Flying with budget airlines often presents a mixed bag of experiences. While they offer wallet-friendly fares, the absence of amenities and sometimes cramped conditions can detract from the journey’s enjoyment. Fear not, as we’ve compiled a traveller’s guide to elevate your budget airline experience from tolerable to downright pleasant. Let’s delve into some savvy strategies to navigate budget flights with ease.
1. Book Extra Legroom seats
Invest a little extra during booking to choose your seat wisely. Consider factors like legroom, proximity to facilities, and your preference for window or aisle seats. Some budget airlines offer premium seats with added legroom for a nominal fee, ensuring a more comfortable journey, especially on longer flights. These are usually those row 1 or Emergency Exit Seats.
2. Priority Boarding
When booking your flight, check to see if you can opt in for some priority boarding, just to make the experience a teeny tiny bit more premium. Boarding the flight first is standard procedure when booked in a premium cabin on Full Service Carriers so getting some priority boarding just helps to bring back those feelings.
3. Packing Prowess
Optimise the limited space onboard by packing smartly. Stick to compact carry-on luggage to avoid additional fees and ensure it adheres to the airline’s size restrictions. Pack essentials like snacks, water, and entertainment to keep you comfortable throughout the flight. Layer up with comfortable clothing to adapt to varying temperatures and enhance your in-flight cosiness.
4. Personal Entertainment Arsenal
As the years go on most airlines are opting out of in-flight screens and offer you free movies and streaming through your phone, but that’s on Full Service Carriers, budget on the other don’t offer anything at all. That is why we say goodbye to boredom by bringing our own entertainment options. Load up your devices with movies, TV shows, e-books, or podcasts to keep you entertained throughout the flight. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones to drown out distractions and create your personal oasis in the sky. If it’s a particularly long flight, consider packing some studying materials or a notepad and pencil and try to do some sketching with your headphones on, it’s a great time pass.
5. Hydration & Smart snacking
Stay refreshed and satiated by bringing along a reusable water bottle to fill up after security.
Pack nutritious snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars to stave off hunger and avoid splurging on pricey onboard offerings. I sometimes like to buy a nice burger or sandwich in the terminal and purchase my drinks on board and enjoy a good meal on the flight.
Another good combo is buying some baking like a slice of cake, muffins, biscuits, croissants or whatever you fancy and paying for a cup of coffee or tea on board to sip with your sweet treat. It makes the experience less pricey and still enjoyable.
6. Prepare for Basic
Budget airlines may skimp on amenities, so come prepared with your essentials. Arm yourself with travel-sized toiletries, hand sanitizer, and tissues to maintain cleanliness and comfort during the journey. A toothbrush is good as well, it always is so refreshing to brush your teeth after a meal and it also gives you an excuse to go for a stroll to the bathroom and stretch your legs. Also try to bring along a travel pillow or blanket for added cosiness and the flexibility to catch some Z’s if needed.
7. Dress Up
Pre-Flight Pro Tip: Dress to Impress! While you’re gearing up for your flight, why not add a touch of class to your attire, even in a budget cabin? Dress as though you’re bound for the luxurious cabins of international giants, and stride confidently into the check-in queues of budget airlines. Who knows? Your impeccable style might just catch the attention of airport staff, potentially earning you priority treatment, an upgrade, or even a few admiring glances from fellow travellers. 😉😉
8. Adjust Expectation
Keep an open mind and embrace the affordability and convenience that budget flights offer. While the level of service may differ from full-service carriers, focusing on the journey’s positives can enhance your overall experience. Remember, it’s about the adventure as much as the destination.
9. Luxury Ride to the Airport
You’ve done all you can to prepare, now it’s time to head to the airport. Why not treat yourself to a chauffeur service in a luxury vehicle. It’s a premium experience and takes the time on your drive to relax and enjoy the excitement of going on an adventure.
10. Fast Track Security Lane
At the airport: Another premium option to look out for is if you can pay or get access to a security lane fast track. This is up to you, look at the costs and if it is actually going to save you much time and take it from there.
11. Buy Lounge Access Before Arriving
This I highly recommend, if you can get access to a lounge, do it! In future posts I plan to show you some hacks and ways to get free access in any airport you visit with different credit card programs, airline loyalty programs and more! Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe to my email list for all the latest updates.
12. Smart Aircraft Selection
Research is key to ensuring a comfortable flight. Before you board, take the time to investigate the specific aircraft used by your chosen airline. If your schedule and budget allow for flexibility in travel dates and times, seize the opportunity to be discerning and enhance your overall comfort.
For instance, some airlines deploy larger, long-range aircraft on domestic routes, promising a superior flying experience from the get-go. When faced with options like a Boeing 737 versus a Boeing 777 for a trip from NYC to LA, opt for the latter. The Boeing 777 boasts spacious seating and additional amenities, elevating your journey. Familiarise yourself with reputable aviation websites such as SeatGuru or SeatExpert, these sites are invaluable resources for evaluating potential aircraft choices prior to booking.
nd that’s a wrap, fellow travellers! These top-tier tips are your golden ticket to transforming your budget airline journey from mundane to something bordering on premium. Sure, it might not rival the lavishness of first class, but can it still be a blast? You better believe it!
But wait, there’s more! Don’t let the adventure end here. Subscribe to my email list for the latest updates, exclusive travel hacks, and insider secrets straight to your inbox. Plus, share your own tips and tricks with the community – because the journey is always better when we embark on it together.
So buckle up, folks, and get ready to elevate your next budget flight into an unforgettable experience. With a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of savvy, and a whole lot of wanderlust, your journey awaits. Bon voyage and happy travels!