Which Airlines to Avoid: Navigating the World of Air Travel
Have you seen the latest stats on lost baggage? According to SITA's baggage insights 2023, bag mishandling is surging. In the report, a few key trends:
- The global mishandling rate surged to 7.6 bags per thousand passengers in 2022, up 74.7% year over year.
- The proportion of bags delayed at transfer increased to 42%, owing to the resurgence of international and long-haul travel.
Air travel can be a complex and often stressful endeavor, but to add the additional stresses of baggage loss or airline delays and cancellations, travel has become a different animal. Choosing the right airline can significantly affect your journey's comfort and overall experience. Although all airlines have their ups and downs, some have garnered reputations for inconveniencing travelers more consistently than others. Below, we've outlined eight airlines that traditionally have caused difficulties for passengers.
1. 
Ryanair is a low-cost Irish airline known for its affordable prices. However, it has consistently been rated poorly by passengers for its lack of comfort, punctuality, and customer service. Often, its bargain ticket prices are supplemented by numerous additional charges, including high baggage fees and expensive in-flight services. Travelers have also reported problems with its cancellation and refund policies.
2. 
Although Air India is India's flag carrier and serves many international destinations, it has frequently faced criticism. Passengers have complained about outdated and uncomfortable seats, unsatisfactory cleanliness standards, and frequent delays. Customer service, both in-flight and during the booking process, has also been flagged as an issue by many passengers.
3. 
Based in the United States, Spirit Airlines is another budget carrier with a reputation for hidden fees and poor customer service. Charges for checked bags, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes at the airport can add significant costs to the base ticket price. Travelers have also reported frequent delays and cancellations.
4. 
Frontier Airlines, another low-cost carrier from the United States, has a reputation similar to Spirit Airlines. Many travelers have voiced concerns about its lack of customer service, frequent delays, and additional charges for carry-on luggage and seat selection. Furthermore, its thin, non-reclining seats have been a source of discomfort for passengers on longer flights.
5. 
easyJet is a British low-cost carrier popular for its cheap tickets across Europe. However, it has faced complaints about frequent delays, cancellations, and subpar customer service. Like Ryanair, easyJet charges additional fees for checked luggage and in-flight services, which can make the overall travel cost higher than initially anticipated.
6. 
Allegiant Air is a U.S.-based budget airline that has been criticized for its aging fleet and additional fees. Passengers have reported reliability issues due to the older aircraft, leading to frequent delays. The numerous add-on charges, such as fees for carry-on luggage, seat selection, and in-flight amenities, can also significantly increase the travel cost.
7. 
This Australian low-cost airline is owned by Qantas. While it offers cheap flights within Australia and to Asia-Pacific countries, it has been criticized for additional charges, including for baggage, seat selection, and in-flight food. Moreover, passengers have reported frequent delays and inadequate handling of complaints.
8. 
Pegasus Airlines, based in Turkey, is another low-cost airline that offers cheap flights but leaves many passengers unsatisfied. The main issues reported include uncomfortable seats, lack of free in-flight services, and frequent delays. Moreover, its strict luggage policy and high excess baggage fees have caused frustration among many passengers.
When choosing an airline, it's essential to consider more than just the ticket price. The overall cost can quickly escalate with additional charges, and your comfort and convenience can significantly affect your overall travel experience. Remember, every airline has its good and bad days, and experiences can vary. Consider checking out recent reviews or asking friends and family about their experiences before making your final decision.