Difference Between a Full-Service Airline and Low-Cost Airline

If you’re accustomed to flying with full-service airlines or perhaps seeing ads from legacy carriers, you might get the impression that all airlines offer similar inflight services, such as free food, overnight kits, blankets, pillows, and snacks. But then, when you step onto the aircraft of your airline, what’s this? No blankets? No pillows? No free food or snacks? No business class? Limited legroom? In that case, you’re likely flying with a low-cost airline.

In essence, there are two types of airlines: full-service and low-cost carriers. In this discussion, we’ll focus on airlines in the Philippines. So, what’s the difference between them? Let’s simplify it. Full-service airlines are those that transport you from point A to point B with all the comforts included. On the other hand, a low-cost carrier will get you from point A to point B without any extra frills. “Low-cost” means the fares are lower than those of premium or full-service airlines. They also lack the amenities that full-service carriers offer.

In the Philippines, there’s essentially just one full-service airline, which is Philippine Airlines (PAL). However, the country is home to several low-cost airlines, including:

• Cebu Pacific
• PAL Express
• CebGo
• AirAsia Philippines
• Pan Pacific Air
• Royal Air

AirSwift in the Philippines is a boutique airline whereas PAL Express is actually considered as a low cost carrier except, they have business class seats in some of their aircraft like their A321CEOs. However, they are now reconfiguring their old A320s to accommodate a full economy-class configuration.

Low Cost Airlines and Full Service Airlines

What distinguishes a full-service airline from a low-cost carrier? Let’s delve into the key differences. Typically, low-cost airlines do not offer business class seating, with a few exceptions such as PAL Express and Air Asia X.

Full-Service Carriers:

• Have full comfort amenities like free blankets, free pillows, free kits, free slippers, and more.
• Equipped with business class seats and higher.
• Seats are built for full comfort with individual inflight entertainment systems (IFE), reclinable with full recline into full flat or lie-flat seats (business class and up), and other seat features.
• Larger legroom
• Free inflight full meals and beverages.
• Comfort and flying experience is a huge factors.
• Fares are usually higher.

Low-Cost Carriers:

• No free comfort amenities or you would need to pay to avail of amenities and items such as blankets, pillows, eye masks, etc.
• Usually all economy seats except for some airlines.
• Seats are just the basic ones. No IFE. Some do not even recline since they are already pre-reclined.
• Ample or small legroom and knee room.
• You pay extra for meals on board.
• For them, taking you from point A to point B safely is all that matters. Comfort? Pay more.
• Fares are very affordable and low.

The Premise of a Low-Cost Airline

Low-cost airlines like Cebu Pacific prioritize keeping their fares low to enable more people to fly. They achieve this by removing all non-essential services that could increase costs, such as blankets, pillows, headsets, and overnight kits. These items not only add to the airline’s expenses but also increase the aircraft’s weight, leading to higher fuel consumption and, consequently, higher operational costs. To cover these additional expenses, airlines might charge extra fees for such amenities.

Similarly, on low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia, inflight meals are not included in the ticket price but are available for purchase. These airlines typically carry only a limited amount of food onboard: enough to fulfill pre-ordered meals and a small extra quantity for spontaneous purchases. This strategy helps manage costs effectively by avoiding unnecessary expenses on unsold food items.

The concept is akin to purchasing a car. Subcompact cars come in various trim levels, from basic to premium. A basic car includes all essential features needed for safe and functional transportation, such as an engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, lights, seats, air conditioning, a simple stereo, a dashboard, and basic rims. The cost of a basic car is lower compared to more premium models. However, as additional features like a touchscreen stereo, LED headlights and taillights, leather seats, larger rims, a backup camera, and automatic climate control are added, the price increases. Each added feature contributes to the overall cost, resulting in a more premium model with a higher price tag.

Choosing Between a Low-Cost Airline or Full Service Airline

The choice between flying on a full-service airline and a low-cost carrier is similar to deciding between buying a basic or a more premium car. Low-cost airlines, akin to basic cars, provide the essentials needed to get passengers from point A to point B safely, focusing on affordability over amenities. In contrast, full-service airlines offer a more premium experience, akin to a premium car, providing additional comforts and services for those who value or require them, particularly on longer flights.

In the Philippines, the domestic air travel market is largely dominated by low-cost carriers (LCCs) such as Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippines AirAsia. These airlines have made air travel more accessible to a wider audience by offering low fares, making them a popular choice for passengers prioritizing cost over comfort for short-haul flights, often less than two hours.

However, full-service airlines and low-cost carriers cater to different segments of the market. Full-service airlines appeal to travelers who place a high value on comfort and are willing to pay for a more inclusive flight experience. These airlines are typically preferred by long-haul travelers, especially for journeys exceeding eight hours, where the additional amenities can significantly enhance the travel experience. Conversely, low-cost airlines target price-sensitive passengers who are willing to forego certain comforts in exchange for lower ticket prices, focusing solely on the essential aspect of transportation from point A to point B.

Beyond Comparison

The choice between flying on a full-service airline and a low-cost carrier is similar to deciding between buying a basic or a more premium car. Low-cost airlines, akin to basic cars, provide the essentials needed to get passengers from point A to point B safely, focusing on affordability over amenities. In contrast, full-service airlines offer a more premium experience, akin to a premium car, providing additional comforts and services for those who value or require them, particularly on longer flights.

In the Philippines, the domestic air travel market is largely dominated by low-cost carriers (LCCs) such as Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippines AirAsia. These airlines have made air travel more accessible to a wider audience by offering low fares, making them a popular choice for passengers prioritizing cost over comfort for short-haul flights, often less than two hours.

However, full-service airlines and low-cost carriers cater to different segments of the market. Full-service airlines appeal to travelers who place a high value on comfort and are willing to pay for a more inclusive flight experience. These airlines are typically preferred by long-haul travelers, especially for journeys exceeding eight hours, where the additional amenities can significantly enhance the travel experience. Conversely, low-cost airlines target price-sensitive passengers who are willing to forego certain comforts in exchange for lower ticket prices, focusing solely on the essential aspect of transportation from point A to point B.