The big myth about low-cost airlines is that they are cheap!!
OK a few seats are sold at 2 pence or something silly like that, to get headlines and attract the punters.
In the UK the average fare is around £37 (Ryanair) and £45 (Easy Jet). Taking an average of around £40:
Double it for a return £80
Add taxes and charges of £10-15 per leg depending on airports used £100+
Add revenues earned by the airline from in-flight meals, hotel bookings, car hire, credit card surcharges, wheelchair charges, and you're at £120 at least. That's around the going rate for a UK-Mediterranean IT charter on a seat-only basis.
And the lo-cos are operating modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that they've bought in large numbers.
You don't get a ticket.
They charge for the no-shows
They don't pay travel agents
They utilise aircraft intensively
Generally only operate one aircraft type
They contract-out airport/ground services to the lowest cost provider
They don't over-pay their staff, and they aren't over-manned.
So really, they aren't as cheap as people think. But because people think they are getting a bargain, they fly. Don't knock it!!
