An avid traveler who doesn’t buy into the “negative hype around budget airlines” has revealed how she bagged plane tickets for just $15.
US-based blogger Catherine Smith, who moved every few years as a child after growing up as an “army brat”, explained that her love of budget airlines began unexpectedly in 2015.
She told Insider she quit her full-time job and moved into an apartment above her grandparents’ garage, but soon grew restless because budget airlines were the only thing she could afford.
Catherine said she has since flown almost exclusively on budget airlines, adding: “I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.”
US-based blogger Catherine Smith, who moved every few years as a child after growing up as an “army brat”, explained that her love of budget airlines started unexpectedly in 2015
She told Insider she quit her full-time job and moved into an apartment above her grandparents’ garage, but soon grew restless because she could only afford low-cost airlines.
Catherine began by researching in detail that traditional airline prices were “nowhere near” what she could afford.
She said the deal that “really showed her what’s possible with budget travel” was her trip from New Jersey to visit relatives in Alabama a few years ago.
The explorer explained that traditional airlines charged about $500 for the trip, so she quickly found a way around the problem.
Catherine initially booked a $15 flight from Trenton, New Jersey, to Atlanta through Frontier.
Then she flew to New Orleans the next day on another $15 ticket and spent two nights in a cheap Airbnb to explore the city.
“From New Orleans I took a two hour Megabus ride to Alabama for $12 and spent a few days with my grandparents before returning to Atlanta for $15 and finally staying with friends in Orlando for $15 ended up before I made my money. back to Philly for the last $15.
“Suddenly the $500 went a lot further,” Catherine argued.
The savvy saver said there are regular special offers on cheap tickets, adding that they can keep costs down by avoiding expensive add-ons.
Catherine said she has flown almost exclusively on budget airlines since then, adding: “I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.”
Responding to criticism of low-cost airlines, Catherine sternly said: “I don’t agree with the hype that low-cost airlines are not comfortable, safe and reliable.”
Catherine explained that if she was traveling for a “special occasion” she would also allow “buffer days” to make up for delays, which are “the reality of air travel”.
She said: “No one is forcing you to pay for the extras. You get a seat on the plane and can take a personal item with you for a relatively cheap basic price.
“Anything beyond that is just an offer I’m always happy to say ‘no’ to.”
“If I pack a little lighter and give up the ability to choose my seat, I can travel around the world for a fraction of the price of traditional airlines.”
She said she didn’t think the added benefits — such as a “softer seat” and in-flight entertainment options — were worth the extra cost.
Responding to criticism of low-cost airlines, Catherine sternly said: “I don’t agree with the hype that low-cost airlines are not comfortable, safe and reliable.”
Catherine explained that if she’s traveling for a “special occasion,” she’ll also factor in “buffer days” to account for delays, which “is the reality of air travel, whether I’m traveling with Frontier or Delta.”
She concluded, “Many view low-cost airlines as expensive, but I see them as a la carte air travel options tailored to my budget and individual needs.”
“They make exploring the world, visiting loved ones and experiencing new places and cultures accessible in ways that many of us would never be able to afford otherwise.”
DailyMail.com recently reported on the best and worst ultra-budget airlines in the US, Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant, taking into account delays, legroom and cabin crew.
Source link
James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
