Scored a $30 Flight to Paris? Hold That Celebration!
Five crucial things you need to know before patting yourself on the back.
- The True Cost of the “Cheap” Flight
That $30 crack-of-dawn flight seemed brilliant—until you did the math.
But wait! That budget airline’s base airport is in the middle of nowhere. Before booking, triple-check the location and public transport options!
Sometimes, your “cheap” flight requires a $50 Uber ride and a $15 sad airport sandwich.
Paris Beauvais Airport is 50 miles from the actual Paris, where all Ryanair flights land. Your “budget” journey includes:
– A pre-dawn metro odyssey (1 hour)
– A scenic bus tour of the French countryside (1.5 hours)
– An airport marathon
Oh, and by the way—getting from Paris Beauvais Airport to the city? That’ll be a $16 bus ride. Round-trip might just cost more than your actual flight. At least there’s public transportation—things could be worse.
Been there, done that: once, I booked a cheap flight from Pamplona Airport, only to realize there was no direct public transport to the airport. I had to get off at the closest bus stop and walk along the highway for over ten minutes to reach the terminal. (Don’t copy me!)
- Online Check-in
Online check-in isn’t just convenient—it’s about financial survival.
Miss that 24-to-2-hour window? Congratulations, you’ve just won a $50 surcharge at the counter.
When traveling with Ryanair, be sure to begin your check-in process early. Their mobile application can be unreliable at times. For those who booked through a third-party service, validating your passport information may prove particularly challenging. It’s advisable to approach the process with additional time and patience.
- The Art of Packing
Welcome to Budget Air Fashion Week!
The ultimate hack? A fishing vest. The more pockets, the better. Phones, chargers, snacks—turn yourself into a walking storage unit. You might look like a nature enthusiast in a wrong place, but your wallet will thank you.
- The Race to the Gate
Your flight can be delayed by three hours, but you can not show up three minutes late to boarding.
Gate announcements typically occur one hour prior to boarding, and gates close very quickly.
Remain vigilant after passing through security. Several European airports, including Keflavík in Iceland, have additional customs checkpoints positioned after the security and duty-free shopping areas. Don’t get distracted by overpriced chocolate—head to the gate early.
- Final Gate Exam
The gate staff randomly conduct merciless inspections, and if you’re the unlucky chosen one, well, congratulations—you now get to transform into a polar bear by wrapping every single piece of luggage around your body.
- Alternative Option: Take a Train!
As I trudged along the Pamplona highway with my suitcase, one question haunted me: Why didn’t I just take the train?!
My Airbnb was a 15-minute walk from the train station on a regular, pedestrian-friendly road. Instead, there I was, hiking on the shoulder of a highway.
Trains aren’t just convenient—many railway companies offer student discounts and let’s not forget, also, you don’t have to show up two hours early and battle through security. Plus, they’re way more eco-friendly than flying.
Less stress, less hassle, and hey, you can contribute to the environment—sounds fair, right?
Picture this: You’re on a Budapest-bound train, catching up on work, reading a book, or stretching your legs. Now, compared to being crammed into a budget airline flight with no tray table, no legroom, and no care for your sanity, trains seem like the cozier choice.
Anyway, next time check train tickets before booking a $30 flight. If you still think airplanes are cheaper …… then good luck and may your vest pocket fit your entire suitcase.
