How to Find Cheap Flights: Step 2 Low Cost Carriers
Part 2 of our How to Find Cheap Flights series ( Part 1 explains how to use travel search engines) looks into low cost carriers and their benefits despite the bad reputation they unfortunately have. No matter what you think they are an alternative you should never skip because high prices have always been an obstacle to long distance travel- until these low cost airlines (aka low cost carrierss) appeared. With the introduction of these low cost carriers it is no longer a matter of “can” I travel but “when”: booking with enough time in advance can result in very cheap (sometimes even free!) flights: many times I have ended up paying much less for a low cost flight than I would have for a bus or train ticket. Finding a low cost flight is not always easy though: low cost carriers appear and disappear quickly, flights are full early, some might exude safety concerns, and perhaps ironically but most important many of them remain unknown to the potential traveller.
Where do I start?
My first stop is always
the best and only true low cost search engine in my opinion (click logo above to visit their site). I particularly love their ” I am in X city and want to fly aywhere” option for short escapes. I have embeded their flight search widget for your convenience- it works like any other flight search engine. Still, is one of theirs your best option? If I find what I think is a good deal I look no further. I have saved lot of time and have my cheap flight. If I don’t, or I’m not sure, I then check the individual airline sites which less infrequently also have a minimum price policiy
Worldwide Low Cost Airlines
Looking for a cheap flight by visiting each airline site is a bit more labor intenssive, but not that bad. In any case I have already saved you lot of time because below these lines you will find tables that provide a low cost airlines list of low cost carriers worldwide organized by continent, country and with a short description of where they fly to. The image below is an example of one of such tables, and underneath it you will find the links to the downloadable files. Save them in your computer, print them out or email them to a friend ( they are completely FREE) , and learn more on how to find cheap flights by reading How to Find Cheap Flights Step 3: Round the World and Single Continent Passes
These are your free downloadable low cost airlines lists of worlwide low cost carriers (In PDF format- if you don’t have the Adobe reader get it for free here). Happy travels!
Low Cost Airlines in Asia
Low Cost Airlines in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas
Low Cost Airlines in Australia and New Zealand
What low cost carriers have you flown with? How would you rate your experience? Remember to share with us any more travel tips you have on how to find cheap flights- we will appreciate any ideas!
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I think the old adage that you get what you pay for is very true when it comes to flights
See, I don’t agree. In my experience the most expensive flights are never up to what they should deliver, that’s why my favorite airline is Air Asia.
Yes.. i was wondering why Air Asia in Indonesia doesn’t have a sit number on their plane?
How about the other countries ?
It’s the same everywhere, as it makes their ticketing process easier and thus cheaper.
good post air asia is good
Interesting I am hearing this from a NWA employee. I appreaciate your sincerity.
I’ve a deep love for Air Asia after a recent visit to Malaysia. I wasn’t expecting much from such a cheap flight having flown regularly with Ryan Air in Europe, but Air Asia was brilliant.
Steve recently posted..Cherry Blossom Festival – YuYuanTan Park- Beijing
Air Asia is head and shoulders above Ryanair!
Hi, thanks for the information, nice post.
You’re welcome!
[...] 125. Mai Travel Site – “Cut unnecessary spending. If you REALLY want to travel this has to be a priority, and every penny you save can be spent on the trip,” advises Federico, who was born in Evanston, Chicago, but moved to Spain when he was 4 years old. “…Don’t pay with a credit card- pay in cash. If you see the money that is actually going away you’ll cut back your expenses. Swiping a CC is not visual and means nothing to your pocket. Cell phones are money guzzling machines. Get rid of it, or text message if you really need to say something.” Recommended posts: “An Encounter with the Venezuelan Army and Why I Don’t Look Forward to Another One” and “How to find a Cheap Flight-Step 2: Low Cost Airlines.” [...]
[...] flight discussed tips and techniques on how to use travel search engines for best results and how low cost airlines can save you a lot of money and should always be considered too– even if they don’t fly to your city (yup, you read [...]
hey,
maybe helpful.. in baltic states incl estonia u may also try http://www.airbaltic.com/
Air Baltic is officially a low cost airline, yet I still have to find a price that reflects that. Occasionally they do have a very cheap special going on, but not much more. Have you been lucky with them? Thanks for suggesting, I might include it in the next update nevertheless
Federico
AirAsia X covering a long haul journey. AirAsia X is now flying to London, Australia, India, China, South Korea, Taiwan & Iran. I heard Japan will be launched soon
Hi Arepeace, thanks for the update! I used AirAsia to fly from London to Kuala Lumpur- it was great. I will include these new destinations in the next revision of the low cost airline list
Air Asia is a fantastic airline!
Federico
Cebu Pacific Air is a popular budget airline in the Philippines. It’s insanely cheap – sometimes they have one-peso flights (about 2 cents, can you imagine?!). Alas, it’s also notorious for delays and sub-par customer service. But I’ve used it to fly to Bangkok and Osaka – so far no problem. So I supposes all in all, it’s a good budget airline. Highly recommended for backpackers.
I’m going to Indonesia next month and I’ll be using Air Asia for domestic flights. It’s super cheap too. $12 for round trip Jakarta to Yogyakarta. So not bad at all! Let’s see if it’s any good.
Hi AJ
Cebu Pacific is indeed popular. I used it to get from Sabah to Manila and a couple of other times within the islands. Unfortunately while I was there there were no flights to Japan yet but were going to start soon. And Air Asia is my favourite low cost airline…you should be well with them!
Federico
[...] You now have plenty of information that will keep you busy for a while if you want to find the best bargain. However, you’re not done yet. These search engines do not check low cost airlines, and if you have the opportunity to use one don’t miss it. Wanna learn more tips on how to save money? Make sure you also read part two of this series Finding a Cheap Flight Step 2: Low Cost Airlines. [...]