Low Cost Airlines

Are “Low Cost Airlines” really Low Cost? Not always.

I had been traveling around India since days of “no option airline”, means there are no options available. You have to fly the only airline available for the sector at the fixed price they decided to charge!

Air Deccan brought in concept of Low Cost – No Frills airline to India, followed by few more such as SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo.. etc. Full Feature airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines .. etc had to change their policy over a period of time and introduce a model for discounted prices almost similar to low cost airlines. However, they still remained full features airlines. The lowest most fare offered by Full Feature airlines may not be as low as that offered by Low Cost airlines. The question is how many time one is able to get lower fare ticket??? If not, I suggest that look for prices offered by all airlines at that point of time. Don’t get surprised, if prices offered by Full Feature airlines are lower than that of Low Cost airlines!!! On many many occasions I have found prices offered by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines are much lower than that of SpiceJet or Air Deccan. Also, in addition to lower fare, you get host of other benefits and much better cancellation policy from full feature airlines. So, its double benefit!!!

For business travelers, change of sector, change of date and cancellation are regular features!!! For all these, Full Feature airlines are much better than Low Cost airlines. Recently, I wanted to travel Hyderabad – Delhi – Ahmedabad. I bought Air Deccan ticket for Hyderabad – Delhi and Air Sahara for Delhi – Ahmedabad. Air Deccan was kind enough to let me know day in advance about rescheduling of Hyderabad – Delhi flight. That meant for me to cancel by trip to Delhi, as not much time left between two flights. So, courtesy Air Deccan, I had to cancel Hyderabad – Delhi and Delhi – Ahmedabad tickets. Cancellation of Hyderabad – Delhi of Air Deccan cost me Approx. 1500, whereas cancellation of Delhi – Ahmedabad of Air Sahara cost me Rs. 500. Which one will you like? LOOK for Cancellation policy before you buy ticket!! Low Cost is not always Lowest Cost!