The world is a smaller place. The proliferation of airports and airlines has made even the most remote and exotic location accessible for a casual vacationer. Travelers fly to destinations more than ever before, and, in a trend that seems to run contrary to every other economic indicator on the planet, low-cost carriers in Europe and America have made cheap flights accessible to all!
Skyscanner is the perfect tool to compare prices and guide you precisely to the flights that match your budget. You also have the opportunity to compare airlines and think about how you want to get to your destination. Low-cost carriers have revolutionized travel over the last forty years and their streamlined services and procedures have brought real advantages to fliers.
American travelers who regularly hop from city to city using low-cost carriers in the United States will find a lot of similarities with the low-cost options available in Europe. Some aspects will be less familiar so we picked out some points to consider before you embarking on your next affordable adventure with a low-cost airline.
Who are the players?
The carriers like JetBlue and Southwest Airlines that offer America’s most competitively priced plane tickets are not the big names in low-cost tickets across Europe. For reasonably priced flights from airports in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK and cities across Europe look for airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Air Berlin, Norwegian and Monarch Airlines.
Ryanair’s CEO claimed on CNBC two years ago that his airline is “Europe’s Southwest Airlines” so they have emulated parts of the American model, though there are differences. Like most low-cost carriers in Europe, Ryanair do not offer connecting flights, which is a major factor to consider if you are booking a longer journey via more than one flight. European low-cost airlines excel at point-to-point travel and are a popular and reliable way to fly from one city to another. Leave plenty of time between flights if you are booking a series of journeys.
Less staff, cheaper flights
A low-cost carrier in Europe is a pared-back version of an airline, even more so than in the States. Any cost savings are passed onto the customer for exceptional bargains. The average one-way flight on Southwest Airlines is $149, while the average one-way flight on Ryanair in Europe is $60. One of the reasons that low-cost carriers in Europe can afford to offer cheaper flights is by employing less staff. Southwest has five times more staff than Ryanair (Ryanair operates to 180 destinations compared Southwest’s 97, although Southwest offers more daily flights).
What does this mean for passengers? Well, travelers in Europe are asked to be more self-sufficient. You’ll be expected to look for answers on the airline’s website rather than asking staff at airport desks or in call centers. All European airlines have exemplary punctuality and safety records and a full complement of onboard crew, they simply expect travelers to arrive at the airport ready to go! You may not have the same level of attention you would find at major American airports, but you will move quickly through the stages of your departure and should expect to arrive at your destination on time.Low-cost travel across the continent
Due in part to the political alliance of countries in the European Union, international travel across Europe is accessible and affordable. While low-cost carriers in the States concentrate their activities on internal state to state travel, Europe’s low-cost carriers can take you from one country to another for a rock-bottom fee. Ryanair alone has a route map that includes 28 countries in Europe. This remarkable travel environment makes the major capitals of Europe your playground as you pick out the best ways to effortlessly swap Paris for Rome, Berlin for Lisbon or London for Budapest. You’ll also find a surprising web of flights linking regional airports to other parts of the continent making the selection of contrasting city pairings an intriguing travel experiment. Onboard, you are unlikely to find inflight entertainment and meals are probably going to cost extra but you can relax on a modern, efficient aircraft as you speed towards a new city to explore.
Before you pack your bags and book a succession of cost-effective European flights, don’t forget your passport! While low-cost carriers in the States may only require a federally approved photographic identification card for travel, most airlines in Europe require a passport before they will let you board a plane. This particularly applies for international flights but also applies on some domestic flights. It’s best to bring your passport even if you are planning a short flight within the country you are staying.
Flight Changes and Baggage
Part of the pact that passengers make with low-cost airlines in Europe involves the way that you travel. It’s a deal that allows access to destinations at a discount. Most European airlines will charge for flight changes so when you spot a fantastic fare, make sure you are able to travel on that flight. Ryanair, for instance, does not allow changes to bookings beyond a 24-hour grace period, even with minor booking errors, but if you get your booking right you can find an international flight for as little as $25.
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If you are traveling on a low-cost airline in Europe you are traveling light! Passengers are generally discouraged from checking in luggage and allowed only one or two small carry-on bags on board the plane. Stick to this plan and you have found an affordable way to travel while avoiding any potential additional charges.
Regular travelers on American low-cost airlines will be familiar with this style of travel, but the Europeans take it pretty seriously. This compromise means that your plane has a quicker turn-around at the airport and is ultimately why around 90% of Ryanair flights arrive at their destination airport on time, beating every other European airline.
Smaller airports, shorter lines
Low-cost airlines in Europe are often encouraged to fly to smaller airports close to large destinations. While you may not arrive at the principal airport for the city you wish to visit, you have the advantage of shorter queues and excellent public transport links to whisk you towards your accommodations. Using these airports opens up regions for travelers keen to explore the full experience of some of Europe’s most exciting cities.
A winning formula
It’s a fact that Europeans often grumble about some of their favorite low-cost carriers. Ryanair does not have the warm glow attached to it that brands like Southwest airlines has maintained. Yet European low-cost airlines are trailblazers for moving huge numbers of people between cities through a spectacularly successful network of cheap daily flights. Get used to a more automated and minimalist approach to air travel and you can find yourself flying in comfort from destination to destination for less than the cab fare to the airport.
