Budget Travel Tip: positioning flights and low cost fares

The Upside

Flights from Milan to Bari on low cost carriers are often less than $50. Plus, you can schedule the flights to give you a day to two to explore Milan along the way. In summary:

Cost Savings:

Lower Fares: LCCs often offer significantly cheaper fares compared to traditional carriers, which can result in substantial savings.

Flexibility in Routing:

LCCs might serve secondary airports or offer routes not covered by major airlines, providing more flexibility in planning your trip. For example, EasyJet and RyanAir have nonstop flights from big European cities to lots of charming out-of-the-way leisure destinations that aren't served at all by big national carriers.

You can use several separate flight reservations to hop around various destinations in ways that would be impossible in a single itinerary.

Potential for Adventure:

Exploring New Airports: Using different airports and airlines can add an element of adventure to your travel experience.

Opportunity for Layovers: Longer layovers in new cities can be used to explore additional destinations.

A La Carte Pricing:

Pay for What You Need: LCCs typically offer a la carte pricing, allowing you to pay only for the services you need (e.g., baggage, seat selection, meals).

The Downside

Low cost carriers make their money by nickle-and-diming you on the extras. You need to be careful about how much you'll pay for your luggage and how much inconvenience you're willing to endure to save a few hundred bucks. In summary:

Additional Fees:

LCCs often charge for checked baggage, seat selection, meals, and other services, which can add up quickly. The final cost after adding necessary extras might not be significantly cheaper than a full-service carrier.

Logistical Challenges:

Positioning flights are booked separately from your main itinerary, meaning they are not protected under a single reservation.

If you check luggage, you will have to pick up your luggage from the baggage claim and re-check it with the new airline, which will add time and complexity to your stopover.

Connection Risks: If your LCC flight is delayed or canceled, you risk missing your subsequent flight with no recourse from the connecting airline.

Inconvenient Airports and Schedules:

LCCs often operate from secondary airports, which might be further from the city center or less convenient. You might find a good international fare to London's Heathrow airport, for example, but accessing great low cost fares from London would usually require a transfer to Luton or Stanstead airports, which are not particularly convenient from Heathrow.

Flight schedules might be less convenient, with early morning or late-night departures.

Lower Service Levels:

Minimal Amenities: LCCs typically offer fewer in-flight amenities and services compared to traditional airlines.

Comfort: Seats might be less comfortable, with limited legroom and recline.

Strict Policies:

Rigorous Check-In and Boarding Times: LCCs often have strict policies regarding check-in and boarding times, and failing to adhere to these can result in denied boarding.

Limited Flexibility: Changes to your itinerary can be expensive and cumbersome.