No Frills Airline Travel...

If you just want to get to where you are going without all the extra bells and whistles, then a no frills airline is for you. So if you want to know how to get yourself one of these 'frill-free' airfares, here's how to go about it...

Firstly though, what is a no frills airline? Well, I'm sure you know the type - these are airlines that operate with all the non essential features removed. The theory being that by removing the extra luxury additions, you get lower prices. In other words, you may not get your in-flight movie, airline meal, drinks, or the customer attention you might normally expect.

However, you do get to save a lot of cash when buying your airfare, so it balances out pretty good in my books. Keep in mind there are some requirements that go hand in hand with no frills airlines like certain limits to baggage weights and only allowing one carry on bag. The airlines enforce these limits to the letter so check exactly how much your bag weighs beforehand.

Other things that make no frill airlines different to all the rest is that they'll typically cut costs by doing things such as using only one type of aircraft, flying from remote airports, and keeping things really simple - very minimum service, basic interiors, and they might only accept online booking (e-booking) and payment too.

Keep in mind that if you wanted the other luxuries (flight blankets, headsets, on-flight entertainment, hotel to airport transfers or bus shuttle services, in-flight meals and reclining seats to name but a few), then you'd probably be booking a normal airline ticket! Having said that it's not difficult to go with those extras, if you prepare ahead of time.

For example, you can always bring your own healthy snacks, water, warm gear for long flights, and find your own local bus or taxi transport yourself. And do you really want to spend all day inside a travel agent booking your trip? The convenience of online booking is terrific - you can have it done in virtually minutes, and then you just need to present your e-ticket and e-booking number to board!

To find no frills airlines online look for specials advertised as one day flights or sell out flights, sign yourself up to receive your favorite airline email alerts, and be prepared to book and pay on the spot. Also it's a good idea to keep an open mind to departing and flying to locations or cities nearby your destination. This'll allow you to be a little flexible about your flight and will help you save more dollars.