Looking to save money on flights? Budget airlines advertise fares up to 40% lower than traditional carriers. But when you factor in fees for baggage, seat selection, and other add-ons, costs can quickly climb. Meanwhile, traditional airlines charge higher upfront prices but often include more services.
Key Takeaways:
- Base Fares (2024): Budget airlines start at $90; traditional carriers average $250.
- Fees: Budget airlines charge extra for carry-ons, seat selection, and even boarding passes. Traditional airlines include many of these in the ticket price.
- Comfort & Services: Traditional carriers offer more legroom, free refreshments, and better delay handling. Budget airlines provide basic seating and fewer perks.
- When Budget Wins: Best for solo travelers, short trips, or light packers.
- When Traditional Wins: Ideal for long-haul, family trips, or business travel.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Budget Airlines | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | $90 (average) | $250 (average) |
| Carry-on Bag Fee | $30–$99 | Usually included |
| Checked Bag Fee | $30–$60 | $35–$40 |
| Seat Selection Fee | $10–$40 | Free to $30 |
| In-flight Meals | Purchase required | Often included |
| Entertainment | BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) | Seat-back screens |
| Flexibility | High fees for changes | More options, but fees may apply |
Bottom Line: Always calculate the total cost, including fees, before booking. Budget airlines work best for short, no-frills trips, while traditional carriers are better for comfort and flexibility.
Starting Ticket Prices
Price Gaps Between Airlines
Base fares differ greatly between budget and traditional airlines. Budget carriers typically offer fares starting around $90, while traditional airlines often begin at $250 [4]. However, nearly 30% of travelers end up paying extra when choosing budget options [1].
To stay competitive, traditional airlines like American Airlines and United now offer basic economy fares. While these fares often have restrictions similar to budget airlines, they still include perks like carry-on bags and soft drinks, even at the lowest price point [3].
Now, let’s look at what drives these price differences.
What Affects Ticket Prices
Several factors influence ticket prices:
| Factor | Impact on Price | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Time | Best deals are found 38 days before domestic flights and 101 days before international ones [5]. | 15-30% |
| Travel Days | Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday tends to cost less [5]. | 10-20% |
| Season | January and February typically have the lowest prices [5]. | 20-30% |
| Competition | Routes with multiple carriers often see lower fares [6]. | Up to 40% |
“Airfare is volatile. It’s not ever a singular price”, says Katy Nastro, spokesperson for Going [5].
“Flight prices are influenced by demand, competition, fuel costs, and seasonal trends” [5].
Sample Price Comparisons
When comparing popular U.S. routes, fare differences become clear. During off-peak seasons, budget airlines often offer fares 40-60% lower than traditional carriers [7]. However, last-minute fares on budget airlines can skyrocket to more than double the original price [1].
Here’s a snapshot of base fare comparisons from March 2024:
| Route Type | Budget Airline | Traditional Carrier | Initial Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-haul | $60-90 | $200-250 | Up to 70% |
| Mid-range | $90-150 | $250-350 | Up to 60% |
| Long-haul | $150-300 | $400-600 | Up to 50% |
Note: These prices exclude additional fees. The next section will explore how these fees can further impact your overall travel costs.
Extra Fees and Charges
Budget Airline Extra Fees
Budget airlines often rely on extra charges to boost their revenue. In 2021, ancillary fees made up about 15% of airline revenue [8]. For instance, Spirit Airlines may charge as much as $99 for a carry-on bag if you pay at the gate [9].
Here’s a breakdown of common fees you might encounter with budget airlines:
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag | $30 – $99 |
| Checked Bag | $30 – $60 |
| Seat Selection | $10 – $40 |
| Priority Boarding | $10 – $50 |
| Boarding Pass Print | $20 – $60 |
Standard Airline Extra Fees
Some standard airlines, like Southwest Airlines, still offer perks like two free checked bags. However, most major U.S. carriers charge $35 to $40 for checked luggage [10].
Here’s what you can generally expect from standard carriers:
- Free checked bag on international flights
- Free carry-on bags
- Fees for seat selection in basic economy
- Complimentary refreshments
- More flexible flight change options, though fees may apply
For a clearer side-by-side comparison, check out the fee chart below.
Fee Comparison Chart
Research reveals that 40% of travelers have encountered unexpected fees after booking flights [8]. The chart below highlights the key differences between budget and traditional airlines:
| Fee Category | Budget Airlines | Traditional Carriers |
|---|---|---|
| First Checked Bag | $30 – $60 | $35 – $40 |
| Carry-on Bag | $30 – $99 | Usually free |
| Seat Assignment | $10 – $40 | Free to $30 |
| Flight Changes | Up to $99 | $50 – $200 |
| In-flight Drinks | $3 – $8 | Usually free |
“Unlike a lot of other services, the airline industry was one of the last to unbundle its services. The consumer is now getting a choice of what they pay for. It’s in nobody’s interest for airlines to charge customers for services (like in flight meals or entertainment) that they don’t use.” – John Heimlich, chief economist of Airlines for America [13]
Planning ahead pays off. Travelers who researched fees in advance saved an average of $100 per trip [8]. With nearly 40% of travelers reporting unexpected charges [11], understanding airline fee policies is essential to avoid surprises.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Finding Your Total Flight Cost
To figure out your total flight cost, add up the base fare and any extra fees. In 2024, budget airlines advertised average base fares around $90, while traditional airlines typically started closer to $250 [1].
Here’s a quick look at the main cost components:
| Cost Component | Budget Airlines | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | $90 (average) | $250 (average) |
| Checked Bag | $55–100 (approx.) | $35–40 |
| Carry-on Bag | Fee may apply | Usually included |
| Seat Selection | $30–40 | Often included |
Keep in mind, these extra fees can quickly cancel out the savings you might expect from a budget airline. In some cases, they can even make the total cost higher than flying with a traditional carrier. Let’s dive into when that happens.
When Budget Airlines Cost More
Sometimes, those low advertised fares from budget airlines come with a catch. Almost 30% of travelers end up paying more when all the fees are factored in [1]. Here are some common situations where costs can spiral:
- Last-minute bookings: Prices can double if you’re booking close to your travel date.
- Traveling with family or during peak times: Fees for multiple checked bags, seat selection, or peak-season surcharges can quickly add up.
“The cost of flying really adds up when you start factoring in baggage fees, seat selection fees, and all the other extras that budget airlines love to charge.” – Valentine Mizzi [1]
For example, a $49 ticket can jump to over $150 once you add fees for checked bags and seat selection [1]. Studies show that for some budget airlines, nearly 50% of their revenue comes from these extra charges [1]. These hidden costs can have a huge impact on your final travel expenses.
Service Quality and Benefits
Flight Services and Comfort
According to research, 71% of passengers prioritize comfortable seating [14]. Here’s a quick comparison of what traditional and budget airlines typically offer:
| Service Feature | Traditional Airlines | Budget Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Offers more comfort and extra legroom | Basic seating with limited legroom |
| Meals | Often included, especially on long flights | Usually available for purchase |
| Entertainment | Seat-back screens with free options | Requires personal devices, with streaming available |
| Wi-Fi | Frequently included (quality may vary) | Typically available for a fee |
Interestingly, 65% of passengers say quality in-flight entertainment improves their travel experience [14]. Traditional airlines often provide built-in entertainment systems, while budget carriers rely on passengers to use their own devices. Now, let’s look at how airlines handle travel disruptions.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
Traditional airlines tend to handle delays more effectively by offering quick rebooking, meal vouchers for delays over three hours, and hotel accommodations for overnight disruptions. Budget airlines, however, often provide fewer options. For instance, Frontier Airlines does not offer complimentary hotel stays during such situations [15].
“Airlines are required to adhere to the promises that they make in their customer service plan, including commitments to care for customers in the event of controllable delays or cancellations. The Department will hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so.” – U.S. Department of Transportation [15]
While comfort and disruption management are important, frequent flyers often look at another factor: rewards programs.
Miles and Rewards Programs
When it comes to rewards, Alaska Airlines offers around 8¢ per dollar spent, while Delta and United provide approximately 5¢ per dollar [16]. Budget airlines, on the other hand, typically have fewer redemption options and lower rewards rates.
If you’re a frequent traveler, choose a rewards program that matches your needs. Traditional carriers often include perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, and even upgrade opportunities. These extras can make a big difference for regular flyers.
Budget Airlines vs Traditional Airlines: Comparing the Cost and Benefits
Choosing Your Airline
When deciding on an airline, it’s not just about ticket prices. Weighing factors like baggage policies, flexibility, and customer service can help you find the best fit for your travel plans.
Decision Checklist
Studies reveal that over 40% of passengers prioritize cost, yet nearly 30% end up paying unexpected fees [1]. Here’s a quick comparison to guide your choice:
| Factor | Budget Airlines | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Simple trips with minimal luggage | Complex itineraries and business travel |
| Baggage Policy | Strict limits with extra fees | More generous allowances |
| Flexibility | Limited changes, high fees | Better rebooking options |
| Route Network | Point-to-point flights | Hub-and-spoke system |
| Customer Service | Basic support | More comprehensive assistance |
Once you’ve reviewed these factors, use smart strategies to cut costs even further.
Money-Saving Tips
Here are a few proven ways to save money on flights:
- Book early: Purchasing tickets 3–4 months in advance can save you up to 30% [1].
- Beware of extra fees: For example, Ryanair charges €55 for airport check-in if you skip online check-in [12], and easyJet‘s seat selection fees range from $5 to $50 [9].
“Competition is the single biggest reason we see cheap flights. Budget carriers help put pressure on legacy carriers, which means better prices for travelers. Even if you never fly on a budget carrier, having them in the mix is great for our wallets.”
– Katy Nastro, travel expert and Going.com spokesperson [2]
Best Uses for Each Airline Type
Understanding the strengths of each airline type can help you make a smarter choice:
-
Budget Airlines Work Best For:
- Short-haul flights
- Solo travelers with little luggage
- Flexible travel dates
- Direct, point-to-point trips
-
Traditional Airlines Are Better For:
- Long-haul flights
- Business travelers
- Family trips requiring extra baggage
- Multi-leg journeys with connections
Keep in mind, about 65% of travelers prefer airlines with clear pricing structures [1]. However, budget airlines often lack partnerships, meaning missed connections require you to arrange alternatives on your own [17].
“People often think budget airlines equate to cheap in a bad sense, when in fact, the phrase ‘Low-Cost Carrier’ (its industry term) refers to how the carrier operates to keep costs down for both you and the business.”
– Katy Nastro, Going.com spokesperson [2]
Conclusion
Main Points Review
In 2024, budget airlines accounted for 35% of international travel bookings [19]. While they promote lower base fares, additional fees can increase overall costs by as much as 40% [18]. On the other hand, traditional airlines typically offer higher upfront fares but include more services.
Here’s a quick look at the cost comparison:
| Cost Factor | Budget Airlines | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | Lower | Higher |
| Hidden Fees | Can offset savings [18] | Most services included |
| Service Quality | Basic | More extensive |
| Booking Flexibility | Limited | Greater options |
These differences highlight the importance of weighing your options when planning your next trip.
Booking Tips Summary
Keep these booking strategies in mind to make the most of your travel budget:
- Timing matters: Book domestic flights 1–3 months in advance and international flights 2–8 months ahead [21].
- Compare total costs: Always factor in fees when comparing fares.
- Explore basic economy: Traditional airlines may offer competitive basic economy options [3].
- Watch price trends: Fares can increase by $100–$200 after the initial price point [20].
Your choice should align with your travel needs. While 50% of travelers prioritize price, 76% report feeling more comfortable with established carriers [19]. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save you the hassle of unexpected fees and limited services.
“People often think budget airlines equate to cheap in a bad sense, when in fact, the phrase ‘Low-Cost Carrier’ (its industry term) refers to how the carrier operates to keep costs down for both you and the business.”
– Katy Nastro, Going.com spokesperson [2]
