If you\u2019ve searched for an international flight in the past year, you might\u2019ve seen new airlines at the top of the results offering international flights for a fraction of the cost of traditional full-service airlines.<\/p>\n
Say hello to the newest generation of low-cost carriers. Airlines such as Norse Atlantic Airways You might think a 6-hour (or longer) flight across an ocean isn\u2019t where you want to go cheap and the online reviews might be enough to give you nightmares without even flying. But, depending on the type of trip and traveler, these low-cost airlines might fit the bill.<\/p>\n Also see: <\/strong>My ID was lost or stolen on vacation. Can I still get on the plane home?<\/p>\n The first reason anyone might consider flying with these airlines is the cheap airfares. Low-cost airlines have a bad reputation because of their endless\u00a0add-on fees\u00a0for baggage,\u00a0seat selection, food and drinks. But even when you include those extra fees, low-cost carriers may still be the cheapest option.<\/p>\n Brett Bernstein, founder of Gatsby.ai, an ambassador marketing software company based in San Diego, and his wife were searching for flights back from their honeymoon in Paris last December. The couple ultimately decided to fly French bee because it was about a third of the price of other flights.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was $400 and change per person,\u201d Bernstein says of his one-way flight. \u201cAnd when I was looking to buy a flight on a different airline, it was like $1,500 a person.\u201d<\/p>\n And he was pleasantly surprised. French bee flies out of Paris-Orly Airport, a smaller and older airport than Charles de Gaulle Airport, but it was easier and quicker to get to.<\/p>\n The seat was about as big as other airline seats and had a seatback screen loaded with plenty of\u00a0entertainment options. Bernstein paid for a fare that included a carry-on, checked baggage and a meal. If anything, the most remarkable thing about the flight was how unremarkable it was.<\/p>\n \u201cThe thing about flying is it\u2019s a commodity,\u201d Bernstein says. \u201cLike once you arrive there, you really don\u2019t care how you got there as long as it\u2019s safe,\u201d and you\u2019re comfortable.<\/p>\n Plus<\/strong>: How to use artificial intelligence to help you plan your next vacation<\/p>\n Bernstein was concerned enough about the safety of flying on a low-cost carrier that he had researched the issue beforehand. But it\u2019s worth noting that budget carriers don\u2019t cut corners on safety.<\/p>\n The Federal Aviation Administration ensures that any international carrier flying into the U.S. meets international safety standards.<\/p>\n Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for Going.com, a travel deals website, also pointed out that newer low-cost airlines typically have newer planes with updated equipment, since they lease or acquire new aircraft.<\/p>\n \u201cThese planes could potentially be nicer than some of the legacy carriers\u2019 big jets that they\u2019ve been flying for 20 years that they\u2019ve just been retrofitting,\u201d Nastro says.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> Virgin Galactic could open up space to \u2018everyday people\u2019 says former NASA astronaut<\/p>\n Still, you should go in knowing what you paid for. Even with newer planes, you might not get the same amenities as you would on a full-service carrier, particularly for business class. Here are some tips to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
\n NORSE,
\n
\n Play
\n PLAY,
\n
\n French bee and Zipair are now flying to the U.S., offering long-haul flights to Europe and Asia.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s hard to argue with the cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Low-cost carriers are held to the same safety standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tips for booking, flying with a low-cost airline<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n