budget airline travel - why use it?

The emergence of budget airline travel now means you can find those cheap international flights and get to your destination for much less cost.  Budget airlines operate right around the world so whatever route you're taking, you should be able to find a low cost alternative. It is now even possible to fly right around the world simply by flying budget airlines.

However, you don't save a buck without giving anything up.  Nearly everyone has an opinion about flight cancellations, being left stranded, delays, uncomfortable seats and paying extra for food. The list and stereotypes go on and on.

This page will point out things that you should consider about budget airline travel.  As you may have experienced before, these factors are all designed to allow budget airline travel operators to profit.

Why use budget airline travel?

I've flown a long haul budget airline flight (9 hours from Melbourne to Bangkok by Jetstar) and countless flights between Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam by AirAsia. Although I have had my inconveniences, I still believe it's worth the savings. If I have the choice, I'll always save the money and take the budget airline flight.

However, budget airline travel is hit and miss. It's not for everyone and people will have their reasons why they prefer not to use it. Here are my personal reasons why I would rather save the money and travel via a budget airline.

Seats

Many people say the distance between each of the seats is smaller because budget airlines are looking to squeeze more seats on a plane. I have no idea whether this is true but it doesn't really matter to me because I'm short (I'm 5'3''/160cm tall). Taller people might want to reconsider but I guess you would still have the same problem on a normal airline carrier. It's up to you to weigh up the advantage of having an extra 5-10cm/2-3 inches in leg space.

Food

Budget airlines require you to pay extra if you want food. Even if food is provided, I don't eat much of it anyway.  I tend to lose my appetite when the meals start coming around (I think it's something about the way it is heated up and the smell associated with it).  Instead of buying food on the plane, you can buy it before you get to the airport. You can bring any food you like to eat and take fruits. However, you do need to be organised.

Depending on your destination and customs, you just need to make sure you eat all your food before you arrive!

Entertainment

Just like food, on a budget airline you need to pay extra if you want to have an entertainment set or headphones - if it is offered to begin with. Generally, I don't make use of the entertainment facilities even if it is provided. As much as possible, I try to sleep on the plane.  My attitude is why sleep at my destination when I can try to get some sleep on the plane. I can watch a movie back at home anytime. If I'm sleeping, I don't need that entertainment set or headphones. Regardless of this, I'm satisfied using my Ipod (just make sure it's charged). Because I have my Ipod, there isn't any need for the entertainment sets.

These are personal reasons so it's up to you to consider the costs v benefits of budget airline travel compared to a standard point A to B tickets or even the round world ticket.

Read more about:

• things to be wary of whilst flying budget airlines
• why budget airlines profit and are so successful

Return to cheap international flights