Budget Airlines, Are They Worth It?
Airline prices are constantly fluctuating, so finding an airline that has the lowest prices can be tricky. Budget airlines are always an option, but are they worth it? Keep reading to find out all of the pros and cons of flying with a budget airline.
Frequency of Flying
If you find yourself flying more frequently than others, budget airlines might not be the best option for you. For example, if you are moving from Arizona to Virginia, and are continually looking for Arlington houses for sale, budget airlines will probably not satisfy you. Sure, they can be cheaper, which would save you money, but they rarely fly to and from the same destinations, leaving you constantly trying to find the next flight. However, if you are only looking to fly somewhere once, like your family trip to Orlando, hopping on a Spirit flight for cheap is an excellent alternative to spending $3000 on flights alone.
Safety
The number one question that comes up about budget airlines is asking about their safety. Budget airlines are not any less safe than any other airline. Some airlines have had their fair share of accidents, but they are not any less or more likely to crash or have an accident than any other airline. Picking out a budget airline is all about how comfortable you are with who you are flying with, so if you have a bad feeling about that $20 flight from New York to California, you may want to look into the airline before you pack that suitcase.
Perks and Losses
The main difference between budget airlines and fancier airlines, other than the pricing, are the different amenities that come with the flight. For example, if you fly Southwest, you get to pick your seat, you get free Wi-Fi, pretzels, peanuts, crackers, and drinks. However, if you were to fly a lower-cost carrier, chances are you would have a bumpier ride and sit between two people who take up your armrest. If you can live without certain flying perks, budget airlines can be worth it.
Stressors
There are plenty of nervous fliers out there in the world, and if you are one, that is perfectly okay, but you may not want to fly a budget airline on your first trip. While seemingly there is nothing wrong with them, the “fancier” airlines tend to do a better job taking care of their customers and handling certain situations, so anyone who feels they need a little more personal care while flying should try to stay away from budget airlines.
Pricing
Overall, the one thing that draws people into budget airlines and keeps the airlines alive are the prices for flights. Just like any other airline, budget airlines have prices that are constantly fluctuating, so you have to keep your eyes open for good deals, but you likely will be paying way less than any other airline.
All in all, budget airlines can definitely be worth it.
