The Secret to How Budget Airlines Keep Prices So Damn Low

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Somehow, you can fly for like $10 on Ryanair and the company actually makes a profit. And then there's that airline with $99 flights to Europe, which seems way too good to be true, and yet is a functioning business plan. But how do these airlines make it work?

A video posted by Wendoverproductions takes an in-depth look at some of the most profitable budget airlines in Europe to see where they cut corners, and how they gain the power to negotiate such low fares. Turns out, a variety of tactics and loopholes combine to make it happen.

For example, budget airlines tend to have very young fleets, as they buy new aircrafts in bulk. While this sounds expensive, operating this way actually reduces prices as airlines can grab bulk discounts and don't have to worry about the maintenance costs of older aircrafts. Another cool trick: budget airlines only operate one kind of aircraft, which cuts down on staff training costs since workers only have to learn the safety procedures and intricacies of one plane.

Airports also play an important role in keeping prices low. Budget airlines often fly into smaller airports that, while farther from city centers, charge less in take-off and landing fees. A budget airline will often be one of only a few airlines flying out of an airport, giving it a huge amount of negotiating power.

In addition, these airlines will charge for food, sometimes won't offer reclining seats (too much maintenance), occasionally charge to print boarding passes, and find all sorts of other little ways to cut corners. Customers may complain about all this, but in the end, they'll suck it up for that rock-bottom price.

Watch the video for all the money-saving secrets of budget airlines. You'll realize just how much work goes into that $10 fare, and feel some real love toward Ryanair for a minute. That is, until the next time you fly Ryanair and go to recline your seat.

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Kara King is a News Writer at Thrillist and has good posture from all that budget airline flying. Send news tips to news@thrillist.com and follow her at @karatillie.