Cheap Flights Guide: Money-Saving Ways to See the World – How to Beat Budget Airline Fees

Often with budget airlines, you are left believing you have found a bargain yet you’re completely oblivious to all those additional fees and extras that more premium airlines would offer as standard.

To keep the prices low these airlines ensure there are no fringe benefits, so sometimes they will allow only limited baggage, provide no complementary food or beverages during the flight or even sometimes charge for early check in. Before you know it, you have spent the same if not more than you would have if you had just gone with a slightly more expensive airline in the first place.

To stop you falling into the trap here are some tricks and tips, so you can beat budget airline fees in the future and make sure you get the best value for money when you make travel plans:

Check before you buy: If you are paying £30 for a flight then chances are that the flight is all you’re paying for, and none of the benefits we’ve listed above. If you’re happy to fly without the added extras, chances are you can play the system and get a return ticket for under £40. Just make sure to check that it includes airport fees and air passenger duty. Most of the time they do, but better to be safe than sorry.

Pack light: If you are going away for a long weekend and you can get away with just hand luggage, then do! Stow away luggage that is put in the hold can cost easily around £150 return each, can make your flight go from bargain to blowing your budget, but you can save money by booking hold luggage in advance. Book online and well in advance (so thinking ahead is key!)

To save all-round on luggage, pack hand-luggage only! Airlines allow for some sort of hand luggage, just make sure you check the size and weight restrictions as they all vary.

You can actually fit quite a lot in your hand luggage, it’s just about packing smart. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

• Don’t buy travel size toiletries: If you can avoid buying toiletries at all and use the complementary hotel products then do. But if you aren’t in that position then just find some empty bottles and fill them up with the products you need. There is no point spending over the odds on miniatures, everything you need you’ll already have.
• Buy lightweight luggage: No matter what hand luggage you are taking, make sure that it is lightweight. This means you can pack more without having to pay any extra. You would be surprised how much just the bag itself can weigh, so do your research and invest in one that you can use time and time again.
• Use packing cubes or smart storage: Make the most out of the space in your suitcase or holdall by using packing cubes. They’re relatively inexpensive and you’ll be surprised at how much more you can fit in!
• Soft cases are better: You tend to find you can pack more into these than hard luggage.
• Save room in case you buy anything: Too often we cram everything into our bag with the zip just about closing, without considering that we may buy things while we are away. This can create a bit of a dilemma especially if you only have hand luggage. So only pack what you really need.

Use comparison sites: Flight comparison sites come in so handy, especially when you want to really refine your search. Make sure you filter through results and include all the extras you want for the flight whether that is having hold luggage or being able to check in early. This way you can pay for everything up front, with no nasty surprises down the line.

Avoid check in fees: Normally you can check in online for free, but if you do forget in the whirlwind of holiday packing and organising then some budget airlines will charge you at the airport, which can be around £110 per person, per return.

What’s more, if you have remembered to check in but you forget your boarding pass, some airlines may charge you for another one. The best thing to do is to see if the airline has an app. Ryanair and EasyJet both do, and this means you can download your boarding pass ahead of time and have it on your mobile. Do be aware that this is only permitted at certain airports, so do try and have a printed copy in your hand luggage.

Travelling with a baby? Do your research: Budget airlines can expect a flat fee of around £80 per return to take a child under the age of two, even if they are just sitting on your lap. Long haul carriers may even charge a percentage of the adults’ fare before taxes, which can be even pricier.

So, make sure you do your research before you book. Compare with other airlines and find one where you are not paying the extra, even if that does mean paying a little more than you initially thought.

Budget is not always better: If you are off on a long-haul flight, you should also consider if a budget airline is better. The key is comfort otherwise you could have a miserable flight. Sometimes spending a little extra ensures you have a much more enjoyable journey. Not only this but by paying more upfront, you get more benefits and there are no hidden charges waiting for you at the airport. Often more premium airlines allow you a check in luggage allowance of around 15-20 kg, or they will provide you with a meal, and often you can select your seats prior to the flight to make sure you can sit with your family or friends and bag a window seat. These little extras make a big difference to a flight and you want your holiday to start on the right foot!

This being said there are times when budget airlines come in handy. For example, if you are after a cheap weekend away just the two of you, if you do not need loads of luggage and it is just a short journey, then why not go for a budget option. Just make sure you research before to ensure you get the most for your money!