My air travel chronicles: The budget edit
Part 2 of a multi-part series, from cattle class to flying private
In a recent newsletter, I wrote about how I’ve flown in just about every style of air travel imaginable.
The first installment was about my most bougie and fancy air experiences, like the times I’ve spent flying private and in beautiful airline seats, classes, and lounges.
And then there are the times when I opt for low-cost or budget air travel.
Some airlines are better than others for sure, but I’ve convinced myself that it’s worth the tradeoff in cost when it’s for minimal difference in legroom, comfort, speed or overall experience to get where I’m going.
I'm not demanding nor high maintenance, and like Ramit Sethi says, everyone is entitled to their "rich life.”
Content entrepreneur | Agency Founder & CEO | Bestselling author Featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Bankrate, Cheddar TV, HuffPost | Join more than 3,700 people who follow Shindy’s unconventional lifestyle, travel, and career advice:
This means figuring out what things or experiences you love most, are important, and matter to you—and then being okay with spending money on them.
In the context of travel spending, it’s whatever makes you happy as long as you’re financially capable and responsible with your money.
For example, some people may splash out on the journey but not the destination.
They’ll pay for business class air travel but then opt for simple AirBnbs.
Whereas others choose luxury high-end hotels yet are okay with flying economy class.
I have a few non-negotiables when it comes to travel, which usually boil down to comfort, length of total travel time, and overall experience, regardless of price.
In general however, here's when I decide to travel budget over bougie.
Shorter travel time
Under no circumstances will I fly more stops than I have to, to any destination.
So if there’s a direct flight, then I’m on it.
For people who believe they are saving a few or a couple of hundred bucks by adding 2 or even 3 connections, let me just say it’s not worth your time or stress.
Value your time and sanity.
Long-haul flights
I generally don’t mind flying economy or premium economy on long haul domestic flights under 5 hours.
These days, because Mr. Bean goes with me everywhere, we can’t sit in the exit row, so when reasonable, we’ll try to at least upgrade to a seat with extra legroom.
If the price difference is less than double or triple the cost of economy, then we’ll just upgrade.
International flights are another story as I am very particular about the time of day I depart and how I’ll be flying, especially if it impacts jet lag and how I’ll feel on the other side.
No muss, no fuss
If you’ve done any substantial traveling within Europe, then you’re already familiar with Ireland-based Ryanair, Britain’s easyJet, and perhaps even Air Europa.
In the U.S. there’s Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest Airlines.
I feel Jetblue used to be on the cheaper side, but has slowly upped its prices over the past decade to be on par with the bigger airlines.
Given I’ve lived mostly on the east coast of America, I’m most familiar with the routes that go up and down from New York to Florida.
My loyalties have typically been with Delta (when I lived in Atlanta, its hub), and American Airlines, and both have robust technology, mobile, and customer experiences.
Both typically also offer higher fares, hence my foray into flying with Spirit Airlines.
Despite what you’ve heard, my experiences flying with Spirit have largely been no fuss, no muss.
The website and mobile app work well, and there is a membership and loyalty program for frequent fliers.
As long as I get from point A to B safely and without too much hassle, I’m good.
Paying for carry-ons
Perhaps the most notable distinction about flying on Spirit is the additional fee for carry-on bags.
Typically, with most airlines, you are allowed 1 personal item and 1 carry-on.
On Spirit, your personal item is free, but you are charged for a carry-on bag and/or checked luggage.
So unless you’re flying with just a purse or tote, expect to pay something for your luggage.
You may find that after the carry-on fee, your fare is still substantially less than what you’d pay on a bigger airline, so the total airfare remains attractive and highly competitive.
My theory about Spirit Airlines for the UHNW
I have a theory that Spirit is also the preferred airline among the affluent UHNW (ultra high new worth) set who are too cheap to fly private or business class.
The carry-on rule works in their favor because if they have houses with full closets in multiple states, then they may only need a small personal item to get from door to door as cheaply and quickly as possible.
It’s not the airline, it’s the passengers
Every time I’ve flown on Spirit, the flights have departed and landed on time.
In fact, there was one time when a flight was delayed and then moved back to its original departure time. People who left the gate but didn’t get back in time missed their flights. Yes, Spirit does that.
But then, there was also that time when they held the plane because they knew security lines were extra long.🤷🏻♀️
So all in all, Spirit keeps things simple; it’s the passengers that are the annoying part.
For example, on a recent flight from Fort Lauderdale to Charlotte, I had the fortune of sitting in the same row as a gentleman who decided to start grooming himself and cutting his nails.🤮
Drinks and snacks for a fee, “Nothing is free”
Finally, be prepared to pay for any beverages or snacks when flying Spirit.
As one air hostess announced to everyone on a recent flight, “On Spirit, nothing is free.”
Award or mile redemption
Any time I’m redeeming miles or points for award travel, I’ll be a little less discerning about what class or experience I’m going to have.
While I’ve already spent the money for the perk, I can’t complain too much if the flight is close to free and only takes a chunk of my miles or points.
What is your travel style? I’d love to hear about it! Simply comment below or reply with your non-negotiables!
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Until next time,
Shindy
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