7 Tips for Traveling with Low-Cost Airlines in Europe

If you travel around Europe, it might be a good idea to check out some of the low-cost airlines offers. Currently there are more than 10 low-cost companies operating flights within Europe, connecting as frequently as several times per day not only major cities but also smaller ones that are still of interest for tourists. So, why not to forget about traffic jams or full trains, save some time and some money and go for a low-cost airplane ticket? Here are some tips for making sure that you make the best of your travel with a low-cost airline.

Tip 1

Check how far is the airport from your destination town. Low-cost companies usually fly to and from secondary airports that tend to be also further away from the town than the main airport. This means that you might have to spend an additional hour traveling to your final destination.

Tip 2

Check carefully the arrival time of your flight. Low-cost flights are often very early in the morning or very late in the evening. In the latter case you have to take into consideration that the connection by public transport from the airport to the town might not be ensured in case your flight is delayed. A very early flight from an airport far from the town might also mean a sleepless night.

Tip 3

If you need a connecting flight, keep in mind that low-cost companies typically do NOT guarantee any connections. A good rule of thumb is to avoid connections altogether, but if you book a connecting flight try to have 4 hours between your flights.

Tip 4

When comparing prices, be sure to compare the final costs. This is sometimes tricky, as many low-cost companies add all kind of taxes and fees to the price initially shown. Such taxes and fees are often shown only in the very last step, right before confirming the payment. Typical hidden costs are airport and kerosene fees, luggage fee and transaction fee (an additional fee for paying by credit card but charged per passenger and per flight).

Tip 5

Check carefully the weight limit for the checked-in luggage. Each company has its own regulations, but usually they charge rather large amounts for each additional kilogram. When you pack your luggage before starting your travel, remember to leave also some space for your souvenirs.

Tip 6

Keep in mind that low-cost airlines offer food and drinks on board only for sale. If you are used to have a snack during the flight, you will have to pay for it. On most low-cost flights, only plain water is offered for free.

Tip 7

Finally, do not assume that a low-cost airline will have the cheapest price for the route and date that you desire. Typically, travelling with low-cost airlines costs indeed less than with classical airlines. However, this might change in case of late booking or on certain routes at certain times (such as around public holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year).

So, think of your priorities and plan your trip in advance to avoid stress, save some money and some time. Have a nice and enriching travel!