Hints

Check-in

While buying your electronic ticket online you have received the reservation code with which you will confirm your ticket at the airport. It is best to come to the airport as soon as possible to avoid stress when checking in at the last minute. Also, early check-in with some carriers ensures higher priority at boarding. At check-in counter you are obliged to show your reservation code and some kind of ID, usually passport is required for international flights. It is recommended to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after entering the foreign country. Low-cost carriers usually have free seating without assigned seats, which means that passengers may choose their own seats. Be aware that checking-in is usually closed 30 minutes prior to flight departure and later check-in is not possible. Note that low-cost carriers can be very strict about this rule, because the ticket has already been paid and they have received the money, whether you fly or not.
 

Boarding

Considering that most low-cost carriers have free seating, some of them have developed a priority boarding system. First priority of boarding is usually for families with small children as well people who need assistance while boarding. Other passengers can be prioritized according to the check-in time. In case that carriers do not have a priority system, you may try to insure getting a suitable place in the aircraft in several ways. Low-cost carriers aircraft are usually parked at remote positions and transport is done by buses. It is recommended to enter the bus last, because in this way it is most likely that you will be able to exit first, which in turn means that you will enter the aircraft among the first. However, if boarding the aircraft is by air bridges, passengers standing closest to the entrance will enter first.
 

Denied boarding compensation

Like other carriers, low-cost carriers always sell a few seats more than the actual capacity of the aircraft, because there is always a certain percentage of no-shows - passengers who do not show up for the specific flight. Therefore, in case you are denied boarding for the flight for which you have a valid ticket, you are entitled to "denied boarding compensation". Further details can be obtained from the staff representing the carrier.
 

Connecting flights

Low-cost carriers usually do not offer connecting flights but only point-to-point flights. So, if you book a flight that includes connecting to another low-cost carrier's flight, be aware that most likely you will have to take care of your own luggage to be transferred from flight to flight and you will have to check in again for your next flight. That is why you are recommended to take with you as little luggage as possible (the best option is only carry-on luggage) and to try to study the airport facilities and layout in advance, so that, once there, you can find your way through the airport easily and quickly. Low-cost carriers do not usually take the responsibility for missing your connecting flights, so make sure you have enough time between the flights (min. recommended 2 hours) for all the necessary activities.
 

Changing the booking

It is usually possible to change your booking, but sometimes it is a more expensive option, too. If you need to change your flight for a later date, it is better to check if there are cheap options for the required dates, because it might prove cheaper than simply changing the booking.
 

Refunding

Low-cost carries do not offer refunding of the money paid for the ticket. Most likely, you could only change your reservation for a different date for a certain compensation. However, keep in mind that a certain amount of money you have paid covers airport taxes and in case you are not taking the flight, the carrier is obliged to refund the amount paid for taxes. If you are sure that you cancelled your travel, contact the carrier from which you bought the ticket giving them your name, flight date, booking number and all other relevant data.
 

Fly healthy

To make your flight more comfortable here are a few tips that will help you reduce the negative effects of flying:
- Wear light and comfortable clothes;
- Drink plenty of liquids, primarily water, so you can compensate water loss due to very
  dry air in the aircraft;
- Be cautious with intake of coffee, tea, coca-cola and alcoholic beverages which stimulate
  dehydration;
- Stretch your arms and legs regularly;
- If you wear contact lenses, try wearing spectacles instead - it will probably prove more
  comfortable.