Low-Cost Airline Add-Ons: Bags, Seats, Meals
A bargain fare changes once bags, seats and meals are on the bill.
A low-cost fare is the starting price, not the final one. Add the bag, the seat and the meal you actually need for each person, in each direction. Then compare the total with another airline or a package that includes the flight.
What can change a low fare?
The base fare may cover only the seat and a small cabin bag. Everything else is a choice with a price.
- Checked bags: priced per bag, per direction.
- Seat selection: needed if you want to sit together.
- Meals and drinks: useful on a long flight, costly if bought on board.
- Extra legroom or priority boarding: optional.
- Payment and change fees: differ by method and fare type.
Fares and fees change by date and season, so use the airline site for today’s numbers.
Which routes are low-cost routes in practice?
Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi is listed with AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and VietJet Air1. Penang lists Ho Chi Minh City as its only Vietnam destination, served by AirAsia2. Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur is listed with Malaysia Airlines, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia3. Schedules change, so confirm on the airline sites.
See the direct routes data page for the full picture. If you are still choosing where to land, read KL to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
How do you total the fare before booking?
Use a short checklist for every traveller and every direction.
- Base fare for your date.
- Checked bag, if needed.
- Seat, if you want to sit together.
- Meal and drinks for the journey.
- Any fee for payment or changes.
- The airport transfer on arrival.
Enter these in the trip budget builder with today’s figures. Then put the result beside a flight-inclusive package, as in Is the Flight Included?.
How can a group of friends keep it fair?
Decide before booking who carries a checked bag and who travels light. Price each person separately, then add up. Shop for the cheaper option only after you know the real total for each traveller.
Remember that you may buy things in Vietnam. If you plan to shop, add baggage to your return leg. The ringgit cost worksheet lets you test both choices. More help sits in Costs and package value.
Tell us your route, the number of travellers and how much luggage each of you carries, and we can help you total a fair fare before you book.
Common questions
What add-ons do low-cost airlines charge for?
Checked bags, seat selection, meals, extra legroom, priority boarding and payment or change fees are the usual items. The base fare may include only a small cabin bag. The list differs by airline and fare type, so read the fare conditions on the booking page before you pay.
How do I total the real price?
Start with the base fare. Add a checked bag for each person who needs one, seats if you want to sit together, a meal if the flight is long and any fee for payment or changes. Do this for each direction, then add the airport transfer you will need.
Is it cheaper to buy bags at the airport?
Usually not. Some airlines charge more at the counter or gate than when you add a bag during booking. Decide your baggage before you pay, and weigh your bag at home so you do not meet a surprise at check-in.
How should friends travelling together handle add-ons?
Agree before booking who needs a checked bag and who travels light, then price each person on their own. Seats together may cost extra per person. Share the total fairly so one person who packs light does not subsidise the group.
Sources
- Kuala Lumpur International to Hanoi Noi Bai is listed as served by AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and VietJet Air. Wikipedia. Wikipedia destination table; check airline sites for current schedules.
- Penang International Airport lists Ho Chi Minh City as its only Vietnam destination, served by AirAsia. Wikipedia. No Penang to Hanoi or Da Nang listed.
- Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat to Kuala Lumpur is listed as served by Malaysia Airlines, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia. Wikipedia
Keep planning
Tell us your route, the number of travellers and how much luggage each of you carries, and we can help you total a fair fare before you book.