How I Use Budget Airlines Without Getting Burned

Guess who finally discovered this magical thing called water? Yep, and suddenly I'm not a zombie anymore! Look, I'm not about to become one of those "hydration enthusiasts" with their fancy water bottles, but I can't deny the results. No more face-planting into my keyboard in the afternoon.

But in classic me-fashion, I went overboard.

After making my eighth trip to the bathroom, I was wondering if I should just set up a desk in there.

One of these days, I'll figure out this whole "moderation" thing. Maybe.

Let's talk about budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. While I have mixed feelings about these carriers, there are certain situations where they make perfect sense due to their low prices. I'm not seeking any sponsorships - I just want to share my honest thoughts.
 

Here's when I recommend using these airlines:

• Short Trips: Stick to flights under three hours. Since these airlines don't have strong partnerships with other carriers, you'll want to stay relatively close to home. From my base in Philadelphia, destinations like Boston, DC, or Savannah are ideal - if delays happen, I can still find my way back home.
   
• Light Packing: These airlines work best when traveling with minimal luggage. Paying for checked bags without promotions defeats the purpose of choosing a budget airline.
   
• Quick Weekend Getaways: Perfect for those short trips where you just need to get in and out.
   
• Domestic Travel Only: Avoid international flights - the last thing you want is to be stranded in another country. Plus, these airlines have limited international routes anyway.
   
• Morning Flights: Book early departures so you have options if something goes wrong. Late-night flights are risky - if there's a problem, you might get stuck overnight. And trust me, reaching customer service can be challenging.
   
• Familiar Destinations: These airlines work great when flying to places where you already have clothes and supplies, like visiting family. You're basically just transporting yourself.
   
• Flexible Schedule: If you can work from anywhere and aren't on tight deadlines, these airlines become a more viable option.
   

Remember, it's not about whether these airlines are good or bad - it's about your preferences and risk tolerance. I use them when the situation makes sense, similar to choosing between driving or taking a bus. Sometimes, the bus is just the smarter choice but not often. 😜

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

What's the longest flight you've ever taken on a budget airline, and would you do it again?

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Random Travel Thought

Praying for peace in L.A.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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