, seat choice and airport check-in often cost extra, so compare the total with the bags you really need.
Low-cost carriers lower the headline price by charging separately for things other airlines include. That is fine if you travel light, and expensive if you do not.
What is often extra
- Cabin bag (the trolley in the overhead bin)
- Checked luggage
- Seat selection, especially next to your group
- Airport check-in instead of online check-in
- Payment fees and priority boarding
How to compare fairly
- Decide which bags you need before you compare.
- Add the bag price to the base fare for the low-cost airline.
- Compare with a full-service airline that includes a bag.
- Check the transfer cost to the airport: low-cost airlines often use more distant airports.
🎒usually includedSmall bag
🧳often extraCabin trolley
📦extraChecked bag
💺extraSeat choice
Questions
Is a budget airline always cheaper? Not once you add bags and a long airport transfer.
Where do I see the final price? On the last booking page. Our prices show the fare as listed, so check bag rules before you pay.
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