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• The Budget Airline Basics: Beyond the Headline Price
• The Full-Fare Fliers: What You’re Paying For
• Bottom Line: The “Real Price” Check!
  

Hey there, fellow travelers and deal hunters! TripDeals Dan here, and today we’re tackling a question that pops up every single time you search for a flight: Should I go budget, or splurge on a full-fare airline?

If you follow my TikTok, you’ll definitely see me championing great deals with budget airlines! I’m a huge bargain hunter myself and have traveled extensively on low-cost carriers – snagging flights like Sydney to Osaka return for as little as AU$350 on Jetstar! However, my golden rule is this: the savings and the deal must always outweigh the disadvantages of flying budget versus full-fare.

It’s tempting to just grab that super-low price tag from the likes of Ryanair, AirAsia, Jetstar, or Scoot. Who doesn’t love a bargain? But the truth is, the cheapest headline price isn’t always the cheapest overall. You need to know what you’re getting into.

Let’s break down what I really look at when weighing up a budget airline ticket versus a full-fare option.

The Budget Airline Basics: Beyond the Headline Price

Budget airlines are masters of the “unbundled fare.” They give you a seat, and that’s often it. Everything else is an add-on. This is where you need to be a savvy detective!

1. Baggage Fees (The Big One!):

• What to check: This is almost always the biggest trap. Budget airlines charge for everything beyond a small personal item (like a backpack that fits under the seat). Checked bags, even carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin, will cost extra.
• Your action: Estimate your baggage needs. Will you check a bag? Will your carry-on fit their strict dimensions (often smaller than full-fare airlines)? Add these costs to the base fare before comparing. Sometimes a full-fare airline’s included baggage makes it cheaper overall. Always check the airlines fine print! Also, how much more is it to add luggage at the airpot as opposed to in the online booking process.

2. Seat Selection Fees:

• What to check: Want to sit with your travel buddy? Or snag a window seat? Expect to pay. Even random seat assignments can cost extra on some ultra-low-cost carriers.
• Your action: Decide if sitting together is worth the extra cost. If not, be prepared to be separated. Also, many airlines allow free seat selection once the Online Check-in has opened. So its worth noting if and when this becomes available.

3. Food & Drinks:

• What to check: Don’t expect complimentary snacks or drinks. Everything is pay-as-you-go.
• Your action: Factor in buying food at the airport or bringing your own (liquids bought after security, of course!). Some low cost airlines will offer discounts on their food during the booking process so give that a peak.

4. Airport Location:

• What to check: Many budget airlines fly into secondary, smaller airports that are further from the city center (e.g., Beauvais for Paris, Avalon for Melbourne). Also, budget airlines often use terminals farther away than the “main” airport, so factoring in extra travel time is crucial.
• Your action: Research the cost and time of transport from that airport to your final destination. A cheaper flight might mean a more expensive, longer transfer.

5. Flexibility & Changes:

• What to check: Budget airlines are notoriously strict. Changes, cancellations, or even name corrections often incur hefty fees.
• Your action: If your plans might change, a budget fare is riskier.

6. Customer Service:

• What to check: Don’t expect a lot of hand-holding. Customer service is often minimal, mostly online, and can be slow. Delays or cancellations on budget airlines can mean more self-advocacy.
• Your action: Be prepared to be self-sufficient if things go wrong.

7. Loyalty Programs

• What to check: Does the budget airline have a parent company or codeshare agreement that offers rewards on these seats? Many budget airlines are subsidiaries of larger, full-fare airlines. Keep in mind that budget airlines themselves often lack established loyalty programs.
• Your action: Specifically check if any bundles or higher fare classes offer points, even if it’s not immediately obvious.

The Full-Fare Fliers: What You’re Paying For

Traditional airlines (like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, United, etc.) offer a more “all-inclusive” experience, even if their base fare seems higher.

1. Included Baggage:

• What you get: Usually, a checked bag (or two) and a generous carry-on are included. However, in recent years, many full-fare airlines now offer tiered tickets where “all-inclusive” isn’t standard. When comparing to a budget airline, opt to compare with their ticket that includes enough essentials for a fair comparison.
• Your benefit: No surprise fees, simpler packing.

2. Seat Selection:

• What you get: Often included, at least for standard seats, or significantly cheaper for preferred seats. (just be sure your ticket includes
• Your benefit: Peace of mind knowing you’ll sit with your group.

3. In-Flight Service:

• What you get: Complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks (often including alcoholic beverages on international routes) and entertainment!
• Your benefit: No need to buy food, a more comfortable journey.

4. In-Flight Entertainment (IFE):

• What you get: Seat-back screens with movies, TV shows, and games.
• Your benefit: Keeps boredom at bay, especially on longer flights.

5. More Hub Airports & Better Connections:

• What you get: They generally fly into major international airports, often with better transport links and more direct routes. Better connectivity for connecting flights too.
• Your benefit: Less hassle, often faster journeys.

6. Flexibility:

• What you get: While still subject to fare rules, full-fare airlines sometimes offer more lenient change policies (though fees still apply for non-flexible tickets).
• Your benefit: A bit more wiggle room if plans shift.

7. Customer Service:

• What you get: Generally more robust customer support, both pre-flight and in case of disruptions.
• Your benefit: More assistance if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
  
  

TripDeals Dan’s Bottom Line: The “Real Price” Check!

My golden rule is this: Always calculate the “all-in” price.

1. Start with the base fare.
2. ADD all the fees you know you’ll need (checked bag, specific seat, etc.) for the budget airline.
3. THEN compare that total to the full-fare airline’s price.

You’ll often find that for shorter flights, especially if you’re traveling light, a budget airline can still be significantly cheaper. But for longer routes, or if you need to check a bag, that full-fare airline starts looking very competitive, or even becomes the cheaper option!

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal travel style, needs, and how much “comfort” you’re willing to pay for. But armed with this knowledge, you’ll always be able to sniff out the real best deal.

And remember, regardless of your fare class, always get travel insurance! Keep an eye out for updates on my blog post on great deals for Australian travelers, with more global options on the way soon!

Happy flying, and may your flights always be savvy!

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