Things to Consider When Booking Cheap Flights


Flying has changed so much since I was a young girl. I remember my parents desperately trying to save up for flights that now cost a small fraction of the price that they did back then. These days you can fly to most places in Europe for less than a £100 and with flights being cheaper than catching a train cross-country in the UK, it's no wonder people are booking more holidays abroad. However, cheaper flights aren't always what they seem. Some flights may look like a good deal on first glance, but when you add up your extras such as baggage and seating arrangements, in some cases you would have been better off booking with the more premium airline.

Baggage Allowance

Many of the more affordable airlines recoup a lot of their costs by charging an extortionate amount for baggage and unless you're a hand luggage pro, this is what catches many travellers out. For example - I booked a flight with Ryanair from Manchester to Dublin for £9.99 which is cheaper than a train to my nearest city, however for a hold bag it was going to cost me £25 each way, adding an extra £50 to the total cost. In this instance it is still cheaper than Aerlingus and as I was only going away for two nights, I decided to take hand luggage only, however it is always worth checking because some premium airlines include baggage in their overall cost.

Flight Schedule

Another way budget airlines get away with charging less is due to their flight schedules. The cheaper the flight, the more anti-social the flight time will be and you check to see if this will dig into any of your holiday time. For example, some flights will be at 4 in the morning - will you be able to get the airport at that time? Also, is it going to cost you an extra night in a hotel you may not be using? If the flight is in the middle of the day - will it be cutting into your holiday time so much that you end up losing the day?

Seating Arrangements

There has been a lot of controversy in the news lately regarding seating arrangements on budget flights, particularly from parents who have been unable to be seated with their children. Budget airlines will often ask you to pay extra to guarantee a seat as a way of making money for busier flights. If you have a family of four and it's £10 a seat each way, that's £80 on top on your flights for the luxury of being able to sit next to each other.

Smaller airports

If you're travelling to a country which has several airports, it's always worth double checking to see which airport your flight will actually take you to. Oslo has several airports which Ryanair visits and the airports furthest away from the city are the cheapest. This may look like a good deal, but when you factor in airport transfers, it can add a large amount to your final costs.

I have travelled many places by budget airlines and have had no issues, but that was because I did extensive research and knew what I was getting. Always research your flights fully to ensure you are getting the best deal for your holiday.











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28 comments

  1. Very nice tips, I'm not the biggest flying fan and i think this is down to how expensive your holiday can be due to airplane cost. I do keep looking at cheap flight to Amsterdam those. xx

    www.annanuttall.com

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  2. Good tips, this is really handy. It's good that now flights are a lot cheaper than they once was but it's not without it's headache at times xo

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  3. I am always searching for cheaper flights and these tips are very handy to have.

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  4. This is a good post. I always look at baggage allowance especially when travelling to see family as we like to take lots of treats and goodies.

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  5. Very useful advice especially about the flight schedules, I wouldn't have think of that.

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  6. Great tips - and it's funny how people refer to the cheaper airlines as low-cost - they often end up costing more with things like baggage costs and charges!

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  7. These are good points. I've definitely had problems with baggage on cheaper flights before. You do have to try to compare and research as much as possible.

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  8. Great and informative post. :)
    Enjoy your day!
    Xoxo, Victoria

    http://fashionstylebeautyandmore.blogspot.ca/

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  9. I always tend to opt for these type of flights as the times tend to be super early so I have way more time in the place I'm travelling too and unless I'm going for more than say 4 nights I don't need additional luggage. But great things to think about x

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  10. Lots of great tips! Ryan Airs airports are always in the middle of nowhere, but I don't mind that so much.

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  11. Great tips these. I didn't know about the baggage allowance once until it was too late and it cost a fortune to get my suitcase home!

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  12. I definitely agree with checking where the airport is in comparison to your destination and researching the cost of transfers before booking x

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  13. I always take hand luggage only these days, unless I'm going somewhere for a week or more. So much cheaper, and quicker to get through the airport!

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  14. Great tips! I try to only take hand luggage if going for a very short stay

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  15. Some great tips and baggage allowance can be an absolute killer if you dont check the small print x

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  16. They have lots of hidden costs don't they? The paying by a certain card bugs me along with the price of refreshments onboard. I guess you get what you pay for though!

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  17. Thanks for these tips, I always try to just take hand luggage on small trips x

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  18. I really don't find airlines like Ryanair to be cheaper and usually they end up being the same price as other airlines. Unless I am doing a day trip somewhere I will always have a suitcase and because of all of my makeup and skincare it would have to be checked in anyway because of the liquids. Plus I don't travel light anyway. Very often I have found that Ryanair work out dearer than BA x

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  19. I am not a big fan of Ryanair anyway but its true baggage is extortionate so you have to see if it does work out cheaper in the end.

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  20. Great tips! I am always looking for cheaper flights since i travel so much!

    xoxo, Candice
    http://www.candicenikeia.com

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  21. Great tips, I have never flown with Ryan air so now I least I am forewarned!

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  22. I prefer to fly as early in the morning as possible you can just about get an extra day of things to do squashed it! This is really great if you're going on a sight seeing holiday and you've got it all planned out before! Great Tips!

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  23. Cheap flights may easily become very expensive adding all the add-ons to your ticket. They are good if you're doing a short city trip, but not for most of the holidays.

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  24. Always wise to prep yourself for why they are cheap. Fab post lovely

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  25. Fantastic post! I am going to Prague and Budapest soon so will be looking out for these snags x

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  26. Great tips, I know someone who got a cheap flight to go to a friends wedding the flight was over booked so she didn't get to go so she wasn't very happy ;-(

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  27. Great tips! Baggage allowance is always one to look out for on cheaper flights.

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  28. Wow!!! photo was really awesome and that says how you enjoyed your trip and pics was roof rising Voice Recording

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