‘Avoid last minute surprises’, travel expert reveals five reasons to AVOID booking the cheapest flight for your holiday

A TRAVEL expert has revealed why you should avoid booking the cheapest flights for your holiday.

Ski Vertigo, a leading travel expert, shared five crucial reasons why the lowest-priced option isn’t always the best.

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You may be tempted to save on your plane tickets, but this could cost you more in the long run.

According to Ski Vertigo, low-cost airlines have a multitude of hidden costs that can catch you off guard.

They said: “The initial price of a cheap flight often does not reflect the total cost of your trip. Low-cost airlines typically charge more for a variety of services that traditional airlines include in their ticket prices.

“These additional costs can add up quickly and sometimes exceed the price of the flight itself.”

Unless you’re traveling with just a backpack, you may need to shell out a substantial amount for a carry-on or checked bag.

Low-cost airlines may also charge extra for in-flight food and drinks, seat selection, and even booking fees.

A Ski Vertigo spokesperson added: “When booking, look for flights that include essential services.

“For example, if you need checked baggage, seat selection or meals, look for airlines that include these services in their fare.

“This approach not only helps you manage your budget, but also ensures a smoother travel experience without last-minute surprises.”

Budget airlines also tend to have stricter policies on refunds, cancellations, and changes that can cost you more if you need last-minute adjustments.

The cheapest flights also have inconvenient schedules, which means you could be stranded if there is a cancellation and the airline doesn’t have multiple daily flights.

Along with the unexpected expenses, Ski Vertigo claims that low-cost carriers have poor customer service, with longer wait times due to fewer customer service agents.

They said: “Having reliable customer service is crucial, especially when dealing with travel disruptions.

“Bad service can turn a minor inconvenience into a major annoyance.”

You should also take transportation costs into consideration, as cheaper airlines often operate from secondary airports further away from the city.

And because cheap flights often depart very early in the morning or late at night, you may end up with fewer transportation options to choose from.

Ski Vertigo said: “Using secondary airports can offset any savings you may have made on the ticket price and add extra stress to your trip, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or if transportation options are limited.”

Lastly, budget airlines are known for filling up seats and some planes even ditch the reclining option to accommodate more seats.

While it may be bearable on a short flight, stretching out or getting some sleep can be a challenge on a long-haul trip.

And while you’re struggling to rest, you also can’t access the in-flight entertainment to distract yourself as it also costs extra.

To save money and improve your travel experience, sign up for fare alerts from multiple airlines and travel websites.

These alerts notify you of price drops, allowing you to score deals without constantly monitoring rates.

Additionally, using credit cards that offer travel rewards can accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades or other travel-related expenses, reducing your overall costs.