Air travel has become a part of modern life, but some airlines have taken cost-saving measures to an extreme. This list explores 19 airlines that have become infamous for charging passengers for everything, even water.
1. Ryanair
Ryanair, the iconic low-cost airline, is notorious for its a la carte pricing model. Passengers often find themselves paying for everything from seat selection to a cup of water. The carrier has built a reputation for its strict baggage policy and fees for seemingly every extra. Its CEO, Michael O’Leary, has even joked about charging for using the toilet.
Despite the extra charges, Ryanair remains a popular choice for budget travelers, offering cheap flights across Europe. The airline’s approach has inspired both criticism and admiration, creating a competitive edge in cost-effective air travel.
2. Spirit Airlines
Known as the no-frills airline, Spirit Airlines offers extremely low base fares. However, passengers quickly discover that everything beyond the seat comes with a price tag. Fees for carry-on luggage, seat assignments, and even water are common, turning a seemingly cheap ticket into a costly journey.
Spirit’s business model focuses on unbundling services to provide the lowest possible fares. While some criticize this approach, others find it liberating, allowing them to pay only for what they need. This strategy has made Spirit a leader in the ultra-low-cost carrier market.
3. EasyJet
EasyJet, Europe’s second-largest low-cost carrier, follows a similar path to its competitors by charging for extras. While passengers enjoy low base fares, they often pay more for add-ons like food, beverages, and seat selection.
The airline is known for efficient operations and punctuality, but its cost-cutting measures extend to every aspect of the passenger experience. This has led to debates over whether the savings outweigh the discomfort. Still, many travelers appreciate EasyJet’s transparency and ability to fly them to various destinations affordably.
4. Wizz Air
Wizz Air, headquartered in Hungary, is another airline that charges for almost everything beyond the airfare. Known for its low-cost European flights, the airline applies fees for basic amenities like water, seat selection, and carry-on baggage.
This approach allows Wizz Air to maintain competitive prices, attracting cost-conscious travelers. Its appealing destinations across Europe and transparent fee structure keep passengers informed, even if some find the charges excessive. The airline’s emphasis on affordability continues to drive its growth in a competitive market.
5. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines embraces a business model where the base fare covers the flight and not much else. Passengers find themselves paying for carry-on bags, seat assignments, and refreshments like water.
The airline’s strategy revolves around offering low fares with optional extras, catering to travelers who prioritize price over additional comforts. While some passengers express frustration over the abundance of fees, others appreciate the ability to customize their flying experience. Frontier’s approach to unbundled pricing remains a hallmark in the ultra-low-cost carrier industry.
6. Jetstar Airways
Jetstar Airways, based in Australia, offers budget-friendly flights with a catch: nearly every extra is charged. From luggage to in-flight meals, the airline has made a name for itself by unbundling services and presenting passengers with a menu of options.
Travelers often appreciate the low base fares but must be prepared for the additional costs that accompany them. While the fees can add up, Jetstar’s wide network and affordability make it a go-to choice for many in the Asia-Pacific region seeking economical travel options.
7. Norwegian Air Shuttle
Norwegian Air Shuttle attracts budget travelers with its low fares, but those savings come with a caveat. The airline charges for various extras, including checked baggage, seat reservations, and refreshments like water. This approach is part of its strategy to offer competitive pricing.
Passengers enjoy modern aircraft and a wide range of European destinations, although the fees can be surprising. Norwegian’s clear fee structure allows travelers to plan accordingly, balancing cost savings with the desire for additional comforts during the flight.
8. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air, serving primarily leisure travelers in the United States, is known for low fares and numerous add-on fees. From seat selection to in-flight refreshments like water, passengers often find their costs escalating.
The airline’s model focuses on unbundling services, allowing passengers to pay only for what they choose. This transparency has won Allegiant both fans and critics, depending on personal preferences. Its emphasis on cost-effective travel to popular vacation destinations continues to drive its success despite the associated fees.
9. Scoot
Scoot, a low-cost airline based in Singapore, offers budget-friendly fares with additional charges for extras. Travelers quickly discover that amenities like meals, seat selection, and water come with a price tag.
This approach allows Scoot to provide affordable flights across Asia and beyond, appealing to those who prioritize price over extras. While the fees can be unexpected, the airline’s transparency helps passengers make informed choices. Scoot’s focus on cost-efficient travel has earned it a loyal following in a competitive market.
10. Vueling Airlines
Vueling Airlines, Spain’s low-cost carrier, attracts travelers with competitive fares but charges for almost everything beyond the basic seat. Passengers encounter fees for seat selection, baggage, and even water, making the true cost of flying more complex.
Despite the additional charges, Vueling’s wide network and affordable pricing continue to appeal to budget-conscious travelers. The airline’s approach of unbundled services allows flyers to customize their experience, although it can lead to surprises for those unfamiliar with its fee structure.
11. AirAsia
AirAsia, a pioneer in the low-cost airline industry, offers minimal base fares with a plethora of additional charges. Passengers pay extra for baggage, seat selection, meals, and even water, creating a fully customizable flying experience.
This approach allows AirAsia to maintain some of the lowest fares in the market, appealing to budget travelers who are willing to forego certain comforts. While the fees can add up, the airline’s expansive network across Asia attracts millions looking for affordable travel options.
12. Blue Air
Blue Air, Romania’s low-cost airline, entices travelers with low base fares but charges for almost every additional service. Passengers encounter fees for seat selection, baggage, and refreshments like water.
This strategy allows Blue Air to offer competitive prices, drawing in budget-conscious travelers. While the fees can be frustrating, the airline’s transparent pricing model ensures passengers are aware of potential costs. Blue Air’s focus on affordability continues to make it a popular choice for those flying to and from Romania.
13. Flybe
Flybe, a regional airline in Europe, lures travelers with low initial fares but charges for a range of extras. From seat selection to in-flight beverages like water, passengers often find themselves paying more than expected.
The airline’s approach focuses on unbundling services, allowing travelers to tailor their experience. While some find the fees excessive, others appreciate the flexibility. Flybe’s emphasis on regional connectivity and affordability continues to attract a diverse range of passengers across Europe.
14. Peach Aviation
Peach Aviation, based in Japan, offers economical fares with a catch: almost every service comes with a fee. Passengers pay extra for seat selection, baggage, and even basic refreshments like water.
This pricing model allows Peach to offer competitive fares, appealing to those who prioritize cost over comfort. While the fees can be surprising, the airline’s transparency helps passengers manage their expectations. Peach’s focus on affordability and efficiency has gained it a strong following in the Asian market.
15. Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines, serving mainly vacation travelers, offers low base fares with a series of additional charges. Passengers encounter fees for carry-on baggage, seat selection, and refreshments like water.
The airline’s business model focuses on unbundling services to keep fares low, appealing to budget-conscious travelers. While the fees can add up, Sun Country’s transparency allows passengers to tailor their experience. Its focus on affordable leisure travel continues to make it a popular choice for those seeking economical flights within the U.S.
16. Tigerair
Tigerair, a budget airline, attracts passengers with low base fares but follows up with a variety of additional charges. From seat selection to meals and drinks like water, every extra comes with a fee.
The airline’s model of unbundled pricing allows travelers to choose only the services they need, keeping the initial fare low. While some flyers find the charges excessive, others appreciate the transparency. Tigerair’s approach to affordable travel continues to draw in those who prioritize cost over convenience.
17. VivaAerobus
VivaAerobus, Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airline, offers attractive fares with a variety of additional charges. Passengers often pay extra for seat selection, baggage, and even refreshments like water, making the true cost of flying more complex.
Despite the additional fees, VivaAerobus remains a favorite among budget travelers, thanks to its affordable pricing and extensive domestic network. The airline’s focus on cost-effective travel allows passengers to tailor their experience, even if it comes with unexpected costs.
18. WOW Air
Although no longer in operation, WOW Air left a mark on the budget airline industry with its ultra-low fares and extensive fees for extras. Passengers paid for everything from seat selection to drinks like water, making careful planning essential.
WOW Air’s approach allowed it to offer transatlantic flights at a fraction of the cost, appealing to adventurous travelers seeking deals. While the fees could add up, the airline’s focus on affordability and unique routes made it a memorable player in the low-cost market.
19. FastJet
FastJet, an up-and-coming airline in Africa, has taken cost-cutting to a new level. Passengers are often taken aback when charged for basic amenities. Imagine the surprise when a passenger, expecting a complimentary bottle of water, is met with a fee instead.
In a region where the climate is particularly demanding, hydration is key. FastJet’s policy of monetizing even the simplest comforts has left many travelers rethinking their priorities.
Interestingly, despite its stringent fees, FastJet has managed to maintain a loyal customer base, drawn to its extensive network and competitive base fares.
Did you know? FastJet has its roots in the low-cost airline movement, striving to make air travel accessible across Africa.
