1,173 — Flying on a Budget Airline

Sometimes a cheap airline ticket ends up costing you more than you planned. Learn why in this episode.
Slow dialog: 1:31
Explanations: 4:18
Fast dialog: 18:36
Anton: It’s amazing that we were able to get these airline tickets so cheaply.
Federica: It’s great, isn’t it? We can fly to Lawrence City for a fun weekend. Let’s check in using this kiosk.
Anton: Hmm, this is asking me to pay $50 to bring a piece of luggage aboard. I didn’t know there were such strict baggage restrictions.
Federica: I didn’t realize it either.
Anton: And we have to pay another fee to reserve a seat. I didn’t know that the default was open seating.
Federica: Me, neither.
Anton: Did you know that we’re not flying directly to Lawrence City, but making two stops on the way?
Federica: Oh, no!
Anton: And there are other hidden fees for what they consider add-ons, things we would normally get for free on other airlines, like a soda, snack, blanket, and in-flight entertainment?
Federica: No, that’s news to me.
Anton: Here’s the kicker. We’re not flying into Lawrence City Airport but to a remote airport 60 miles away. We’ll pay a lot for ground transportation to our hotel. Should we get a refund and forget about the trip?
Federica: Sorry, one thing I do know is that there are no refunds or changes allowed.
Anton: I should have known flying on a budget airline would be like this. It doesn’t seem like such a good deal now, does it?
Federica: No, this airline has turned nickel-and-diming into an art form!
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse