Thanks to budget airlines, travellers are now able to satisfy their wanderlust without having to break the bank. And Southeast Asia is home to several low-cost air carriers, which offer significant savings on flight fares. But one must remember that like any good deal, there is, of course, a catch. Unlike full-service airlines, extras such as in-flight meals, checked luggage and even boarding passes can come at a cost. So before the travel bug inevitably bites, here are some of the things you need to know about booking budget airlines throughout the region.
Consider your weight
No, we’re not talking about your weight weight, but your baggage weight. Budget flights are (or seem) cheaper mainly because the prices don’t include your checked baggage. More cargo for a low-cost carrier means more fuel; so more often than not the typical free allowable carry-on luggage weight for most flights is 7 kilograms, as is the case for the Philippines‘ Cebu Pacific and Malaysia’s Air Asia. Singapore’s Tigerair gives passengers a little more room, with 10 kilograms being the maximum carry-on weight. If you’re travelling to destinations such as Thailand or Indonesia and carrying considerable weight, however, we suggest looking into Nok Air or Lion Air, which offer 15 to 30 kilograms of free baggage weight.
Watch out for hidden fees
Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t free. So, before booking that plane ticket, keep in mind that most fares exclude fees and charges such as booking fees, taxes, meals, rebooking fees, seat selection, travel insurance and, as mentioned above, checked baggage. To avoid any surprises, we advise that you double check the information on their website. Air Asia, Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific and Australia’s Jet Star are pretty straightforward with regards to their pricing and you can easily determine how much a certain service would cost just by visiting their “fees and charges” pages.
Do everything online and at home (if you can)
Another way to save on budget airline flight fares is to simply confirm everything online. Aside from the convenience of getting to do everything in the comfort of your own home, some airline companies also offer discounts for pre-purchased services, especially meals. With Air Asia, meals such Nasi Lemak and Chicken Rice are cheaper than when ordered in-flight.
Download the airline’s app for ease
Here’s a fuss-free way to work your way around checking in, especially for people who are just too busy: download the app. Apart from the ability to check-in via the app, you can also receive a bar code that lets you conveniently self-print your boarding pass through the companies self-service machines at the airport.
Download the free Cheapflights app
Low down on low-cost terminals
Contrary to popular belief, low-cost terminals aren’t all that bad, especially in Southeast Asia. If anything, some of these secondary terminals are even better than the main international terminals. Take the newly-opened Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, for example, which services low-cost carriers flying into the Malaysian capital. Welcoming up to 45 million passenger per year, this modern mega-terminal is not only home to 35,000 square meters of 24-hour retail and F&B shops, but is also serviced by a high-speed train that takes you to the city in only 25 minutes.
Use social media
Budget flight fares are cheap. But want to get it for cheaper? Wait for the promotions or seat sales, which are usually announced via social media sites such as Twitter. So, yes, it goes without saying that you must also follow their accounts to get such updates. Cebu Pacific, for one, has regular promotions offering flights for only 1 peso (before tax, of course), while Air Asia has occasional “Free Seat” sales that are worth keeping an eye out for.
It’s not always cheaper
Low-cost carriers are indeed generally cheaper, but not always. Don’t simply default to a low-cost carrier for the best deal; do your research and compare prices. We can help.
Main image: istockphoto/Maxiphoto
