Summer Family Trips Abroad on Budget Airlines: 10 Things to Watch Out For

▲ Vanilla Air. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Budget airlines have recently been making inroads into the Taiwanese market, and many parents choose to travel with their children during the summer vacation. But did you know there are quite a few “tricks of the trade” when flying budget? What should you pay extra attention to when traveling with kids? Keep these tips in mind so you and your children can enjoy a happy trip and a smooth return home.

▲ Traveling with children? Here are some things you absolutely must watch out for. (Photo / Dagou Illustration)

Many people opt for budget airlines to save money, but if you want to enjoy your flight while saving on airfare, there are several important things you need to be aware of.

1. Fluctuating Ticket Prices
Budget airlines use dynamic pricing, meaning there’s no fixed fare. In addition to inconsistent ticket prices, there are often unscheduled promotions and sudden price drops—even surprisingly low fares during red-eye flights. To get the best deals, make sure to follow the budget airline’s social media pages or subscribe to their newsletter so you’ll be notified of promotions as soon as they’re released.

2. Food Comes at an Extra Cost
On budget airlines, even water isn’t free—you’ll either need to bring your own cup or pay for a paper one. Frequent flyers often carry empty bottles to refill at airport water fountains before boarding, saving money on bottled (or paper cup) water. Most budget airlines don’t provide meals, and bringing outside food is usually not allowed. It’s best to pre-order meals online, where you’ll find more options and discounts. Trying to order onboard may mean no discount and limited or no availability.

▲ Meals on budget airlines are mostly paid, so remember to pre-order for discounts. (Photo / File Photo)

3. Booking Seats on Budget Airlines Requires Strategy
Budget airlines typically open online ticket sales anywhere from a few days to a full year in advance. If you find a flight to a preferred destination at a good price, don’t hesitate—book it. As long as the price seems reasonable, go ahead and secure it rather than waiting for the absolute lowest fare, which could disrupt your travel plans. When traveling with children, remember to select seats in advance online for an additional fee; otherwise, you might end up seated far apart, which can make your child feel uneasy.

4. Luggage Requires Paying for Additional Kilograms
Many budget airlines don’t include checked baggage in the ticket price. Passengers needing to check luggage must pay extra for the weight allowance. There are also limits on carry-on weight, which vary by airline. If you’re worried about buying too many souvenirs on your return, consider purchasing extra baggage allowance online in advance—you’ll get a discount and avoid the airport’s much higher prices. To avoid being penalized for overweight luggage, you might also want to bring a portable digital scale.

5. Gates Close Earlier Than Standard Airlines and Shuttle Buses May Be Needed
To cut costs, budget airlines sometimes don’t use standard boarding gates and instead use shuttle buses to take passengers to the tarmac, where you board via stairs. This means more time is needed before departure, and budget airlines often close check-in counters earlier than regular airlines. Pay special attention to gate closing times to avoid missing your flight.

6. Layovers Can Be Unstable
Long-haul budget flights often involve layovers. Waiting 7–8 hours for a connecting flight isn’t uncommon. Consider purchasing travel delay insurance, but note that coverage varies by airline—be sure to read the fine print.

7. Limited Flexibility: Refunds and Changes Are Costly
Once you snag a budget airline’s special or promotional fare, you’ll usually need to pay by credit card immediately—and the ticket likely can’t be changed, rescheduled, or refunded.

8. Round Trips Can Use Different Airlines
If your destination is served by multiple budget airlines, you can choose different carriers for your outbound and return journeys based on your preferred schedules—there’s no need to stick with the same airline.

▲ Traveling with kids? Be sure to do plenty of research to avoid disappointment. (Photo / Reporter Li Jiaying)

9. Avoid Red-Eye Flights When Traveling with Children
While red-eye flights are cheaper, they can lead to issues with your child’s mood and lack of sleep, affecting the overall travel experience.

10. Bring Your Own Blankets and Sleep Accessories
Budget airlines don’t provide blankets or other sleep amenities. Forgetting yours means buying them onboard at a premium. To keep your child comfortable, bring a familiar small blanket or stuffed animal. Try to keep the flight under 4 hours. You can also bring your own entertainment devices—but don’t forget headphones.

Master these 10 key tips and you’ll be all set for a wonderful summer trip with your kids.

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