Travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to scoring a deal on a cheap flight. With budget carriers offering more routes around the world and websites like Jetradar, Skyscanner and Hipmunkmaking it easier than ever to compare the prices on offer, consumers are getting used to lower fares (and foregoing certain passenger services). But before you hit ‘buy now’, ask yourself a few simple questions to uncover the potential hidden costs before they mount up.
What is the real cost of this flight?
What is the real cost of this flight?
In the pursuit of a bargain, it’s easy to overlook or forget about the real costs of that flight. Consider some obvious pitfalls: is your return flight also a bargain? Does the quoted price include taxes? In your haste to click through, make sure you’re not opting in to pay for services you don’t need. For example, some low-cost carriers' websites require you to opt out of travel insurance (which you may already have covered by an annual or multi-trip package). There may be a few boxes to untick before you whip out your credit card.
Lower fares mean you’re not paying for inclusions offered by full-service airlines. Remember to print out your boarding pass before you travel or risk paying an additional fee for forgetfulness. Carefully check the names as well as travel dates; changing just one letter can be costly. If you’re really organised, pack something to eat or expect to pay airport or airline mark-up for meals (but finish your drinks before you go through security, or you'll lose your Evian to on-board liquid restrictions). Not all budget airlines allocate seats (although easyJet started doing so this year), so expect to queue for the privilege of being early to board if you want to guarantee cosying up to your travel companion.
