6 tips to elevate your budget flight experience

If you’ve never flown with a budget airline, you’re likely in the minority. Carriers like Frontier, Spirit, EasyJet, and Ryanair are often the most affordable options for travelers on a tight budget.

While you may not enjoy all the perks of a premium airline, sometimes the most economical choice can be the best—especially for short-haul or domestic flights.

Flying with a budget airline doesn’t mean you can’t have a satisfying experience. In fact, there are several ways to enhance your flight without spending a fortune.

We’ve highlighted six of these tips below.

Access an airport lounge

Contrary to common belief, airport lounges aren’t just for business or first-class passengers, nor do you need elite status. With some research and planning ahead, you’ll likely find a lounge that’s open to you without needing a premium cabin ticket.

While lounge quality can differ, the overall experience is usually far better than waiting in the regular departure area.

The first step to gaining access to a lounge is to research the airport you’ll be traveling through to see what lounges are available to you.

You may be able to access a lounge through your credit card. For instance, The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card all include lounge access as a benefit.

In addition to premium airline lounges, you might also find options where you can pay for entry or gain access through lounge programs like Priority Pass.

Take Orlando International Airport (MCO) as an example. The Club at MCO has locations in Terminal A (serving Frontier, Southwest Airlines, and Avelo Airlines) and Terminal B (serving Breeze Airways, Volaris, WestJet, and Sun Country Airlines).

For a $50 day pass, you can enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks (including beer, wine, and premium spirits), newspapers, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable space to work. Alternatively, you can access the lounge with a Priority Pass membership.

Priority Pass annual memberships start at $99, with various pricing options available.

• Standard membership: $99 annually; includes visits at $35 each for the member and any accompanying guests
• Standard Plus membership: $329 annually; includes 10 free visits, with additional visits priced at $35 each (the same rate for guest visits)
• Prestige membership: $469 annually; includes unlimited visits for the member, but guests are charged $35 per visit

You can register for a Priority Pass membership at prioritypass.com.

Pay for seat selection

Paying for a specific seat can feel like an unnecessary cost, especially when traveling with a family or group. However, when flying with a budget airline, choosing a seat in advance could significantly improve your comfort compared to sitting in a random spot.

When selecting your seat, think about its proximity to the front and back of the plane. Budget airlines often board and deplane from both ends of the aircraft.

The closer you are to the doors, the faster you can exit once you land. Don't forget to consider legroom—if you're tall, paying for a seat with more space (or an exit row) can greatly enhance your comfort.

Seat prices vary by airline and can fluctuate based on the route and availability. For instance, Spirit offers seat selections ranging from as low as $1 to $250 on certain flights.

Before making a purchase, think about the price of your original ticket, the flight duration, and whether the extra cost for a seat would genuinely enhance your flying experience.

Note: If you're flying with a family, some budget airlines offer seat selection options that allow you to sit together without the need for additional fees.

Do your homework to make sure you're not paying extra for something that would be free elsewhere.

Take advantage of fast-track airport security

TSA PreCheck is offered at over 200 airports across the U.S. It costs $78 for five years, with a $70 renewal fee.

With PreCheck, you don't have to remove your laptop or shoes, and you’ll go through a regular metal detector instead of a body scanner.

Having PreCheck can save you time by speeding up the security process, especially at busy airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) in New York.

If you hold a Global Entry card, you'll get TSA PreCheck at no extra cost. The Global Entry application fee is $100 for five years, but it will rise to $120 in October 2024. You may also have the application renewal fee waived if you're a credit card holder.

Credit cards with low annual fees or premium options that provide a Global Entry credit include:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees)
• United℠ Explorer Card ($0 introductory annual fee, then $95)
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card ($95 annual fee)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee; see rates and fees)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees)

Most cards that provide a Global Entry fee credit also allow you to cover the cost for someone else. For instance, if you have an unused credit for Global Entry on your Amex Platinum, you can apply it to someone else's Global Entry fee and get reimbursed.

Pack your own snacks

If you're not using an airport lounge, bringing your own food is a smart choice — particularly if you want to avoid high-priced snacks and meals at airport shops and restaurants.

Picking up snacks at your local grocery store before your trip, or even preparing sandwiches at home to pack in your carry-on, is a simple and cost-effective solution. Plus, you won’t have any trouble bringing along items like sandwiches, fruit, or dry, packaged snacks through security.

Once on board, you won’t have to wait for the food cart to make its rounds or pay for overpriced (and often less appetizing) snacks.

Review the airline's baggage policy

Few things are more frustrating than being told your bag is too large just before you board. Often, this means paying last-minute fees to check your luggage into the hold.

Fortunately, you can avoid this nightmare. By doing some prep work ahead of time, you might be able to sidestep checked and carry-on baggage fees altogether. Make sure to compare the size and weight of your carry-on against the airline’s restrictions before you travel.

We’ve put together a collection of helpful guides to help you save on baggage fees:

• Frontier baggage fees
• Southwest baggage fees
• Spirit baggage fees

Check out our comprehensive guide for more details on baggage fees.

Download entertainment for the flight

If you’ve got a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you have a world of entertainment at your fingertips. Take advantage of this by downloading a few episodes of your favorite shows or a couple of movies, especially if you're heading on a budget flight.

Don’t forget to bring a sturdy case to keep your device propped up on your tray table and a portable charger in case there’s no power outlet on the plane. If you're traveling with kids, a tablet or laptop can be a lifesaver to keep them entertained for the entire journey.

The bottom line

Flying with a budget airline doesn’t have to be a dreadful experience. With some careful research and smart planning regarding your departure and arrival airports, as well as the airline, you can have a smooth journey. In fact, you might find yourself opting for a low-cost flight over a full-service carrier for your next trip.