I used several different money saving approaches for my recent trip to Australia. Let’s face it-flying to Australia can be freaking expensive because of the distance. Also, you have to factor in the time of year that you’re going to visit. For me, I was going during their summer which also happened to be during the high season of travel: Christmas and New Years.
For this post, I’m going to talk about how to fly on a low-cost carrier internationally which is something that I think a lot of people in the United States would be a bit hesitant to do-I know I was…but, I gave it a try and really enjoyed the experience for the most part. So, here are 6 ways to have a good experience traveling internationally on a low-cost carrier.
What’s A Low-Cost Carrier?
Basically, an airline that attaches separate costs for EVERYTHING. Ryan Air in Europe is usually the airline that people are most familiar with. Things such as: leg room, food, drinks, and a ill-advised attempt to charge to use the toilet are all on the table as things you could potentially have to pay for on top of the cost of trip.
Things To Ask About or Consider:
- What’s Free?? There might be some services that are free. Very few, but it’s worth asking prior to purchasing your ticket. You should also thoroughly research the airline’s website for information on what’s included in your ticket. For long haul flights you should at least get something to drink. Everything else you will have to opt for-like lunch or dinner. There were people on my 10 hour flight who opted out of a meal. I thought they were nuts, and in the morning when I got my breakfast they looked a little bummed.
- How Heavy is Your Luggage? You need to weigh your luggage!! This one is so important. I was slapped with a $100 charge at the airport in Hawaii because my suitcases were too heavy. Actually, it was supposed to be $125, but the lady was nice to me and gave me a discount. Before you leave your house, weigh your luggage. I have a scale at home. There really was no reason why I didn’t do it. Just put a note in your phone the day before you leave so that you have time to repack if there is too much stuff in your suitcase.
- Is Your Carry On Free? Some carriers may let you have a free carry on and then charge you for checked luggage or charge you for both during the booking process. Also, double check the size of your luggage. Is it too big?
- Entertainment-I was SO happy that I paid for my IPAD t.v./movie service. I watched several movies and that was wonderful especially after the 7th hour of the flight. I have now caught up on movies that I’d been wanting to see including: Guardians of the Galaxy!
- Know Before You Go-Don’t assume that the employees know all of the policies of the airline. Make sure you “know before you go.” So that there is no confusion on what’s expected on your part. I actually noticed this when flying interstate in the U.S. on a low cost carrier. They had just rolled out a new low cost fare structure but the employees were clearly uncomfortable with it and were having a hard time articulating the policies to the clients.
- Do They Have A Frequent Flyer Program? I dropped the ball on this and forgot to sign up for the program. Now, I have to see if it’s possible to sign up after I’ve done my travel. Cross your fingers for me!
Safety First!!
Obviously I was concerned about my safety and took some time to see what the safety record is for the airline. A lot of these airlines are part of a bigger airline conglomerate. If either airline has sketchy safety records/issues DON’T FLY THEM. PERIOD.
It was quite nerve wrecking for me on this trip because that flight crashed into the ocean by Malaysia about two weeks after I flew over. Very intense.
How Was My Experience?
Overall, I had a very positive experience. The flights were smooth, the service was great (especially on the flight departing Sydney) The food was pretty good and they also served chocolate mousse! I don’t know how it happened but I wasn’t charged extra on the flight back…even though my suitcases were MUCH heavier due to some clothing and duvet covers that I purchased. Yes, I bought two sets of duvets. They were $10 at KMART and I have a hard time finding them!
I would fly that specific low cost carrier again.
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Charged to go to the loo?! You’re kidding!!! I’ve only flown a low cost carrier within Australia, I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to try an international flight. Especially because EVERYWHERE is a long flight from here!
Kmart is awesome! Great for lots of basics.
Haha! I flew one to Australia 🙂 and that is a LONG flight. I love Kmart in general, but the ones I went to in Sydney were especially nice. I wanted to get some home decorations but that would have been crazy. Instead, I’m going to see if they have similar items here.
I probably wouldn’t mind the low cost carrier on domestic flights, but on international flights it’s nice to have some conveniences because being in the air that long is never that fun…especially if you have to pay to use the bathroom. And some legroom (thankfully this is where being short comes in handy) is always nice on longer flights.
PS, what was the cost difference do you think?
I paid around $1100 for that leg of the trip. During Christmas I saw prices around $2000 and up (easily) from Denver to Sydney. I paid $1950 (L.A./Hawaii/and Sydney) with three destinations and earned rewards miles as well. I’m writing a post about it…I could have done a few things differently but I think I really worked my budget.
The toilet idea was in Europe THANK GOD! I don’t think it lasted though…I think the people got pissed off HAHA. I love my joke.
I didn’t know you could go all low cost – though I suppose US to Hawaii you could, and then we offer low cost flights to Hawaii. The SYD-LAX route is one of the least competitive routes in the world, at least until recently, as it used to be held solely by Qantas…
It’s still basically all held by Qantas…even the low-cost carrier that I took. I actually took Hawaiian Airlines from L.A. to Hawaii and that is officially my favorite airline in the United States.
LOLOL when you find a deal you have to get on it! Love that you bought those duvets. 🙂
They are so cute! The sets also included pillowcases.