Low cost flights

Profile of a Low Cost Traveller

Do you love travelling? Are you tech savvy? Is low-cost part of your DNA?

You're the perfect example of the 21st century traveller and how low cost flights have become an important asset in your life. Whether you’re planning your summer vacation, a trip around the world or a simple weekend getaway, you like to plan ahead, just like Helena. She’s most probably you’re perfect travel companion. Learn more about her with this video.

What are low cost flights?

The term "low cost"

The low cost phenomenon started in the United States more than 30 years ago with cheap flights at half the price of traditional airlines and later spread to other areas, not just flights, but low cost holidays, telephones, clothing, hotels, and even to the automobile industry.

Origin of low cost flights

In Europe, low cost flights are well known because of the budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet, airlines specifically defined as "low cost", but today the term is also used for cheap flights with airlines that are generally more expensive. To assess the cost of a flight, it is avisable that you compare prices, flight schedules, the airports used, and the distance from the city centre, services available, and any extra costs, for example on checked luggage, before buying. Keep reading for more tips on flying with low cost airlines.

Tips for saving money on low cost holidays:

1. Think about last minute flights

If you can, book in advance so that you get the best deal. Last minute flights are generally more expensive, depending on the time of year you book of course.

2. Be flexible

If you are flexible with the travel dates, try to fly during the low season or during weekdays, not just the weekend when prices are generally higher.

3. Always compare

Compare several flights by more than just price. It is best to do a side-by-side comparison of several low cost airlines as they differ in flight schedules, and this also influences the final price.

4. Be careful with secondary airports

Low cost airlines such as Ryanair often fly to secondary airports, whereas easyJet generally flies to the most important airports of many cities in Europe. Airlines which fly to secondary airports are sometimes cheaper. However, the distance to the city is often longer meaning more money will be spent on transportation to the centre. Something to consider when evaluating costs.

5. Think about baggage fees

Remember to pay checked baggage fees when booking online. Baggage fees are cheaper when paid online prior to your flight.

6. Keep in mind: no frills services

Low cost airlines keep their airfares down by offering only a basic, "no frills" service. Therefore, you will have to pay if you want to eat or drink on board, and there are fines for overweight baggage or any changes made to your tickets.

7. Do not be late!

Low cost airlines are normally more punctual compared to standard airlines, so it is essential to get to the airport early enough to check-in and/or check any luggage. The check-in desk closing and boarding times differ between airlines so it is important to check this ahead of time.

8. Bring a valid form of identification

Check the identification documents that each company accepts as it may vary from airline to airline. For example, Ryanair does not allow driving licences as a valid form of identification.

Main destinations for low cost airlines:

Find the best deals and offers on low cost flights with eDreams. Here you can find a list of low cost airlines (budget carriers) with flight promos to many major European cities.

Ryanair

Ryanair is the largest low cost airline in Europe and has had great success since its founding. Low cost flights from London, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin, etc. to Paris, Rome, Berlin, Brussels, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Marseille, Porto, etc.

easyJet

For cheap flights across Europe, easyJet is another good option. Low cost flights from London, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin, Manchester, etc. to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Rome, Berlin, Brussels, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Athens, Mallorca, Madrid, Marseille, Pisa, etc.

Wizz Air

The low cost carrier, Wizz Air, operates flights from London Luton, Liverpool, Lancaster/Sheffield, Glasgow to Bucharest, Sofia, Warsaw, Split, Belgrade, Prague, Riga, etc.

Jet2

The low cost airline, Jet2, operates flights to Chambery, Alicante, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Murcia, Paris, Lanzarote, Rome, Tenerife, etc. starting from Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle or Edinburgh.

Flybe

The low cost airline, Flybe, operates flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Exeter, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Channel Islands, Doncasater, Dublin, Glasgow, Guernsey, Southampton, Leeds, Kent, Islay, Inverness, Norwich, etc. to Amsterdam, Milan, Dubrovnik, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Mallorca, Paris, Salzburg, Split, Frankfurt, Milan, etc.