Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences that anyone can have. It allows us to explore new places, meet different people, and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures. However, traveling comes at a cost and it can be expensive, which can also be a deterrent for those on a tight budget. However, don't let that discourage you from pursuing your wanderlust! There are ways to travel on a budget and still have a fulfilling and enjoyable trip. In this post I will explore low cost carriers as a way to help you budget for your next adventure.

Low-cost carriers are airlines that generally has lower fares and fewer comforts - no frills. To make up for revenue lost from the decreased in ticket prices, these airlines typically charge for extras like food, priority boarding, seat allocating, and baggage etc.

Low-cost airlines differ in service offerings, but they feature most of the following:

1. Standardized fleet (lower training, maintenance costs; purchasing aircraft in bulk)

2. Absent non-essential features (reclining seats, frequent flyer schemes)

3. Use of secondary airports for lower landing fees and marketing support

4. Avoidance of airports with high costs

5. Rapid turnaround (less time on the ground, more flights per day)

Low-cost carriers have been revolutionizing the airline industry in recent years, making air travel more accessible and affordable for people from all walks of life. However, some travelers are still hesitant to fly with low-cost airlines, fearing that they may compromise on safety, comfort, or customer service. Here is why you shouldn't rule out low-cost carriers when booking your next flight.

Low fare: One of the most significant benefits of flying with a low-cost carrier is the low fares. By cutting back on frills such as in-flight meals, seat selection, and checked baggage, low-cost airlines are able to offer significantly lower prices than traditional carriers. This can make air travel more affordable for travelers on a budget, allowing them to stretch their travel dollars further.

Convenience: Low-cost carriers often operate flights to secondary airports, which are less congested and may be closer to the traveler's final destination. This can save time and hassle when it comes to ground transportation, as well as reducing the risk of flight delays and cancellations due to air traffic congestion.

Safety: Low-cost airlines are subject to the same safety regulations as traditional airlines, and in many cases, they may even have a better safety record. In recent years, low-cost carriers have invested heavily in safety measures, training, and equipment, ensuring that their passengers are safe and secure during their flight.

Customer Service: While low-cost airlines may not offer the same level of in-flight service as traditional carriers, they often provide excellent customer service on the ground. This includes easy booking processes, responsive customer support, and clear communication throughout the travel experience.

Flexibility: Low-cost airlines often have more flexible booking policies than traditional carriers, allowing passengers to change their travel plans or cancel their flights with minimal fees. This can provide added peace of mind for travelers who may need to adjust their plans due to unforeseen circumstances.

In the United States has been a significant shift towards low-cost carriers in recent years. These airlines offer affordable flights to a wide range of destinations, making air travel more accessible to people from all walks of life. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top low-cost airlines in the US.

Southwest Airline: Founded in 1967, Southwest Airlines is one of the largest low-cost carriers in the world. The airline offers competitive pricing and has a reputation for being one of the most affordable airlines in the US. The airline operates in 103 destinations across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. One of the key reasons behind Southwest's success is its unique business model that focuses on point-to-point flights, which means passengers can fly directly to their destination without any layovers. Additionally, Southwest does not charge any fees for checked bags, making it an attractive option for travelers. Additionally, unlike most airlines, Southwest Airlines does not assign seats to its passengers. Instead, passengers are given a boarding position based on when they check in. This can be a bit intimidating for some travelers, but it also means that passengers have the freedom to choose their own seats and sit with their travel companions.

Using data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022, U.K. based travel analyst OAG ranks Southwest Airlines 7th most punctual airline in North America with the on-time-performance being 71.61%. According to the 2021 Airline Ratings safety rankings: Southwest Airlines: 7 out of 7 stars

JetBlue Airways: JetBlue Airways is a New York-based airline that was founded in 1998. The airline operates in over 100 destinations across the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. JetBlue is known for its comfortable seats and generous legroom, as well as its free in-flight entertainment and snacks. The airline also offers a loyalty program called TrueBlue, which allows passengers to earn points for every dollar spent on flights. Customer Service is one of the things that sets JetBlue Airlines apart from other airlines, the airline has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction surveys and has won numerous awards for its friendly and helpful staff. JetBlue Airlines' commitment to customer service is reflected in its amenities, such as free snacks and drinks, comfortable seats, and in-flight entertainment options.  Flight data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022 ranked JetBlue No. 9, with an on-time performance (OTP) of 63.90%. According to the 2021 Airline Ratings safety rankings: JetBlue: 6 out of 7 stars

Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is a Florida-based airline that was founded in 1980. The airline operates in over 75 destinations across the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Spirit is known for its low fares, which are often significantly lower than those offered by other airlines. However, the airline charges for carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and snacks. This is because Spirit Airlines operates on a no-frills model. This is welcomes by passengers who do not care to have the price of services and amenities they will not use included in their ticket price, and is seen as a great way to save money on air travel. Spirit Airlines has a rewards program called Free Spirit, which allows you to earn points for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. You can redeem your points for flights, seat upgrades, and more. If you're a frequent flyer, this rewards program can save you money on future flights.

According to the data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022, U.K. based travel analyst OAG ranks Spirit Airlines the 6th most punctual airline in North America with the on-time-performance being 73.18%. It was also, the highest ranked of the US based low-cost carriers featured in the post.

Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines is a Denver-based airline that was founded in 1994. The airline operates in over 100 destinations across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Frontier is known for its ultra-low fares, which often start at just $29 one way. However, the airline does charge for checked bags and other amenities such as seat selection and in-flight snacks. Flight data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022 ranked JetBlue No. 8, with an on-time performance (OTP) of 66.18%. According to the 2021 Airline Ratings safety rankings: Frontier Airlines: 6 out of 7 stars

Allegiant Air: Allegiant Air is a Nevada-based airline that was founded in 1997. The airline operates in over 125 destinations across the US. Allegiant is known for its low fares and its focus on vacation destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach. The airline also offers a range of vacation packages that include flights, hotel stays, and rental cars. 

Using data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022, U.K. based travel analyst OAG ranks Southwest Airlines 10th most punctual airline in North America with the on-time-performance being 63.22%. According to the 2021 Airline Ratings safety rankings: Allegiant Air: 6 out of 7 stars

Note 1. OAG’s definition of on-time performance is flights that arrive or depart within 15 minutes of their scheduled times. Cancellations are factored in and counted as late flights.

Note 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing aviation safety in the United States. All commercial airlines, including low-cost carriers, must meet the FAA's safety standards and regulations to operate in the United States.

Low-cost airlines have made air travel more accessible and affordable for people and offer significant benefits to travelers, including low fares, convenience, safety, customer service, and flexibility. While each airline has its own unique offerings, they all provide a budget-friendly way to travel to a wide range of destinations. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, low-cost airlines can help you get there without breaking the bank. By keeping an open mind and doing your research, you may find that flying with a low-cost carrier is the best option for your next trip.

I Think, Therefore, I am…not trying to break the bank.