Do You Value Your Time & Comfort? Might Want to Think Twice About Cheap Fares

Is flying on the cheap always the best idea to get the most for your money? Think about it. How much is your time worth to you?  How much is your ability to choose worth to you?

When a client comes to me to book their airfare for their next getaway, I am always upfront with them and let them know that I never choose the cheapest airfare.  I think time is a valuable commodity.  I think every precious moment of your vacation should be spent enjoying yourself.  Who wants to waste untold hours sitting in an airport waiting for their connecting flight?  And just how many airports do you want to experience a layover in before you reach your destination?

My method for finding the right flight

When shopping for airfare, I generally look at the cheapest price and work from there.  If you use one of those airfare search engines to do your research, generally you will notice the lowest fares will give you a travel duration of  23+ hours, with 2 to 3 stops along the way.  No thank you.  Once I've established the rock-bottom price for the chosen dates, then I use the option filters to lower the duration to something reasonable, and preferably only having 1 stop depending on the final destination.  Unless my final destination is some place really exotic and a little more difficult to get to, I really don't want to waste another minute in transit when I could already be relaxing at my resort. When you set the filters to limits you can live with, you won't find the cheapest fares, but you will find ones that are reasonable and put a good value on your time.  One caveat, once you have chosen a flight that really cuts down your travel time, make sure you have left enough time when catching a connection to allow for things to go wrong, or to make sure you have plenty of time to clear customs.

Know what you're paying for

Next, when you think you've got the flight itinerary you want, take a closer look at that airfare.  Now, with American, Delta, and United joining the ranks of the low-frill-flyers with their new basic economy fares, make sure you know what you are purchasing. Remember, with these new fares you loose a lot in the way of choice and flexibility, so you may want to think twice before you make your purchase.  I don't know about you, but I generally like the right to choose aisle or window, or if I want to sit next to my husband. Here's a little rundown on these new fares so you can make an informed choice.

American

American rolled out their new Basic Economy fare on March 1 to select routes. If you want take advantage of their lowest price be prepared for some restrictions. First, there will be no flight changes or refunds.  Your seat will be assigned to you at check-in (hope you enjoy that middle seat).  For a fee you can choose your seat from what's available within 48 hours of departure, however, you will not be eligible for upgrades. Unless your are an AAdvantage elite status member or eligible AAdvantage credit card member, you will board in the last group.  When it comes to baggage, you can board with 1 item like a purse, shoulder bag, or laptop case that fits under the seat in front of you. You will not have access to overhead bins.  All other items must be checked at ticket counters.  If you decide to chance it and take them to the gate, you'll pay an extra $25 gate service fee per item plus the applicable bag fee.  AAdvantage elite status members and eligible AAdvantage credit card members should check the website as you're exempt from some of the baggage restrictions.

American will still offer award miles to its AAdvantage members at a restricted rate. And Basic Economy passengers will still be able to enjoy free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment.

Delta

Delta started offering its Basic Economy fares a little earlier than American and United. They describe this fare as their value-fare option for customers who require less flexibility.  Like American, seats will be assigned after check-in and you will not be able to change or refund your ticket.  If you are traveling with a group, including family, you will not be able to sit together. You will not be eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades or preferred seats; or same-day confirmed or same-day standby travel changes, regardless of status. One difference with Delta is Basic Economy passengers are still allowed 1 carry-on and access to overhead bins.

With Delta, all their SkyMiles members will still be eligible for mileage accrual. And like American, Delta's Basic Economy passengers will still be able to enjoy free snacks, complimentary beverages, and inflight entertainment.

United

United, like American, just recently introduced this new fare and is only offering it on select routes at this time.  Created for their more "price-sensitive" customers, these lower-priced fares, just like the other airlines, will still provide most of the same inflight services and amenities that are available with standard Economy.  United will also assign your seat at check-in and passengers, including MileagePlus members, will not be able to purchase or receive complimentary upgrades.  Like Delta, when traveling with a companion or family members, group or family seating will not be available.  Ticket changes are not allowed and there will be no refunds.

Just like American, no carry-on baggage will be allowed (restrictions vary for MileagePlus and Star Alliance members - refer to their website).  You may board with 1 personal item that will fit under the seat in front of you. All other items must be checked at ticket counters.  Those who bring a full-sized carry-on bag to the gate will be required to check their bag and pay the applicable checked bag fee plus a $25 gate handling charge.

If you're a MileagePlus member, you will still earn award miles based on the fare and your MileagePlus status, but other benefits may not be available.

Compare Apples to Apples

Once you think you've narrowed down the flights you want and the price you're willing to pay, don't forget to add on those pesky baggage fees.  As a helpful little guide, why don't you go to my Travel Resources page and click on my "Carry-on/Checked Baggage Guidelines" as an easy reference to see what the airlines are charging for bags these days.

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