{"id":19434,"date":"2023-10-16T10:48:14","date_gmt":"2023-10-16T10:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/?p=19434"},"modified":"2024-07-18T14:21:12","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T14:21:12","slug":"the-hidden-costs-of-cheap-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/the-hidden-costs-of-cheap-flights\/","title":{"rendered":"The hidden costs of cheap flights"},"content":{"rendered":"Approx read: <\/span> 3<\/span> mins<\/span><\/span>

How cheap is that cheap flight?<\/h2>\n

Spending a few bucks might end up saving you money<\/h3>\n

We’re all looking for a good deal, but sometimes clicking on the cheapest flight can cost you, big time.<\/p>\n

Getting to the airport<\/h4>\n

Your flight takes off or arrives at 2am. Public transport shuts down at midnight. How much is that cab gonna cost you?<\/p>\n

Factor in the cost of getting to the airport when public transport options aren’t reliable.<\/p>\n

Day layovers<\/h4>\n

Airports are designed to make you spend money, using psychology. After looking longingly at the gorgeous stuff in the designer window, it’s easy to spend more than you intended on a cheaper alternative at a less-expensive shop nearby. Same goes for the food. Go for the 3-course fancy meal or treat yourself to an \u20ac11 wrap?<\/p>\n

This isn’t much of an issue with a short layover, but if you’re stuck somewhere for 5 hours, it’s hard not to buy something.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Night layovers<\/h4>\n

Is a quick side-trip worth it? Are you confident you can get back to the airport in time? Is it worth is to go through another security check?<\/p>\n

Generally, here’s the answer: No. No. No. If the place is worth it, mine the airport’s info kiosks for next time.<\/p>\n

What if your tummy says ‘Breakfast!’ and nothing’s open and the vending machine says ‘\u20ac9 Matcha Kit Kat’?<\/p>\n

Even in 24-hour cities, airports have limited options that are always expensive. You could even end up all by yourself like that guy in Vegas.<\/p>\n

Armed with a phoneload of media and a plethora of free charging points, this could be a great time to catch up on reading or some phrases for your next destination.<\/p>\n

If available, consider an in-airport capsule space for a quiet room for long layovers. Amenities can include an international charging dock and workspace, a comfy bed, an en suite shower\/toilet. Best of all, this provides privacy, a rare thing when flying.<\/p>\n

Everything adds to the cost of your travel price. Do you want to spend that money in an airport or at your destination?<\/p>\n

Checked bags<\/h4>\n

Warning! Every time you switch planes increases the possibility of lost checked luggage.<\/p>\n

Not a problem if you swing through gates, essentials strapped to your body, in your pockets, or in a tiny bag.<\/p>\n

Other travellers might prefer to bring a change of shoes, gifts, full-size beauty essentials, multiple lewks.<\/p>\n

Check airline baggage allowances for every leg of your flight. If not travelling with a toothbrush in your pocket and some undies shoved into your laptop case, look for a rate option that works with your stuff. Read the fine print before you book. Add any luggage costs to your flight budget.<\/p>\n

What’s your time worth?<\/h4>\n

Last year I spent 18 hours travelling (1 hour in a taxi, 2 hours checking in\/security, 11 hours in layovers, 4 total hours flying) to save not that much money. Result: I arrived exhausted, wasting the first day of my trip, my travel budget depleted by cab fare and overpriced novelty Kit Kats.<\/p>\n

If I’d spent a bit more on my ticket, I would’ve spent less travelling. My savings would’ve added at least lunch at a decent restaurant with my friends, with little prezzies from Berlin for all. Schade!<\/em><\/p>\n

Kick back and relax: your guide to stress-free airport lounge access!<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n