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With most budget airlines, you end up paying almost the same as regular airlines anyway once you factor in all the fees. The hidden costs are just brutal - baggage, seat selection, online check-in, food and drinks. That's why you always need to compare the total price, not just the base fare. Check whether you really need everything or if you can cut corners somewhere. And watch out: these flights often depart from airports that are super far away.
Then I'd look at the cancellation policies. With budget airlines, you often can't change or cancel for free, and that can get really expensive. Read through the terms before you book, even if it's annoying. And payment options - some only take certain credit cards, no debit card or anything like that.
Also, it's worth checking reviews, especially if it's an airport you don't know. And the timing - sometimes you save 50 euros but then you're on a plane at 6 in the morning or you arrive late at night. Personally, that's not always worth it for me, but it depends how flexible you are.
Always check the total cost, not just the advertised price, because fees for baggage, seat selection, or payment method often get added on top. Compare multiple airlines, but watch out for hidden costs - some budget carriers really pile it on. Ideally book directly on the airline's website instead of through comparison sites, that way you sometimes avoid booking fees. And check beforehand what the baggage rules are so you don't end up having to pay extra unexpectedly.
I always book directly on the airline's website and not through comparison sites, because you can end up paying extra fees there 😅 You're right about the total costs, of course, but I'd say: if you know what to look out for, budget airlines really are cheaper than regular carriers - you just have to do the math honestly and ask yourself beforehand whether you actually need checked baggage or a nice seat. Another tip: travel insurance directly from the airline is often pricier, so I'd rather check external options for that. And this is really important: check in online in plenty of time, otherwise you'll have to pay extra at the gate! ✈️
Don't just blindly click "Next" when you finish your booking - travel insurance or parking offers often hide there and are pre-checked. A big pitfall a lot of people miss: check the flight times too, not just the price. A cheap 6 a.m. flight might cost you a hotel night in the city because you have to arrive beforehand, or you land at 11 p.m. and need a cab home - that adds up fast and suddenly it's not a bargain anymore.
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