In recent decades, low-cost air travel has grown exponentially as airlines around the world develop more and more routes and methods to make flights affordable for even the most economical traveler.
Low-cost airlines: what they save on and why read the fine print
Most low-cost airlines use the same aircraft type, so the flight and maintenance crew are trained to interact with only one aircraft model. This reduces maintenance costs.
In addition, low-cost airlines have flights only at certain (often inconvenient) hours, or they arrive and depart from secondary, rather than main, airports located at some distance from the desired city.
On the low-cost flights themselves, many functions have been curtailed or completely removed. For example, on Ryanair and Pobeda flights, the seats do not recline, and most carriers have strict rules regarding allowed carry-on luggage and require payment for in-flight food and drinks - if there is a menu at all.
One thing you definitely need to remember before buying an inexpensive airline ticket is read the fine print. Low-cost airlines often have hidden costs for items that are free of charge with regular airlines. For example, check-in at the airport is paid. And if you have a lot of luggage, then a low-cost airline is not the best option, because the cost of carrying things can be higher than the cost of the flight itself.
What does all of this mean? Basically, you are giving up some of the conveniences of traditional airlines in exchange for prices that make air travel more affordable than ever. The rise of low-cost airlines has transformed the concept of flying for countless people who no longer consider air travel a luxury.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at the best low cost airlines of 2020. The list of the best low-cost airlines takes into account factors such as safety according to the latest AirlineRatings data and the availability of additional services such as loyalty programs, on-board entertainment and menu availability. The rating participants are arranged in no particular order.
Low-cost airlines rating 2020
10. "Victory"
Our rating opens with a subsidiary of Aeroflot, which some travelers scold for nothing, while others defend: “You need to carefully read the terms and conditions, and there will be no problems”.
The first low-cost airline in Russia, as Pobeda calls itself, flies to hundreds of destinations in Russia and Europe. During promotions, you can buy a ticket for 1000 rubles, but Pobeda does not remain in the red, as it takes a fee for literally everything - from choosing a seat and (or) a chair with increased legroom to transporting sports equipment and a pet.
9. WestJet
This low-cost airline is the second largest in Canada after Air Canada, with 109 destinations in the US and Canada, as well as long-haul flights to Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
WestJet offers its passengers extensive in-flight entertainment options such as live TV broadcasts and Wi-Fi, as well as a fairly extensive on-board meal service.
8. Norwegian
One of the best low-cost airlines in Europe - the 8th largest European airline, the largest in Scandinavia and the 6th largest low-cost airline in the world.
Lowcost Norwegian has won numerous industry and passenger awards and has placed orders for over 100 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to add to its fleet.
Norwegian has one of the most extensive flight maps of any low cost carrier, serving 150 destinations in 35 countries on 4 continents.
This low-cost airline, unlike most of its competitors, gives customers free Wi-Fi access and has its own loyalty program. In other words, the more you fly with Norwegian, the more points you earn. These points can be used not only to buy other plane tickets, but also to book hotels and rent cars.
7. Wizzair
It is a low cost airline from Budapest, founded in 2003. In addition to flights between all major destinations and countries in Europe, including Iceland, it has expanded its routes to include scheduled flights to destinations such as Kazakhstan, the UAE, and many places in the Middle East and Central Asia.
6. JetBlue
JetBlue is the sixth largest airline in the United States, combining affordable domestic and international routes with quality customer service and a comfortable experience that doesn't feel like you're on a crowded flying shuttle bus.
The company has passed the stringent operational safety audit of the International Air Transport Association (IOSA) and has an excellent safety record.
With low prices and in-air amenities such as free snacks, a JetBlue TV entertainment center and ample legroom, JetBlue has become a formidable competitor for both major airlines and low-cost carriers.
5. Ryanair
One of the best low-cost airlines in the world is so popular with travelers that it carried more passengers in 2016 than any other European airline.
How does RyanAir do it? The low-cost carrier has a fleet of over 400 Boeing 737s serving destinations in 32 European countries, as well as Morocco and Israel.
There are some important things to keep in mind: Ryanair flights often do not fly to the main airport of your destination, but to another. For example, if you fly to Paris with Ryanair, you can fly to Paris-Vatry Airport, which is actually 150 km from the city center!
In other words, if you fly with Ryanair or any other low-cost airline, make sure you know exactly which airport the plane will land at. And calculate the cost of transport to get to the city center if the airport is far away.
4. Air Arabia
The best low-cost airline in the United Arab Emirates performs air transportation to 170 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The airline has a loyalty program called AirRewards, which allows regular customers to use the accumulated points to pay for flights, meals and baggage. In addition, on the website of this low-cost airline, you can pre-select your preferred dishes from the Sky Café menu.
3. AirAsia
AirAsia, based in Malaysia, is Asia's largest low-cost airline. She flies to 400 destinations in 25 countries. In many of these countries, the company has its own budget hotel chain.
AirAsia offers a Santan menu with on-board food, beverage, and duty-free shopping options. At the same time, pre-purchase of Santan food is available at a lower price than on board, and with an additional choice.
The airline maintains low fares and has some of the best performance and operating costs in the industry. At the same time, AirAsia has received numerous awards for its services and work in general. Skytrax has consistently named AirAsia the World's Best Low Cost Airline for 11 years, including the latest award for 2019.
2. Vueling
It is a Spanish low-cost airline founded in 2004 and headquartered in Barcelona.
From the very beginning, Vueling has become known for offering cheap and convenient flights to certain destinations, especially between Barcelona and Ibiza.
Currently, this low-cost airline also operates regular weekly flights between many major European cities such as Paris, Brussels and Lisbon.
While Vueling is not one of the oldest or most popular low cost carriers, Vueling ranks among the most respected and best low cost airlines in Europe.
1. EasyJet
EasyJet's orange livery has in recent years become the epitome of affordability and convenience in air travel, with the British company serving destinations in over 30 countries.
EasyJet used the slogan “make flying as affordable as a pair of jeans” for its advertising, and it's not just about designer jeans. For example, a flight from Paris to London costs less than $ 40.
EasyJet also operates easyJetHotels, which connects customers booking flights to hotels at their destination, helping to quickly book an affordable and convenient travel package online.
Another advantage of this low-cost airline is that EasyJet passengers are more likely to arrive at the main airport in their destination city, which has helped make the company very popular with business travelers.
Those who frequently use EasyJet services recommend booking a ticket with Flexifares. This will allow, if necessary, to rebook the ticket for another day without additional payment or fines.