Steer Clear of These Airlines
Although it remains the fastest way to travel, flying is quickly becoming the most stressful, not to mention expensive, means of travel. As a result, budget airlines are quickly becoming the preferred airlines of many travelers.
While you’re likely to pay an arm and a leg flying with a major airline, the disadvantages of flying with a budget airline may outweigh the savings. Sometimes there’s no avoiding it, so if you do get stuck on one of these flights follow this guide to flying to ensure you are doing everything in your power to make things go smoothly!
Big or small, expensive or cheap, here is our list of some airlines to avoid on your next trip.
Steer clear!
1. United Airlines
You’re probably aware of United Airlines’ less than stellar reputation as the airline has made the news due to some unsavory incidents in the past couple years, spurring people to read up on their airline passenger rights. In addition to this, if you read any comments section on United Airlines and you’ll find it rife with complaints.
From unfriendly and unwelcoming flight attendants to lost luggage debacles and flight cancellations, major US airline United Airlines falls way below the mark.
At one time one of the United States’ more popular airlines, United Airlines has since fallen into some bad habits that have customers complaining left, right and center. When planning your next trip save yourself the hassle and avoid, avoid, avoid!
2. Easy Jet
One of Britain’s leading low-cost airlines, Easy Jet has been rapidly expanding since 1995. While Easy Jet offers flights at reasonable rates to a variety of international destinations, its customer service, and in particular its accommodation of special needs, is particularly abhorrent.
Easy Jet has been subject to criticism on the basis that it discriminates against travelers with physical disabilities, while often delaying customer refunds on canceled or delayed flights.
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3. Air Canada
It’s still a popular choice among Canadians, but Air Canada is quickly falling in public opinion as one of the first major airlines to begin charging an arm and a leg for baggage. From charging on the first bag, to soon enforcing smaller sizes and weights of cabin baggage, Air Canada is not only one of the most expensive global airlines, it is rapidly becoming one of the least accommodating.
If you plan on taking anything larger than a backpack on your next trip, this may well be one airline you’ll want to avoid.
4. Sunwing
A charter airline based in Toronto, Canada, Sunwing Airlines is another budget airline popular among travelers heading to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. Although Sunwing operates at reasonable prices for a family vacation, their human resources and customer service sections are plagued by complaints of poor service and even poorer customer accommodation.
Customers with special needs and physical disabilities may well want to steer clear of Sunwing, who despite their decent prices are unlikely to guarantee any extra services for those who require them.
5. Ryanair
Based in Ireland, Ryanair is a favorite budget airline for travelers flying within Europe and for business commutes. However, similar to many budget airlines, Ryanair manages to cut costs by charging exorbitant amounts for all of its services.
Planning on changing your flight time or date? Checking a bag? You may as well pay for a second ticket, as Ryanair charges the Earth for any changes after booking confirmation.
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6. Delta
Potentially America’s least favorite airline, Delta airlines receives more complaints within the online community than any other airline. From frequent flight delays, to lost baggage, overbooking, and even outright flight cancellations, Delta is notorious for its bad customer reviews and even poorer service.
7. JetBlue
One of America’s most popular budget airlines, JetBlue is hit or miss in regard to both its customer service and overall experience. With such mixed reviews it’s difficult to ascertain whether or not JetBlue is worth the risk.
That said, if you find yourself stranded as a result of a canceled JetBlue flight, don’t expect this airline to foot the bill for your accommodation. Such cancellations are common with JetBlue, leaving many flyers stranded for a night or two.