Answer Woman: Are low-cost airfare promotions worth it after baggage costs, fees?

ASHEVILLE - Today’s question is about navigating airline deals and hidden fees. Got a question for Answer Man or Answer Woman? Email Executive Editor Karen Chávez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question could appear in an upcoming column.

Question: Allegiant Air is offering nonstop flights from Asheville. How much are passengers really paying for flights when reeled in by airlines’ low airfare promotions after baggage and other fees?

Answer: This month, Allegiant Air announced its latest nonstop flight from Asheville Regional Airport, which allows travelers to fly directly from the city to Minneapolis. Other nonstop flights from Asheville offered by the company include Atlanta, Denver and multiple destinations in Florida.

On Feb. 23, a nonstop flight from Asheville to Chicago was promoted for $60 on Allegiant Air’s website.

However, the airlines' ticket pricing can quickly change depending on the situation.

Wendy Gritzmacher, travel advisor and founder of Bliss Travel, launched the Asheville-based travel company in Dec. 2021, but she's worked in the travel industry for more than 13 years. She said flying with a major airline may not be as costly in comparison to a budget airline.

“The nuisances that may make that budget fare look attractive, it almost equals what a major airline carrier is going to charge for that round-trip ticket for everything to be included,” Gritzmacher said. “And if there is a cancelation you have more flights to link up to and still make it to your destination on time.”

Gritzmacher shared some travel tips for passengers to help keep to their budget.:

Con: Budget airlines' “a la carte” model can add up for items like booking a seat, storing a bag in an overhead bin, checking luggage, or buying snacks and beverages, Gritzmacher said.

Tip: It may be cheaper to travel with smaller baggage, like a handbag or computer bag that can fit under a seat, she said.

Con: A traveler may lose money saved by booking a discount flight if they have to pay for a hotel room or other unexpected expenses due to a delayed or canceled flight.

“Discount carriers usually run one flight a day, sometimes twice if you’re lucky, and if they get canceled, you have a higher probability of not being able to fly out that same day,” Gritzmacher said.

Tip: Gritzmacher recommends padding the travel itinerary with an extra day or two to allow wiggle room if a flight must be rescheduled.

Con: Gritzmacher said more people are using smaller, wheeled carry-on luggage and storing them in overhead bins to avoid paying to check it or risking it getting lost. However, that’s causing the bins to fill up sooner.

“If you haven’t prepaid for a priority embarkation to get on a flight your bag then gets gate checked and it gets put under the plane anyway,” she said.

Tip: Gritzmacher advises travelers to take the luggage they want and pay for it in advance to avoid the hassle of trying to cram everything in. It may be cheaper to pay for checked bags in advance, too, as the cost rises on the day of travel, she said.

The cost can be as little as a couple of dollars up to an exorbitant amount if flying roundtrip.

Con: Some travelers attempt to get the best deals by flying directly to one destination and then booking a separate connection from that airport to their destination. Yet, it may not be worth the hassle as they may have to go to baggage claim to collect their bag, recheck it with the airport, and then reenter through the security checkpoint to make their next flight.

“You need three hours minimum between flights to check it at the airport and go through the process all over again,” she said.

She said the passenger will be considered a no-show if one of the flights is delayed or canceled and the passenger misses their next flight, costing more money in the long run.

Tip: “The only way to avoid hidden fees in a discount carrier is to go with the idea that you can just bring a handbag or just bring a briefcase then you know you’re not paying any additional costs,” she said.

Con: Many variables can affect flight rates, such as the time of the year, major world events, or whether it is peak or off-peak tourism season for the destination. She’s noticed airline prices fluctuate mid-week, but it’s still situational.

“Airlines book to their capacity so if they have a flight that they want to fill up they may discount that particular flight for say, eight seats. Once those tickets sell the tickets jump right up again,” she said.

Tip: The best time to buy a ticket is when the traveler sees an acceptable price as there’s no guarantee it will stay the same or be priced lower.

Bonus tip: “If you’re traveling with your spouse or a friend and you’re doing a longer-distance flight, have them put a couple of your personal items in their suitcase and vice versa so that if there is a baggage delay for one of you at least you would have some change of clothes. … or a toothbrush,” Gritzmacher said.

Stories you may have missed:

• Allegiant Air begins new nonstop flight from Asheville Airport to Minneapolis

• Asheville Airport announces new Allegiant Air nonstop service to 'magic' destination

• Looking to travel in 2024? See Asheville Regional Airport's newest nonstop flight options

Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Travel agent shares hacks for best flight deals, avoiding hidden fees