For today, low-cost companies earn more than many of the major airlines. And it's not just due to the paid services, but also because of the unique methods of saving.
Plane
People may think that because of the low ticket prices, low-cost airlines can afford only old, almost decommissioned planes. In fact, for budget carriers it is more advantageous to have aircrafts that are not subject to a guarantee and do not require expensive repairs and spare parts. For these reasons, the low-cost airlines purchase new planes in bulk with "wholesale" discounts, and old models they just sell to ordinary large air companies. Thus, the average age of a low-cost airline plane is 5-6 years on average.
Also, the aircraft fleet of low-cost companies usually consists of planes of just one model - so they do not spend lots of money on training and for a large staff of mechanics, just as well as on a wide range of spare parts.
Airports
Low-cost companies rarely land at popular airports - airport taxes here are quite high. Therefore, such airlines usually fly either to airports that are far from big cities, or to small old airports that are not so modern and can handle only a small amount of passenger traffic.
Work 24/7
Low-cost planes almost never stand idle - the loss of time is equal to the loss of money, not to mention the high rates for parking at foreign airports. That's why low-cost airline companies often offer tickets for uncomfortable night or early-morning flights, when companies especially save at the airport fees.
Tickets online
Hunters for cheap tickets are well aware that a ticket for a flight with a low-cost company can only be purchased online: on the official websites of such airlines or on aggregator sites like here or here.
Price
A long time ago airlines calculated that each aircraft is filled, on average, only by 70%. Low-cost carriers also take into account this information and have learned to earn even if a plane is empty. The remaining 20-30% of tickets they sell for special prices.
However, it is almost impossible to return such tickets. Even if you want to correct a mistake in your name or change the name of a passenger or change the date you should pay for that, and the penalty may be even more expensive than the ticket itself. You can return low-cost flight ticket, in fact, but only airport taxes will be refunded. Therefore, if you intend to fly with a low-cost company, but you are not sure of the dates, choose tickets that are more expensive, but with the option of changing dates or partial refunds.
Plane cabin "made to order"
It is worth mentioning that the comfort in the planes of budget carriers is not comparable with the conveniences that classic airlines can offer. Initially, these planes are made with a minimum space between the seats and narrow aisles. In many of them, the seat backs are not fold-out and there are no pockets in the back of the front seats - so there is no reason to repair the seats once again and spend time cleaning the "pockets".
Check-in
If you want to register for a low-cost flight, better do it online. Because at the airport this simple procedure will cost a lot of money.
Luggage
Low-cost companies frankly earn money on luggage. You are allowed to take to the plane only carry-on luggage, the size of which does not exceed 55 × 40 × 20 cm. And if you know for sure that you will have to pay for the luggage, pay for this service while buying the ticket online, otherwise, if you pay at the airport, the fare will be much higher.
Additional services
Another source of income of budget airlines is paid services. Therefore, when buying tickets on the site of a low-cost company, passengers will be persistently offered to buy options of choosing a seat in the airplane, additional legroom (some it is better to pay for it), priority boarding, watching movies on a personal screen, etc.
The same goes for meals on board - do not even rely on free drinks. In spite of the fact that many low-cost companies forbid to take your own food on board, flight attendants rarely pay attention to the sandwich or cookies that you brought from home.
Travel with Mydutyfree!