Here’s How I Avoid Paying Extra Fees When Flying Low-Cost Carriers

Flying with low-cost airlines such as Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Frontier, and Spirit isn’t for everyone, but the savings make it worthwhile for me. I’ve booked round-trip flights for my family of 5 for less than $400 total, which allows us to travel frequently without draining our budget. And when costs are that low, it’s tough to justify using points or miles that could be used for better redemptions.

There are trade-offs to flying low-cost airlines, such as added fees and limited service, but I’ve learned how to make it work and pay as little as possible. I often prioritize price over perks for short, simple flights to keep travel costs low. I embrace a base-fare-only mindset, avoiding ancillary fees by not carrying more than a backpack and deciding not to care where I sit for a short flight.

Here’s what I do to fly low-cost carriers without falling into the trap of paying for extras.

Why the Low-Cost Airline Approach Works for Me

I’m a perpetual bargain hunter and have a hard time paying $200 for a flight when I could pay $50. While I’ll likely have a better overall experience with a legacy carrier, the price difference is tough to justify when flying with my family of 5. 

For example, a $150 difference on a round-trip flight becomes a $750 difference when multiplied by 5. Why pay $1,000 when we could pay $250 and still get there all the same? These savings add up, allowing my family to enjoy more frequent travel opportunities.

I’m also teaching my kids travel skills, like packing light, being adaptable, and dealing with the need to sometimes prioritize value over luxury. My family understands the balance between budget travel and memorable experiences.

Choosing a Low-Cost Airline

Typically, I choose a low-cost airline based on flight prices and preferred routes. I start with Google Flights, which makes it easy to identify the cheapest flight for a particular date and destination. It also offers a flexible date calendar, which shows me prices for other dates. That way, I can choose a date with lower-priced flights if I have the flexibility to do so.

Popular low-cost carriers in the U.S. include:

• Allegiant Air
• Avelo Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines

Living in the Houston area, most of my flights start at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Low-cost airlines at IAH include Frontier and Spirit, and HOU’s low-cost carriers are Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier, and Sun Country, the latter only for seasonal flights. 

Google Flights results typically indicate that Frontier or Spirit are the cheapest domestic travel options from Houston, at least on the routes I often search. If I book out far enough, finding round-trip nonstop fares for $50 or less is not unusual.

Although I love finding cheap, nonstop flights, choosing one with a low-cost carrier typically only works for me when I’m not going very far. I reliably find low-cost flights to Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, and other destinations with durations of roughly 3 hours or less. Sometimes, these routes are limited, especially at Hobby, which can require date flexibility.

When I try to book flights to further destinations, the value proposition for low-cost flights often falls apart. For example, I could book a $159 round-trip flight to Seattle, which is still a good deal. The only catch? I’d have to stay overnight in Las Vegas for a nearly 7-hour layover. 

The next cheapest flight is only about $60 more and would get me there in under 5 hours rather than the 13-hour overnight saga I would face by flying Frontier.

The Tradeoffs of Flying Low-Cost Airlines

Though the fares are often cheap, the experience can be, too. I keep my expectations low when flying a low-cost airline, knowing there may be delays, poor customer service, and no freebies — not even seat selection or snacks.

Low-cost airlines often have low customer service scores, more frequent denied boardings, and limited legroom. I’m willing to accept that for a short, cheap flight, especially if I don’t need to arrive exactly on time.

Another factor is the extra charges, which include baggage fees, seat selection fees, and even fees to talk to an agent at the airport. For example, Frontier Airlines carry-on bag fees range from $52 to $115, depending on the flight and when you purchase the bag. 

Baggage is the most expensive at the gate. For example, if your personal item is deemed too large at the gate, you could pay up to $115 to carry it on board.

On Spirit Airlines, seat assignments can cost up to $50 each. Big Front Seats with extra legroom run up to $150 in advance or $175 as an onboard upgrade.

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines do not offer free onboard snacks or drinks, and most selections start around $2 to $3. 

Adding base fares to add-on fees, including baggage, seat selection, and snacks, can quickly make a low-cost airline flight cost about as much as a legacy carrier that may offer these amenities with an economy fare. Low-cost carriers are cheap only if you avoid the exorbitant fees and stick to base fares.

Bottom Line:

The key to saving with low-cost airlines is to avoid paying fees beyond the base fare if possible. 

How I Save Money With Low-Cost Carriers

Here are the strategies I follow in order to keep costs as low as possible on low-cost carriers.

Fly as Early as Possible

Low-cost carriers are known for delayed flights, especially as the day progresses, and delayed flights cause a domino effect. I choose morning flights for more reliability and because airport traffic is typically lower. My most recent flight with Frontier had a 9 p.m. departure delayed until 2 a.m. The early flights I’ve taken with Frontier have been more or less on time.

Choose Short, Nonstop Flights

Complexity can add up to trouble. A nonstop flight with a morning departure has fewer opportunities to go awry than multi-stop journeys.

Fly in the Middle of the Week

I use the airlines’ low-fare calendars to find the best fares, which, in my experience, are usually found when flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Have a Backup Plan

I’ve had mostly good luck with on-time performance, but delays or cancellations are always possible. I only book flights with credit cards that offer travel delay/cancellation coverage, and I avoid flying low-cost carriers when timing is critical.

Pack Light

Don’t carry on or check a bag — and don’t stuff your personal item, either. I pack strategically and use packing cubes to make the most of minimal space. I’ve measured bags before flights to ensure I’ll pass if a gate agent wants to check my bag in a sizer.

Learn To Love the Middle Seat

Seat selections aren’t mandatory, and I typically leave it up to the airline to choose my seat. When I travel with my family, we typically benefit from family seating that puts us together, though it’s not guaranteed. We usually get seats that put an adult with kids, but not necessarily all of us together, and we’re fine with that.

Check in 24 Hours Before the Flight

I’ve found seat assignments are typically smoother when I check in as early as possible. This also helps keep plans on track, since passengers who wait until later to check in on an oversold flight may have a greater chance of getting bumped.

Utilize Mobile Apps

Airline mobile apps are convenient and make managing flights easy. I’d much rather use an app to check in and pull up boarding passes than pay a fee to have an agent do it for me.

Leverage Elite Status

I used status match opportunities to get Spirit Gold and Frontier Miles Elite Platinum status. These offer perks such as free baggage, seat selections, priority boarding, and snacks, making flying with those airlines easier and more comfortable.

Elevate the Journey With the Right Travel Card

With my Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and The Platinum Card^® from American Express, I get a TSA PreCheck application fee credit and airport lounge access, which allow me to spend less time in security and relax before my flight. Lounges can provide meals or snacks, so it may not matter what’s served on the flight.

Bring Your Own Entertainment and Comfort

Inflight Wi-Fi isn’t a given, and I’ve yet to see a complimentary blanket or pillow on a low-cost carrier flight. I plan ahead and bring devices loaded with entertainment and any soft items we might need to get comfortable during a short flight.

Hot Tip:

It doesn’t always make sense to avoid fees completely. I occasionally pay to carry on or check a bag when I have bulky souvenirs to take home or when family seating fails to seat enough of us together. 

Final Thoughts

Flying cheap with a low-cost carrier requires flexibility, packing light, and willingness to accept a bare-bones flight experience. Is it luxurious? Not at all, though traveling at all is a luxury, and I enjoy airport lounge access regardless of the airline I’m flying with. I’ve saved thousands by embracing budget travel and strategically booking with low-cost carriers — while avoiding the extra fees that can quickly eat into savings.