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The Cheap flight hype.
Cheap flights, if not everyone, with modesty I can easily say that 95% of people search for cheap flights. Flights are one of the expensive most element of a holiday, whether you are planning a family vacation or you are a solo traveler, a cheaper flight allows you to allocate more of your travel budget towards other experience like, accommodation, shopping, sightseeing and dinning.
You can find claims, statements and promises abundantly available everywhere to satisfy the demand of customers in need of a cheap flight. Are you constantly on the lookout for cheap flights, thinking you’re saving money? While it’s tempting to opt for the lowest fare, there are situations where booking a cheap flight can end up costing you more in the long run.
Working in the after-sales department for more than 15 years I have experienced the horror of passengers going through stress and bearing complete financial loss of their flight funds. Further below in the article I will discuss situations where passengers booked a cheaper ticket but ended up paying a lot more. Let’s dive into five reasons why sometimes, cheap flights are not the best choice.
Visa Hassles for Multiple Stopovers:
Imagine you’re a Nigerian national residing in the UK, planning a trip from London to Lagos. You come across a flight with two stopovers in Europe that’s significantly cheaper than a direct or single-stop flight.
The above flight is for GBP 979.00 and has one stopover in Casablanca.
The above flight is for GBP 889.00 with one stop in Amsterdam and one stop in Paris.
Seems like a great deal, right? Not quite. What many travelers overlook is the visa issue that can arise with multiple stopovers. If you choose the two-stop flight, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa for your layovers in Europe, adding time, effort, and potentially extra costs to your journey. On the other hand, a flight with just one stop may be slightly more expensive but saves you the hassle of dealing with additional visa requirements and not ending up losing the total flight cost as boarding will be denied.
Hidden Fees and Add-ons
Cheap flights often come with hidden fees and add-ons that can quickly add up. From baggage fees to seat selection charges and onboard amenities that are only available at an extra cost, what initially seemed like a bargain can turn into a budget buster.
Limited Flexibility
Low-cost airlines offering cheap flights often have strict policies regarding changes, cancellations, and refunds. If your plans are subject to change or if there’s a chance you might need to modify your itinerary, opting for a cheap flight can limit your flexibility and end up costing you more in change fees or non-refundable tickets.
Inconvenient Layovers
Saving money on a flight with multiple layovers might seem like a smart move until you realize the inconvenience of long layovers or tight connections. Spending hours in airports waiting for your next flight or rushing to catch a connecting flight can be exhausting and take away from the enjoyment of your trip.
When booking flights, passengers should exercise caution with seemingly cheap options that involve inconvenient airport changes. For example, a flight itinerary that arrives at London Heathrow (LHR) Airport and departs from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in New York City might seem like a budget-friendly choice at first glance. However, travelers should be aware that the distance between LHR and LGW can be significant, especially considering the heavy traffic in the city. This can lead to added stress, time consumption, and potentially missed connections or delays.
Additionally, transportation costs between these airports can add up, negating the initial savings of the cheaper flight. Therefore, passengers should carefully evaluate all aspects of their flight itinerary, including airport locations, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Quality of Service
It’s no secret that budget airlines often compromise on the quality of service compared to full-service carriers. From cramped seating and limited onboard amenities to fewer customer service options, opting for a cheap flight may mean sacrificing comfort and convenience during your journey.
While the desire of cheap flights is undeniable, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your booking. In certain situations, such as the visa example for Nigerian nationals traveling from London to Lagos, investing a bit more in a slightly pricier but more convenient flight can save you time, stress, and potential additional expenses. So, before you click that “book now” button, consider whether the cost savings are worth the potential drawbacks of a cheap flight.
You may want to check IATA’s website for information.