Low Cost Airlines, The Answer to Every (Not-So-Rich) Traveller’s Dream
A Low Cost Carrier (LCC) is the airline that has a lower operating cost structure than its competitor airlines. Also known as discount or budget carriers/airlines, they offer low ticket prices and limited services.
LCC occupy a very significant position in the aviation industry today. With low fares, these airlines have made air travel affordable for all, even those who don’t have a very high income or savings. They have hence emerged as a big competition for traditional airline, with their growing acceptance amongst middle-class, students and newly-employed individuals.
However, one might speculate if its less price translates to less security and comfort. To falsify this misconception, I present you how these airlines manage to reduce their operating cost, while also mentioning other features that confirms their efficiency:
Ø They have only one passenger class in the aircraft.
Ø They use one single type of aircraft, which is small and more fuel efficient.
Ø Flying to smaller–less congested airports and landing during off-peak hours help reduce their landing fees.
Ø Employees working for these airlines serve different roles, for instance flight attendants may also work as gate agents.
Ø They charge extra for carry-on baggage, priority boarding, preference seating and food.
Ø They charge extra for pillows, blankets, or any such items for comfort.
Ø They do not support refunds.
Ø They do not provide in-flight entertainment services.
Ø They operate with minimum equipment, which helps reduce the aircraft weight and thereby minimize fuel consumption.
The first low cost airline of India is Deccan airways, which started its operations in the year 1993. Some of the best LCCs in India are Air India Express, GoAir, SpiceJet, Indigo, JetConnect and JetLife.
Popularity of LCCs have been increasing with their widening expanse in terms of destinations they cover. For instance, currently Air India Express fly to fifteen Indian cities and the same number of international destinations, including — Qatar, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Singapore, KualaLumpur, Riyadh, Kuwait, Muscat, Salalah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Dhaka. So, if you are planning a trip to Qatar, you just need to log on to Cleartrip Qatar and you’ll get a list of Air India Express Flights (along with others) offered to you on a very low price. The sooner you book, the cheaper; and it only takes a few minutes to buy your tickets online with Cleartrip.
Wanderlust is no more an expensive activity! Fly away.