6 ways to improve your low-cost flight experience
Editor's Note
If you’ve never flown with a low-cost airline, then take it from us: You're probably an outlier. Budget carriers like Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines (or EasyJet and Ryanair in the U.K.) can often be the most budget-friendly ways to travel.
Sure, you might not get all the perks of flying with a premium airline, but sometimes, the cheapest option can be the best option — especially if you’re only flying short-haul or on a domestic route.
Related: Budget airline survival guide: Avoid fees and enjoy your flight
Just because you’re flying with a low-cost airline doesn’t mean you can’t have a great experience. In fact, there are some great ways to improve your otherwise bare-bones flying experience that won’t necessarily mean shelling out lots more cash.
We’ve outlined six of them below.
Use an airport lounge
Contrary to popular belief, lounges are not reserved for passengers flying in business class or first class, or for those who have elite status. With a little planning and research before you travel, you will likely find a lounge you can enter without flying in a premium cabin.
Though the quality of lounges can vary, a lounge experience is almost always a cut above waiting in the standard departure areas.
The first step in getting lounge entry is researching the airport you’re traveling from to understand your options.
It’s entirely possible you’ll be able to enter a lounge based on your credit card. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card all come with lounge access perks.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Alongside premium airline lounges, you may also find a few options that allow you to pay to enter or access via lounge programs such as Priority Pass.
Let’s use Orlando International Airport (MCO) as an example. The Club at MCO has outlets in Terminal A (home to Frontier, Southwest Airlines and Avelo Airlines) and Terminal B (home to Breeze Airways, Volaris, WestJet and Sun Country Airlines).
For a $50 day pass, you get complimentary snacks and beverages (including beer, wine and premium spirits), newspapers, free Wi-Fi and space to work. Alternatively, you can access this lounge with a Priority Pass membership.
Priority Pass annual fees start at $99 and break down as follows:
- Standard membership: $99 per year; includes visits for $35 each for the member and any guests
- Standard Plus membership: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (the same price as all guest visits)
- Prestige membership: $469 per year; all visits are included for the member, though guests are charged $35 per visit
You can sign up for a Priority Pass membership at prioritypass.com.
Pay for seat selection
Paying for a specific seat can be an annoying expense, especially if you’re traveling with a family or in a group. However, when flying with a budget airline, paying for a specific seat could make your journey much more comfortable than it would be in a random seat.
When choosing a seat, consider how close it is to the front and back of the plane. Low-cost airlines tend to board and deplane via both the front and the back.
The closer you are to the doors, the quicker you can disembark when you land. You should also take legroom into account. If you’re tall, paying for a seat with extra legroom (or in an exit row) will make a huge difference.
Seat prices vary between airlines and can often change depending on route and availability. Spirit, for example, offers seat selection from as low as $1 to $250 on some flights.
Related: Spirit Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Before buying, consider the amount you paid for your original ticket, the duration of your flight and whether the additional seat cost would sufficiently improve your journey.
Note: If you’re traveling as a family, some low-cost carriers offer preferred seat selection methods where you’ll be seated together without having to pay extra.
Do your research to ensure you’re not overpaying for a benefit you’d otherwise get for free.
Use fast-track airport security
TSA PreCheck is currently available in more than 200 U.S. airports; it costs $78 for five years and $70 to renew.
If you have PreCheck, you don’t have to remove your laptop from your bag, and you can keep your shoes on. You get to walk through a regular metal detector instead of going through the body scanner.
Having PreCheck can significantly reduce how long you wait in the security line, especially in busy airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
If you have a Global Entry card, TSA PreCheck is included for free. The Global Entry application fee is currently $120 for five years. The application renewal fee may be covered as a perk if you're a credit card holder.
Low-annual-fee and premium credit cards that offer an up to $120 Global Entry credit include:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees)
- United℠ Explorer Card ($0 introductory annual fee, then $150; see rates and fees)
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card ($95 annual fee)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795 annual fee)
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee; see rates and fees)
- The Platinum Card® from American Express ($895 annual fee; see rates and fees)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($895 annual fee; see rates and fees)
Most cards that offer a Global Entry fee credit also allow you to cover a Global Entry membership for someone else. For example, if you have an unused Global Entry credit on your Amex Platinum, you could charge another person's Global Entry fee to your card to reimburse the purchase.
Related: Best credit cards for free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Bring your own snacks
If you’re not indulging in an airport lounge, bringing your own food is a good idea — especially if you want to save money at expensive airport shops and restaurants.
Buying snacks at your local grocery store before you travel or even making sandwiches at home to store in your carry-on bag is a simple task, and you’ll be thankful later. You won’t have issues taking snacks like sandwiches, fruit or anything dry and packaged through security with you.
Upon boarding, you won't have to wait for the food cart to arrive and pay for more expensive and, let’s face it, less tasty snacks.
Check the airline’s baggage policy
Being told your bag is too big just as you’re about to board a flight is every traveler's nightmare. The outcome usually means you’ll be charged to place your luggage in the hold last minute.
Luckily, this scenario is avoidable, and sometimes you can even avoid checked and carry-on baggage fees altogether. Do some research before you fly on the size and weight of your carry-on luggage versus what the airline allows.
We’ve compiled several comprehensive guides below that could help you save money on baggage fees:
Check out our guide for more information on baggage fees.
Related: Credit cards that get you free checked bags
Download your own entertainment
If you own a smartphone, tablet or laptop, there’s an abundance of entertainment at your fingertips. Use this to your advantage and download a few episodes of your favorite series or a couple of films if you know you’re about to take a low-cost flight.
Additionally, make sure you have a decent case for your device that will keep it propped up on your tray table and a portable charger, just in case you can’t plug it in during the flight. It's an especially good idea to bring a tablet or laptop if you're traveling with kids and want to keep them entertained for the duration of the flight.
Bottom line
Flying with a low-cost carrier doesn’t mean you need to have a terrible experience. All it takes is a bit of research and planning about your departure airport, the airline and your arrival airport. Who knows — you might even consider booking a low-cost flight rather than a full-service carrier for your next trip.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
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.