I have a love-hate relationship with budget airlines. I once scored a $50 flight across Europe, but by the time I paid for a carry-on, seat selection, and a sad in-flight sandwich, I wasn’t sure I actually saved anything. On the flip side, I’ve also had surprisingly smooth experiences where I felt like I got a total steal. But delays, cancellations, and those too good to be true fares always make me hesitate. What’s your take—are cheap airlines worth it if you play by their rules, or do you avoid them at all costs?

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I prefer airlines who are upfront about their fees.

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I live in Arkansas, so we don’t have access to a lot of the cheaper airlines available. I would still use them if available if I was certain that I wasn’t going to change my travel plans. I would pay for the carry-on only. I don’t really care about seat selection enough to pay for it. I would pack food ahead of time. I always do because I don’t like the food even offered by US major airlines.

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My conclusion using budget airlines has been that it’s generally not worth it. I’d only ever choose them if the difference in total price is at least 2x.

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I mean it's a budget airline, all of the extra add ones are expected. It forces you to buy what you need. A small bag is allowed and all you need for a quick trip and You can normally book a checked luggage for cheaper than a carry-on. Bring your own food and entertainment. Well worth IMO.

I avoid frontier at all cost due to them incentivizing charge baggage fees.

Ryanair is still in business so the add-on model is alive and well for short haul flights, but I am completely appalled by all the add-on fees for long haul flights when you are paying a base fair upwards of $1500 for economy and you still have to pay extra for luggage (even a carry on), seat selection, meals, priority lanes, etc. Had the worst experience on Air France earlier this year.

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