Which Budget Airlines Fly to Istanbul?
Istanbul is a historic city, full of culture, beauty and history. The city is a popular destination for many tourists and travelers, and now there are even more opportunities to get there on a budget. Below is a comprehensive guide on which budget airlines fly to Istanbul and how to save money on your flights.
Budget Airlines Compared
The main contenders for budget flights to Istanbul are the well-known low-cost carriers, such as Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and Ryanair. All of these airlines offer excellent pricing compared to traditional airlines. For instance, Pegasus Airlines offers flights from £20 one way, whereas the same journey with a traditional airline would cost around £150.
Wizz Air has recently entered the budget airline market and offer flights from as little as £14 one way. Ryanair, the Irish budget carrier, is also another great option, with flights from as little as £20 one-way. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these prices are only available if there are promotional offers running.
What to Look Out For
When booking budget airlines it is important to be aware of potential hidden costs. Additional baggage fees, priority boarding charges and seat selection fees are all common. Also consider any non-refundable, non-transferable tickets, and check that you will be able to change or cancel flights, if necessary.
The best option when booking a budget flight is to take advantage of advance booking deals. Airlines usually offer discounts and special offers for those booking one to two months in advance. It is also useful to keep an eye on last minute specials, as the cost of flights can drop significantly in the days before departure.
Airport Transfers
Getting from the airport in Istanbul to your accommodation can also be expensive. There are several ways of getting to the city from the airports. The main one is the ever popular motorway shuttles, which offer direct routes from the airports to the city. There are other options, such as private chauffeurs and shared taxi/minibus services.
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and book your transfers in advance to ensure that you get the best price and avoid any problems when you arrive.
Alternative Destinations from Istanbul
Istanbul is an ideal starting point for exploring the wider region, and the budget airlines offer excellent opportunities to do this. For instance, Pegasus Airlines offers flight to numerous cities, including Ankara, Antalya and Izmir, for as little as £20 each way.
Wizz Air also offers the opportunity to explore further, with flight to destinations including Izmir. Flying these budget airlines offer an exciting and cost effective way to explore the Turkish coast and beyond.
Pros and Cons of Budget Airlines
One of the biggest advantages of using these budget airlines is cost. Flying these airlines can cut your travel costs significantly, meaning you can do more with your budget. This can be a great benefit, especially if you’re travelling with a family.
The downside of these budget airlines is the additional fees that can accumulate with baggage, seating and change fees. It’s important to check the small print for these fees to avoid any hidden surprises.
Tips for Finding a Good Deal
The main thing to keep in mind when booking a flight to Istanbul is to plan ahead and be flexible. Taking advantage of promotional offers or booking in advance can often lead to a significant saving on flights. It can also be useful to use the budget airline comparison websites, which provide an overview of the cost of all airlines to your destination.
Another useful tip is to avoid flying at peak times, such as the weekends. Flight prices tend to be higher during the peak season, so you may be able to save some money by flying mid-week, or at quieter times of the day.
What is the Maximum Baggage Allowance?
The maximum baggage allowance for budget flights usually depends on the airline. For instance, Pegasus Airlines offers a single piece of 20kg checked baggage for economy flights, whereas Wizz Air offers only 8kg for its basic fare.
Most airlines also offer options to increase the baggage allowance for a fee on the day of the flight, although this is not recommended as it can be quite expensive. It is best to check the baggage allowance before booking to avoid any additional fees.
Do Budget Airlines Fly to Istanbul Directly?
A direct flight to Istanbul from most UK airports usually costs between £40 and £90, depending on the airline. Budget airlines offer a real advantage here, as they often offer direct flights for much lower prices.
For example, Pegasus Airlines offer direct flights from London to Istanbul for as little as £25 one-way, whereas a conventional airline may charge up to £100 one-way. Most of the well-known budget airlines offer direct flights to Istanbul from major cities in the UK.
Are Budget Flights Considered Safe?
Despite what many people think, most budget airlines are subject to the same regulations as all other commercial airlines. They are also required to adhere to the legal requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority.
In addition, the bigger budget airlines, such as Wizz Air and Ryanair, have very good safety records and have a very low risk of experiencing an accident. Therefore, flying with these airlines is considered safe, and you can be confident that they will take all necessary steps to ensure your safety.
Summary
Budget airlines offer an excellent way to get to Istanbul on a budget. Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and Ryanair are all very good options for budget flights. Always remember to plan ahead and book in advance to take advantage of promotional offers and discounts. Be sure to check the baggage allowance when booking to avoid any surprises and keep an eye out for last minute specials, as these can offer a great saving. Finally, rest assured that these airlines are subject to the same regulations and have a very good safety record.
