A low-cost carrier or low-cost airline (also known as a no-frills, discount or budget carrier) is an airline that generally has lower fares. To make up for revenue lost in decreased ticket sales, the airline may charge for extras like food, priority boarding, seat allocating and baggage etc. Many low-cost carriers show a zero cost for some flights. Most charge additional fees for airport check-in, baggage check-in, ‘handling charges’, seat allocation and credit card processing. These charges are non-refundable even in the case of cancellation by the airline. Low-cost carriers regularly weigh carry-on bags, check them for size and impose high penalty charges for any carry-ones exceeding their stipulations. Low-cost carrier business model practices include,

• A single passenger class
• A minimum set of optional equipment on the aircraft, further reducing costs of acquisition and maintenance, as well as keeping the weight of the aircraft lower and thus saving fuel.
• A simple fare scheme, such as charging one-way tickets half that of round-trips (typically fares increase as the plane fills up, which rewards early reservations)
• Flying to cheaper, less congested secondary airports and flying early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid air traffic delays and take advantage of lower landing fees
• Encourage the use of direct flights. Luggage is not automatically transferred from one flight to another, even if both flights are with the same company.
• Passengers paying charges for extras, such as hold luggage, online check in and priority boarding
• Avoiding using jet ways to board and alight passengers by using a mobile stairway which is a cheaper alternative.
• Not supplying meals in a flight, but offering snacks, sandwiches and drinks instead to purchase on board
• No refunds or transfers to later flights in the event of missed flights, i.e. if the aircraft leaves on time without a passenger who arrived late; he/she will have to buy a wholly new ticket for the next flight.

Comments are open for you to share your experience and opinions in travelling on Budget Airlines such as Air Asia, Air Arabia, Mihin Air etc and their service levels.