Budget airline survival guide: Avoid fees and enjoy your flight
I will come right out and say it: Ultra-low-cost airlines have gotten a bad rap.
Yes, you have to pay for a cup of water and overhead bin space for your carry-on bag, but if you know what to expect with a budget airline and plan accordingly, you can travel all over the U.S. — and even to a few international destinations — without busting your vacation budget.
Flying with a low-cost carrier can be as enjoyable as it is affordable ... as long as you know these seven important tips.
Know what to expect at booking and on board
If you book a base ticket with an ultra-low-cost airline, you are booking a seat on the aircraft (including space under the seat in front of you for your personal item) and nothing else. Add-ons like water or soda, snacks, Wi-Fi, printed boarding passes and seat selection are not included in the cost of your ticket.
View this post on Instagram
You can pay an additional fee for drinks and snacks, inflight Wi-Fi, checked and carry-on baggage and the option to choose your own seat. However, those fees can add up quickly. For example, bringing a checked or carry-on bag can add nearly $80 to your ticket's cost each way, negating the point of purchasing a low-cost ticket.
Related: Hoping for a federal crackdown on airline seat size? Don’t hold your breath
You will have roughly one or two fewer inches of legroom than the industry average of 30 inches. Depending on the carrier and aircraft, you may be surprised that your seat doesn't have a seatback pocket or full-size tray table. Economy seats aren't exactly known for being as comfortable as your favorite recliner at home, and truthfully, seats on low-cost airlines don't feel much different from a seat on any other airline.
None of these details should discourage you from booking with a budget airline; you just want to be prepared with everything you need for a comfortable flight before you step on board.
Pack everything in a personal item
There is only one way to avoid baggage fees on ultra-low-cost airlines: Pack everything into an appropriately sized personal item bag. A personal item is a small bag — like a purse, briefcase, duffel bag, small backpack or small hard-sided suitcase — that can slide all the way under the seat in front of you.
Most budget airlines require that your personal item not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches (including handles and wheels). If you bring a bag larger than that, you may be required to pay for your bag at the gate, and the fee will be higher than if you had prepaid.
Related: Travel gear and packing tips to help you avoid rising checked bag fees
Whether the gate agents actually check the size of your bag depends on the airport and the day. Some agents are better about checking bag dimensions than others, but they can verify the size of your bag at any time, so it's not worth risking it.
Some hacks, such as putting some of your items in a stuffable neck pillow like the DreamShore Stuffable Travel Pillow for $19.99 (normally $35.99), can help you save space. However, the gate agent may count it as a second item, in which case you would need to be able to stuff it inside your bag. So, make sure you don't stuff it too full.
Related: I canceled my first-class ticket home for a Spirit Airlines flight with $3 Wi-Fi — and loved it
Regarding which bags are best, the Take Off Luggage Personal Item Suitcase for $99.99 (normally $119.99) is a space-saving, hard-sided suitcase with removable wheels designed to fit under your seat. For a soft-sided option, you can search for "Spirit Airlines personal item bag" on Amazon to find several options in different shapes and sizes that meet the size requirements.
You can do a few things to ensure everything fits in such a small bag:
- Only bring the shoes you wear on the plane, if possible. Shoes can take up a lot of room in your bag.
- Wear your bulkiest clothing items (like a hat, sweater or jacket) on the plane.
- Do laundry at your destination so you can pack less.
- Don't bring a hair dryer if there will be one at your hotel.
Bring a water bottle and snacks
Depending on the length of your flight, you may be able to get by without a drink or snack. Air travel can be dehydrating, though, and sometimes a little snack can cure an upset stomach caused by turbulence, so we think it is best to always have food and a drink on hand.
Related: Airline 'snackdown:' Who has the best free snacks in the sky?
To save money on drinks, bring a water bottle from home and fill it at one of the bottle-filling stations after you pass through airport security. You can pack a few snacks like protein bars, chips or crackers in your personal item bag. You can even pack an entire meal if it'll fit in your bag.
Bring your own entertainment
Not all ultra-low-cost carriers offer inflight Wi-Fi. For example, Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines and Frontier Airlines do not offer inflight Wi-Fi or entertainment. Spirit Airlines does offer Wi-Fi, though it'll cost $3.99 for basic Wi-Fi and $6.99 for streaming-quality Wi-Fi.
If you are stuck on a flight without Wi-Fi or want to opt out of add-on fees for inflight internet, download entertainment options before your flight. You can download books, games, movies, podcasts or music to your smartphone or bring a good old-fashioned book or magazine.
Charge your devices and pack an external battery
If you want to use your phone as an entertainment source during your flight, ensure it is fully charged before you board. Budget carriers do not offer USB or standard outlets at your seat, and books and movies can drain your battery quickly.
In addition to bringing a fully charged device on board, it's also smart to bring a portable charger that can help keep your device at 100% when you land. Whether or not you use your phone on board, you will probably need it after your flight to pick up your rental car or call a ride-hailing service.
Join the airline's loyalty program
If you want to check bags or select seats, you can do so by joining an airline's loyalty program. Each one works a bit differently, but once you spend enough with a given airline, you will reach an elite status level that comes with certain perks.
For example, Spirit's Free Spirit program is free to join and allows you to earn points for every dollar spent with the airline. Once you earn 2,000 status qualifying points, you will earn Free Spirit Silver status; it comes with free add-ons like complimentary exit row seat assignments and shortcut boarding. You can reach Free Spirit Gold status after earning 5,000 SQPs; it comes with additional perks, including one free checked and carry-on bag, free seat selection at booking and a free inflight snack and beverage.
The Frontier Miles program works similarly to Spirit's. The four status levels are Elite Silver, Elite Gold, Elite Platinum and Elite Diamond. Each comes with its own set of perks like free seat selection, priority boarding and free bags, based on how much you spend with the airline.
Allegiant's Allways Rewards program is even simpler to use. Once you join, you earn points for every dollar spent and can redeem them at a rate of 100 points per dollar for flights and add-ons.
Have the right credit cards
If you fly ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit or Frontier often, you may benefit from signing up for one of their cobranded credit cards to earn annual flight vouchers and elite qualifying miles.
But that isn't the only way to make your budget flight experience feel more luxurious. If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can use the card's up to $200 airline fee credit toward add-ons with several airlines, including Spirit. You have until Jan. 31 each year to enroll and choose your airline for the year. After enrolling, you will automatically receive up to $200 in statement credits for add-ons like seat assignments, upgraded seats, checked and carry-on bags, and inflight food and beverage purchases throughout the year.
Credit cards can also help you fast-track your way through airport security with statement credits that will cover the TSA PreCheck application fee. Once enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program, these cards will reimburse the fee you pay for new applications and renewals.
Related: 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
Among the popular cards that feature this benefit are:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
A handful of credit cards also cover a $199 annual Clear membership, which can further shorten your time in the security screening lane. Clear is an expedited security program that utilizes biometric data to verify your identity. Clear members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks rather than waiting for a Transportation Security Administration agent to review their license or passport.
You may not be able to get free snacks and drinks on your flight, but you can get them in an airport lounge if you have the right credit card. Several credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access so you have somewhere to eat, relax, charge your devices and freshen up while you wait for a flight.
Related: Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Bottom line
For budget-conscious vacationers, low-cost airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant and Avelo have opened up a world of travel that wouldn't be available otherwise. Other travelers prefer how cheaper flights leave more money in their travel budget for a hotel stay, meals and activities once they reach their destination.
Regardless of the reason, I'm a big fan of budget airlines because they get me where I need to go without breaking the bank.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.