Hidden Hassles And Helpful Perks
Air travel can be a gamble—what seems like a budget-friendly ticket may come with a catch. But while some airlines are stacking up fees and limiting basic services, others are leaning into flexibility, easing stress when plans shift. The difference lies in the policies that don't always make the headlines. Here, we pull back the curtain on 10 airlines with surprisingly rigid rules and 10 that prioritize convenience. Let's start with the tough guys.
1. Ryanair
Print your boarding pass ahead, or Ryanair will slap you with a €55 penalty at the airport. Checking in online but forgetting to print doesn't change anything—you'll still be charged the full fee. This airline has also removed seatback pockets to cut costs.
2. Spirit Airlines
While Spirit's base fare—or "Bare Fare"—is stripped-down, it's not all roses. You will be charged separately for both carry-on bags and overhead bin use—even on short flights. A small bottle of water will cost you, too, and no complimentary drinks are offered.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia
3. Wizz Air
Wizz Air's cabin baggage fees can exceed the actual ticket price, especially last minute. Passengers pay for larger carry-ons, even with overhead space available, and some have been denied boarding for having the wrong size bag—it doesn't matter if it's only a few centimeters difference.
4. Frontier Airlines
In 2022, Frontier eliminated its customer service phone line. Now, help-seeking passengers are stuck with a chatbot, social media, or WhatsApp. However, many customers report being stuck in chatbot loops. Plus, their low fares mean charges for nearly everything else, including printed boarding passes.
5. EasyJet
EasyJet’s lowest fare tier doesn’t allow a standard carry-on—passengers are only permitted a single small personal item unless they pay extra. The airline’s fare system is confusing, with multiple upsells required just to match what other airlines include by default.
Javier Bravo Muñoz on Wikimedia
6. British Airways
For selecting a seat in advance, British Airways charges up to $125, even in long-haul economy, and families who don’t pay extra to sit together are often split up. Also, customers have reported delays in getting refunds, sometimes waiting months.
7. AirAsia
If you check in at the airport instead of online, AirAsia has a fee for you. Not even passengers unfamiliar with online check-in are exempt from the fee. At busy airports or peak travel times, the fee can be higher.
8. United Airlines
United’s Basic Economy fares don’t allow advance seat selection, even for families with children. Yes, they seat children under 12 with parents at no extra cost, but if you want to choose specific seats ahead of time, it comes with a price tag.
9. Lufthansa
A commonly overwhelmed call center, with wait times over an hour, is not the worst part. Lufthansa will only refund for delays or schedule changes if they exceed two hours. This means that even significant changes in departure or arrival times can go uncompensated.
10. Allegiant Air
Allegiant does not allow free date changes or cancellations on standard fares. If you want to make a change, it is possible, but you’ll need pricey trip protection add-ons. And be ready to part with more money if you are choosing aisle or window seats.
Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA on Wikimedia
Thankfully, we have our fair share of airlines that keep things flexible, and here they are.
1. Southwest Airlines
Over at Southwest, there are no change fees for rebooking or switching flights, regardless of fare class. Passengers are even allowed to cancel up to 10 minutes before departure and still keep flight credit. And when you board, seat selection stays open.
2. Alaska Airlines
Main and first-class fares at Alaska Airlines come with no change fees. Passengers also enjoy a "10-minute boarding guarantee," where your seat is held if you arrive before then. On most flights, free texting is available, and even economy fliers can enjoy it.
3. Delta Air Lines
Delta consistently ranks among the top U.S. airlines for customer satisfaction, and its policies contribute to that. They eliminated change fees on most domestic and international economy tickets. And as for their Medallion members, they enjoy free same-day confirmed flight changes.
4. Qatar Airways
With Qatar, you get one of the most flexible rebooking policies in the Middle East. Plus, their Qsuite allows families to create a shared private cabin in business class. Right now, passengers in economy enjoy hot meals, amenity kits, and generous legroom.
5. Emirates
Not only does Emirates allow fee-free rebooking for many disrupted or delayed flights, but it also offers extended validity for unused tickets, sometimes up to 24 months. Here, you can request a seat with a baby bassinet, and it doesn’t matter if you are in economy.
Julian Herzog (Website) on Wikimedia
6. Singapore Airlines
Singapore's flexible fare options allow for more than one free change and generous refund terms. One can get compensation or refunds for flights delayed more than three hours. This airline has topped Skytrax rankings for best service multiple years in a row.
7. Air New Zealand
As for Air New Zealand, they clearly display all fare rules and include Flexi upgrades on many economy tickets. They allow free date changes on Flexi and Flexi Plus fares, and passengers can bid on upgrades to premium economy or business.
8. Japan Airlines
Free seat selection is allowed at Japan Airlines, even for the lowest economy fares. Plus, the airline has one of the most customer-friendly cancellation policies in Asia. If you use their booking tool, you can preview which seats have babies seated nearby.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
9. Virgin Atlantic
Up until the scheduled departure, Virgin Atlantic lets you rebook flights with no change fee. They also allow rerouting or refunds during disruptions. And when you’re in the air, you can order in-flight meals and drinks via their app.
10. ANA
ANA maintains one of the youngest and cleanest fleets in Asia. With them, passengers can make free changes or cancellations within 24 hours of booking. The travel waivers they offer during emergencies or natural disasters keep things flexible.
