Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I did not find the bells and whistles worth the extra money when I flew Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I did not get all the perks because I was flying on a legacy carrier.
The onboard product was better than Frontier, but I'll go for a cheaper ticket.
Most people have a preference in which airline they fly, whether it be loyalty to one carrier or booking the cheapest option.
Passengers stand in front of the United departure and arrival board.
I shop based on fares, which means I end up flying on low-cost airlines, which I don't mind and actually prefer. I decided to try out a legacy carrier on my most recent trip to see how it would fare against my usual flights.
The A320 is at the Boston airport.
I flew from Atlanta to Boston the day after Thanksgiving. The cheapest option for my ticket was a "basic economy" fare, which cost me about 180 dollars.
Taylor Rains flew over Thanksgiving week.
I arrived at the airport a few hours early. I used the airport kiosk to check in and get my boarding pass, but I did not have a seat assigned.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I realized that I don't get all the perks on a legacy carrier. I got a seat, personal item, and carry-on bag with my basic economy ticket because major airlines have started to unbundle their fares to compete with low-cost airlines.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I was not given the option to pay extra for a reserved seat at check-in, which I could at least choose to do on Frontier or Spirit.
Delta is flying over a low-cost carrier.
Delta's policies say basic economy passengers can pay for an extra seat, but I was not given an option on this trip. I ran the risk of getting stuck in a middle seat because I didn't get one assigned until I was at the gate.
Taylor Rains flew over Thanksgiving week.
I was asked if I wanted to volunteer to take a later flight, which indicated my flight was likely oversold. I volunteered because I was at risk of being bumped and I was hoping for the best.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
The possibility of a flight being oversold is not unique to Delta and can happen on almost every airline in the US, with only a handful not practicing overbooking.
The airline does not oversell flights.
The check-in process was the same as if I flew Frontier. The kiosks and counter were not as fancy as I've seen at other places.
There are kiosks in Boston.
I went to security after checking in. I was able to get through the line in less than five minutes despite it being Thanksgiving week.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
The source is Delta.
Delta has invested in technology that allows it to partially credit quick security lines. Passengers can keep liquids and electronics in their carry-on bags thanks to enhanced scans funded by the company.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I will give the airline credit because the machines made the process quicker.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I enjoyed some food and drinks at the Priority Pass lounge after clearing security. I don't have a credit card, SkyMiles, or fare status, so I am not paying $60 for a single visit to Delta's SkyClub lounge at Atlanta airport.
The Priority Pass lounge gave me drinks and food.
I did not have a seat assignment when I got to the gate, which was a little nerve-racking since I really did not want to take a later flight. My partner and I were both assigned seats in the middle of the aisle.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I had to gate-check the free carry-on that I got, because it wasn't offered on low-cost carriers. I boarded last and by the time I got on, the overhead bin space was full because I had a basic fare. I understood the risk going in.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
The boarding experience was nothing special. I boarded the same way I always do on any other carrier, and was greeted by the flight attendants as I made my way to my seat.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I don't see much difference between low-cost airlines and legacy carriers in the airport. Delta has a nice product. The A320 has padded, reclining seats.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
There are power outlets.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
There are large tray tables and backseat pockets.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
$5 internet and inflight entertainment screens.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
Low-cost carriers are known for less than convenient or comfortable amenities. The seats are hard and do not recline, drinks and snacks come at a cost, and there is no inflight entertainment.
The seats of the airlines are slim.
The low-cost product is an understandable dealbreaker for many flyers, but it doesn't bother me. When I fly on a budget carrier, I always bring a pillow, snacks, drinks, and a downloaded movie.
The Hikenture travel pillow is small.
Since Delta's snack service was goldfish and a choice of soda, tea, coffee and water, I don't need to pay extra for the extra perks.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
The two things that can sway my decision are scheduling and the internet. I will pay more for internet access if I am traveling or have to be somewhere at a specific time. It is rare and I tend to be a pretty flexible traveler, which is good for someone on a budget.
I like to work on the go and use the free internet at JetBlue.
It was nice to travel on Delta, but I can pay less for flights if I pay for a legacy carrier.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
I can choose what I get, like a checked bag or reserved seat, without being locked into a specific fare class with no option to add extra, like Delta not allowing me to pay more for a reserved seat.
Taylor Rains was deplaning his flight.
I flew from Boston to Atlanta with JetBlue. I only got a seat and personal item in the "blue basic" fare. I was able to pay $35 for a checked bag because I was not allowed to pay for a carry-on. If I can, I will pay for low-cost carriers regardless of fare.
A bag tag is needed to check my bag.
I can choose what I need and what I don't with the low-cost a-la-carte model, and it's usually less expensive.
The bag size checker for Spirit Airlines is Taylor Rains.
When I flew from Boston to Las Vegas with Spirit in October, I paid an extra $28 for a window seat to make sure I wouldn't be stuck in the middle of the flight, but didn't pay for extra bags since it was just a four-day trip.
I flew from Boston to Las Vegas for $92.
If you know what you're getting and the value of your time, flying on a budget carrier can be more than worth the reduced comfort. You can book the ticket at the airport for up to $40 off, which has helped me find cheaper fares.
The ticket was bought at the airport for less than online.
For someone with a strict budget, comfort is something I am willing to forgo, especially when I can bring plenty onboard to entertain me for free. After flying Delta for the first time in years, I'm not convinced the added perks are worth it.
Taylor Rains was flying Delta over a low-cost carrier.
Business Insider has an original article.
