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Welcome to the ultimate trip planning destination! New travel itineraries are added every week.
Securing a wallet-friendly flight feels like a win, but is the lowest ticket price truly the best deal? Let’s dissect the complexities of airfare to help you make savvy decisions for your next journey.
Thrill of Affordability:
Budget-friendly tickets are perfect for those prioritizing economical travel.
Budget Alignment:
For many, meeting strict budget constraints makes the cheapest option the only option.
Hidden Fees Galore:
Be wary! Baggage fees, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass can quickly erode initial savings.
Inconvenient Routes & Times:
The cheapest flights often involve longer layovers, red-eye departures, or inconvenient airport connections, turning a short trip into a marathon.
Comfort Compromise:
Budget airlines often mean fewer amenities, tighter seating, and a less comfortable overall experience.
Customer Service Lottery:
While some budget carriers offer decent service, others may fall short, leaving you with limited support if issues arise.
Let’s consider Air Canada’s fare types for a hypothetical domestic flight, keeping in mind prices vary by route and demand.
Ticket Price:
Often the lowest upfront.
Carry-on Luggage:
Generally not included for Economy Basic fares purchased on or after January 3, 2025, for flights within Canada/U.S./Mexico/Caribbean. You’re allowed only a personal item. If you bring a standard carry-on, you’ll need to check it for a fee (e.g., roughly $35-$42 CAD).
Checked Luggage (First Bag):
Approximately $35-$42 CAD (one-way).
Seat Selection:
Assigned at check-in. To choose a specific seat in advance, fees range from approximately $20 to $100+ CAD.
Total “Lowest” Cost with one carry-on and one checked bag, chosen seat:
Original fare + estimated $35 (carry-on checked fee) + estimated $35 (checked bag) + estimated $20-$100+ (seat selection) = Significantly higher than initial ticket price.
Ticket Price:
Higher than Economy Basic.
Carry-on Luggage:
Usually included (one standard carry-on bag plus a personal item).
Checked Luggage (First Bag):
Often included (one free checked bag).
Seat Selection:
Often included for standard seats.
Flexibility:
Allows changes for only the fare difference (no change fee for the Flex portion of the fare, though a higher fare might apply). This is the key benefit.
Total “Flex” Cost (with included bags and seat):
Original Flex fare (which already factors in these inclusions).
As you can see, the “cheapest” initial price can quickly inflate once you add necessities like luggage and seat selection. Often, the true cost of an Economy Basic fare can approach or even exceed a Flex fare, but without the added benefits.
Before you click “book,” always check your existing resources. Many travel-focused credit cards (e.g., certain Aeroplan Visa Infinite cards, WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, or premium travel cards from American Express) offer fantastic perks like a free first checked bag (which alone can save you $70-$80 CAD round trip per person!), priority boarding, or even lounge access. Similarly, your airline loyalty program status (e.g., Aeroplan, WestJet Rewards) often grants you complimentary checked baggage, preferred seat selection, and priority services. These perks can significantly reduce the “hidden costs” of a basic fare, making a seemingly cheap ticket genuinely more affordable. If you have these perks, a standard fare instead of basic economy might be a good option as it often balances inclusions with cost more effectively. Do your research, or consider consulting an expert travel agency. While they might charge a fee, their expertise can help you make the right choice for your trip.
Ultimately, the “best” deal is a personal balance between cost and your overall travel experience. However, we strongly advocate for flex fares at the very least. Why?
Life happens. Plans change. And when they do, the rigid nature of the absolutely cheapest fares can leave you stranded and out of pocket. We’ve seen countless travelers unable to recoup costs when unexpected events, from family emergencies to sudden work commitments, force a change in plans. While travel insurance covers many unforeseen circumstances, it doesn’t always account for every “life happens” moment, especially when it comes to voluntary changes or simply a desire for more comfort and convenience.
While the cheapest flight aligns with immediate budget goals, carefully evaluate potential hidden costs, travel convenience, and service quality. Always factor in your existing credit card and airline loyalty program benefits, and consider the value of flexibility. Don’t forget to consider CO2 offsets to make your journey more environmentally conscious. Your journey can be both economical and enriching, but sometimes, a slightly higher initial investment saves you a significant headache (and money) down the line.
Written in collaboration with Rix Almonicar
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Quebec: No permit 703584
© 2022 Deztination. All rights reserved – Website design – Yankee Media