Low-cost carriers – everything you need to know

Have you ever wondered how the low-cost airlines can offer such competitive fares? Find out all you need to know about the low-cost companies that keep on growing on the aviation market.

easyjey low-cost carrier — The low-cost carriers are definitely on the rise with their competitive prices and frequent routes. British EasyJet is one of the major players on the European market.

What is a low-cost carrier?

A low-cost carrier (LCC) is an airline that offers lower fares by eliminating some of the traditional services that you normally find when you are traveling by air. This can mean that checked-in luggage isn’t included or that there is no catering to be offered on the plane. There can also be extra fees if you want to bring carry-on baggage – or even use the bathroom on the plane.

A low cost carrier, as defined by the global association IATA, normally works point-to-point operations, short-haul flights and focuses on price-sensitive traffic. They offer no loyalty programmes, a simple management and aren’t a part of any of the major airline alliances. The vast majority of the tickets to these airlines are booked online.

How do they manage to be cheap?

The difference in price setting between low-cost carriers and other commercial airlines depends on several different things. The lack of traditional services obviously affects the price. The low-cost airlines also normally have a short turnaround between operations, meaning their planes are back in the air faster than the average commercial flight. Another thing that can bring down the prices offered by low-cost carriers is that they normally operate out of secondary, or even tertiary, airports.

Low-cost carriers in the US

Allegiant Air

This American airline is one of the so-called ultra low-cost airlines on the market, meaning they work with an even more low-cost business model than the other LCC’s. Allegiant Air was founded in 1997 and operates both charter and scheduled flights.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is another ultra low-lost carrier in the US, with its headquarters in Denver. The airline offers both domestic and international destinations.

JetBlue Airways

One of the biggest low-cost airlines in the US is JetBlue Airways. The airline operates thousands of flights daily, and serves both domestic and international airports. Even though JetBlue isn’t a part of any major airline alliance, the company still has codeshare agreements with several other airlines.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost airline in the world and has its headquarters in Dallas. The airline has a long history on the market and was founded back in 1967. Today Southwest Airlines offers flight to more than 40 US states and several other countries.

Spirit Airlines

The ultra low-lost carrier Spirit Airlines operates from Florida and offers flights throughout the US and to Latin America.

Ryanair low-cost airline — The biggest low-cost airline in Europe is Irish Ryanair.

Low-cost carriers in Europe

EasyJet

The British low-cost airline EasyJet has its base on Luton Airport and is one of the biggest low-cost companies on the market. EasyJet offers several hundred destinations in both Europe and other parts of the world.

Norwegian

Norwegian was founded in Norway in 1993 and offers both charter and scheduled flights. The airline is the biggest one in Norway. Norwegian is one of few low-cost carriers who used to offer long-haul flights. This part of their operation was canceled in the beginning of 2021 due to the effects of covid.

Ryanair

The Irish ultra low-cost carrier Ryanair was founded in 1984 and has grown to be the largest budget airline in Europe. Ryanair has the majority of its routes in Europe.

Vueling

Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline based in Barcelona. It is the largest airline in Spain and serves both Europe, Asia and Africa.

Wizz Air

In 2003, the Hungarian ultra low-cost carrier Wizz Air was founded. Wizz Air offers flights to hundreds of airports, mainly in Europe.

Low-cost carriers in Asia

Air Asia

Air Asia is a Malaysian low-cost airline founded in 1993. The airline is the biggest in Malaysia and operates both domestic and international flights.

Indigo

The Indian airline Indigo is the biggest in India, and also the biggest low-cost carrier in Asia. The airline operates thousands of flights every day.

Jetstar Asia Airways

This low-cost carrier has its base in Singapore and operates in the Southeast of Asia. Jetstar Asia Airways was founded in 2004.

9 Air

The Chinese low-cost carrier 9 Air is fairly new on the market and started its operations in 2015. It is the only low-cost airline to be found in South and Central China.