The Hidden Reality of Low-Cost Flights
Low-cost airlines captivate us with offers that seem too good to be true, displaying fares that defy all economic logic. However, this initial fantasy fades quickly when we start the purchase process and discover the harsh reality behind the deceptive marketing ✈️.
The Financial Breakdown That Hurts
As we proceed with the online booking, that promoted flight at symbolic prices reveals its true nature. Airport fees, booking management charges, and seat selection supplements appear as separate items, causing the total cost to begin an alarming escalation long before reaching the baggage options 💸.
Additional costs that appear during booking:- Airport and fuel surcharges that double the base price
- Booking management and card payment commissions
- Supplements for choosing a seat, even standard ones
"It's like buying a car advertised at bicycle price, but discovering that the wheels, steering wheel, and seats are optional extras"
Baggage as a Profitability Strategy
The final blow comes with baggage policies, where bringing a simple carry-on bag can cost almost as much as the initial ticket. Checking baggage becomes a prohibitively expensive luxury, with fees that frequently exceed the value of the base fare 🧳.
Price strategies broken down:- Carry-on baggage as an additional premium service
- Tiered fees based on weight and size of checked baggage
- Hidden costs in basic travel services
The Psychology Behind the Advertised Price
These companies have perfected the art of service unbundling, maintaining the illusion of a low price while extracting maximum profit from passengers who have already invested time and expectations in the process. The initial price acts as the perfect psychological bait to attract customers who, once emotionally committed, accept paying much more than initially planned 🎣.