Catherine Smith’s Love for Budget Airlines: Affordable and Safe Travel
For the past eight years, Catherine Smith has been a loyal customer of budget airlines. Starting in 2015, she began booking one-way flights on airlines like Frontier for as little as $15. Contrary to popular belief, Smith believes that budget airlines are just as safe, if not safer, than the best airlines.
Discovering the World of Budget Travel
Smith’s journey into budget travel began out of necessity. After quitting her full-time job in 2015, she found herself on a tight budget while trying to build a career as a remote freelancer. Affordable airlines like Frontier, Play (formerly WOW), Allegiant, and Spirit made it possible for her to travel within her limited budget.
She recalls some of her best deals, such as a round trip ticket from Newark, New Jersey, to Iceland for less than $300 with Play. She also flew Allegiant from Asheville, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach for less than $100 round trip and Spirit from Philly to Los Angeles for $75. Regularly flying with Frontier, she often pays less than $50 round trip.
Flights on a Budget: Making the Impossible Possible
Smith shares her favorite deal that opened her eyes to the possibilities of budget travel. In 2015, she wanted to visit her grandmother in Alabama, but traditional airlines offered flights close to $500, which was way beyond her budget. Instead, she booked a $15 flight from Trenton, New Jersey, to Atlanta on Frontier and visited a friend from college. From there, she continued her journey with $15 tickets to New Orleans, Alabama, and eventually back to Philly. Suddenly, that $500 was stretching much further.
Refusing Extra Offers to Keep Costs Low
Smith emphasizes that no one is obligated to pay for the extras offered by budget airlines. By packing lighter and forfeiting the option to select a seat, she can travel the world at a fraction of the cost charged by traditional airlines. She finds the incentives offered by more expensive airlines, such as slightly cushier seats and larger suitcase space, not worth the extra money.
Comfort, Safety, and Reliability of Budget Airlines
Despite the negative headlines surrounding budget airlines, Smith stands by her belief that they are just as safe, if not safer, than the best airlines. She points out that safety incidents are rare across all airlines, and delays and flight interruptions can happen regardless of the carrier. Smith also mentions that she takes precautions when flying for special occasions, such as booking buffer days and adding Flight Disruption assistance through Capital One Travel.
Flying with Only a Personal Item
Smith has embraced the practice of traveling with only a personal item, inspired by a lost luggage incident during a trip to Bali. After experiencing the inconvenience of lost luggage and having to buy replacement clothes, she realized that she could make do with less. Now, she carefully packs essential items into her personal item, using packing cubes to maximize space.
Budget Airlines: Personalized Air Travel Options
Smith sees budget airlines as personalized, à-la-carte air travel options that cater to her wallet and individual needs. She believes that they make exploring the world, visiting loved ones, and experiencing new places and cultures accessible to many who couldn’t otherwise afford it.
Author’s Quote: “Budget Airlines – Affordable and Safe Travel”
“I love budget airlines because they offer affordable and safe travel options. They have allowed me to explore the world on a tight budget without compromising on safety or comfort.”
Author’s Conclusion: Budget Airlines – Making Travel Dreams a Reality
While budget airlines may not be for everyone, they have revolutionized the travel industry by making it possible for people like Catherine Smith to fulfill their travel dreams on a limited budget. With affordable prices and comparable safety standards, budget airlines offer a unique and accessible way to see the world.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
