Are budget airlines unsafe?
"Low-cost carrier" (LCC), as the name suggests, is an airline that offers low fares by unbundling services that are traditionally included in the ticket price, allowing passengers to choose according to their needs. So don't overthink it—while "budget" might sound less appealing, it simply means the price is low!
Traditional airlines bundle services like complimentary meals, newspapers, and magazines into the ticket price, so what you get is not just a flight but a whole service package.
With budget airlines, this is not the case. Checked baggage, meals, and reading materials are not included in the base fare. If you want any extra services, you'll need to pay for them!
Which budget airlines are the best?
1. Budget Airline: Southwest Airlines
The most influential budget carrier in the U.S. is Southwest Airlines. A pioneer in the low-cost model, it is the world's largest budget airline with frequent flights, making it especially suitable for international students with lots of luggage.
Pros:
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Two free checked bags; no seat assignments—you can sit anywhere, first come first served.
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You can cancel your reservation up to 10 minutes before departure, and refund policies depend on the fare class, with no additional cancellation fees.
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Because Southwest tickets are only sold on their official website and not listed on other sites, there are no hidden fees and prices are low.
2. Budget Airline: JetBlue Airways
JetBlue has an excellent reputation among budget carriers. Headquartered in New York, it has a dense network of routes in the eastern U.S. and is often the top choice for passengers. Besides extensive domestic routes, it also flies to Mexico, Central and South America.
JetBlue is the least "budget" of budget airlines, offering a level of comfort comparable to non-budget carriers.
Pros:
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Comfortable seats with generous legroom
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Every passenger gets a personal TV screen, complimentary snacks and beverages, often with unlimited refills
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Free in-flight Wi-Fi
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Outstanding service that arguably surpasses the three major U.S. airlines
Where to buy budget airline tickets?
Comprehensive Search Engines
Google Flights
With so many airlines and booking sites out there, we recommend using comprehensive search engines like Google Flights. It not only aggregates prices from multiple sites but also has a dedicated price calculator to help you find the cheapest option.
However, not every airline appears on aggregator sites, so if you have a preferred carrier, it's a good idea to check their official website separately.
Booking Websites
1. Student Universe
https://www.studentuniverse.com/?cobrandCode=newgate&gclid=CKic-LWQ48YCF...
A website dedicated to students, offering special fares on flights, hotels, and travel packages. It has a wide selection of airlines and flights, and often features incredibly cheap student tickets (requires a .edu email address).
2. STA Travel
http://www.statravel.com/home.htm
Offers student discounts, but you need to pay $25 for a student membership to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
3. CheapTickets
A popular online booking site in the U.S. where you can often find the cheapest fares, with no booking fees.
4. Travelocity
One of the best-established flight booking sites in the U.S., with frequent deals and packages up to 70% off.
5. Vayama
A website specializing in international flights, where you can find discounts of up to 60% off international tickets.
Price Comparison Websites
1. momondo
A price comparison site that has been widely recognized and recommended by international media outlets such as CNN and The New York Times.
2. Priceline
https://www.priceline.com/home/?lrdr=secure
A U.S. travel services website, similar to China's Qunar. One unique feature is that it can combine flights from two different airlines to get you a cheaper connecting ticket than usual. The site is also famous for its bidding feature.
3. Fly
A price comparison site that lets you compare fares across more than 400 routes.
Timing is key
The lowest domestic U.S. airfares typically appear around 57 days before departure. Booking too far in advance doesn't necessarily guarantee a bargain. Don't book more than four months ahead, and don't wait until two weeks before your trip to buy.
Flights departing on Wednesday have the lowest load factors, so discounts are steepest. The cheapest time of day to fly is in the morning.
What if I overpay?
Even when buying within the optimal window, prices can still fluctuate overnight. What if you accidentally buy too high?
1. Cancel for a full refund
The simplest and most straightforward method is "cancel flight". U.S. Department of Transportation regulations state that if you purchase a ticket at least seven days in advance, you can cancel within 24 hours and receive a full refund!
Airlines like Delta, United, US Airways, and JetBlue allow you to cancel bookings free of charge within 24 hours.
So, the day after you finally hit "buy" on a ticket, be sure to check the fare again!
2. Get a refund for the fare difference
After purchasing your ticket, go to www.yapta.com and enter your ticket information. This service automatically tracks fare changes. If the price drops on your route, Yapta will alert you, and you can call the airline to request a refund of the difference.
The airline will issue the fare difference as a credit (usable only for future ticket purchases). Virtually every airline allows re-faring. Note: this only applies if you bought your ticket directly from the airline's official website, not through an online travel agency (like Priceline, Expedia, etc.). Some airlines charge a service fee for re-faring; this fee will be deducted from your credit.
This makes sense when the credit exceeds the service fee—so do the math! Check the airline's official website for service fee details. Different airlines have different policies regarding fare difference refunds.
