Living in the air

Few tips on how to travel with low budget airlines.

Traveling is way too easy these days. And if you think it's an expensive hobby you are very mistaken. Visiting, mostly the European cities, can be done on a very low budget. You can go for a weekend getaway, date with your partner or simply travel on your own. First rule is to plan in advance; that way you won't be spending too much. We got a vast variety of low cost airlines available to us.
Next step is to find a cheap hostel, or even better- try couchsurfing (and the point is not just to stay somewhere for free, it can be actually very rewarding too! You meet so many new people, gain both good and bad experiences.)
The pain in the ass are those low budget airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, Monarch etc. Indeed you can get a very good deal on the tickets but at the same time it can be a fucking hassle. Baggage restrictions, rushed boarding at the last minute, not even water offered on-board. A friend of mine recently flew with Ryanair and had to pay 60euros because his suitcase was just a tiny bit bigger than was allowed. Fortunately I never had any problems but then I do travel like a pikey.

Packing

Here are some useful tips. Assuming you don't live right by the airport you would have to take the train/ coach – and manage to reach the airport just in time – follow these few packing rules.
Firstly, make sure you check the regulations concerning the bag dimensions. Also, it really helps if your suitcase has soft walls, just be careful that it wouldn’t be too flimsy.
Make sure the weight does not exceed 10 kg (easyJet currently doesn't have a weight restriction but then again double check where you're flying to). As of November 2013 Ryanair changed one bag policy to 2 bags, while easyJet allows you to take one bag on-board with a small duty free bag.

Pack your suitcase in a particular order. First, put aside things which you need; clothes first, then cosmetics, then whatever remains- such as electronic devices, charges, laptop, book? Now start putting things inside the suitcase- in the reverse order (I'm not saying that the laptop should be in the bottom of the bag, but since it is one of the most important things for you make sure you won't forget to take it). I presume the bag is already filled to the top and you still haven't packed half of your clothes! Honestly, trust me! you don't need all of them! Leave something behind. Still have too much? Take out jumpers, small coats, hats, gloves, even tights and bras because you'll wear them while boarding the plane ! Put them aside for now.
Good.
Regarding the cosmetics and electronics- kindle, laptop... - need to be easily reachable since you need to take them out at the security control. With the cosmetics-if you are going to stay at a hotel, check what toiletries they provide- you really don't need to take your favorite shampoo just for the weekend. And by the way if the hotel does provide toiletries, even if you don't use them take the empty bottles back home- they will prove very useful on your next trip.
You are allowed to take up to ten bottles each max 100ml and they must be sealed in a plastic bag which is usually provided at the airport for free. (Not at the Stansted where you have to buy it for a pound.) The system can not detect very small amounts of liquids such as condoms or a lip balm. Don't quote me on that though ;)

Also, if you are a girl you are most likely to take a small handbag- or a camera bag, small laptop case (don't take anything too sturdy). While still at home put there already a book, or a magazine, some refreshments, and an empty bottle of water (or half empty if you need to drink on your way to the airport BUT you need to empty it before reaching the security) We will need the bottle for later (if you want to save time and money of course)!

So, your suitcase looks perfect, and you are about to leave your house. Now put all the additional jumpers/ hats etc which you have previously put aside, inside the bag; you will wear them once entering the plane so the suitcase will again meet the regulations.


Arriving at the airport


Bear in mind that low cost airlines are going to open the gate at the time when they were supposed to close it (this especially applies to almighty Ryanair!). So if you are not checking in a suitcase- and please don't! really why would you need two suitcases if you are backpacking just for few nights.- you need to arrive at the airport only like a 20-40minutes before the gate closes. The time you need depends on how big the airport is and whether you are familiar with it, and how busy is the security check. (I pushed the limit once and had 15 mins only to run from the coach through the security, and across the whole airport... still had to queue for twenty minutes. But then again, it was with Ryanair...).
What helps me is to take off my coat, scarf and earrings (belts, watches...) while still on the coach/train. Because the first thing you want to do is to pass the security and they WILL strip you.

Assuming you finished your bottle – you don't have any time to stop at the restrooms to empty it ! You are now ready to run through the security. Sometimes they already ask for the boarding pass or even your ID, so put them into your pocket.


Going to the gate

Now you've passed the security check. I'm assuming you are running late. Run faster. Check the gate, put on all the jumpers, coats, boots and go. Once you reach the gate you need to look like you are sensibly packed, your suitcase has got neat dimensions and of course you suffer from anemia therefore the two coats you are sweating in are indeed necessary. On the way stop to buy water or soda- low cost airlines don't offer you anything on the plane- or fill your empty bottle from the water machine (it is cheaper than buying anything from the airport and you should definitely drink during the flight). However if you are not familiar with the layout of the airport do not waste too much time looking for one. Or use a restroom (there is always one very near to your gate.)
This guide is mainly for a single traveler, so if you are going in a group bear in mind that Ryanair doesn't have allocated seats- unless you pay for the service- therefore you might end up sitting on the other ends of the plane.
Now you'll understand why you had to prepare your handbag in advance. While you are queuing at the gate put some toiletries into the handbag (like a lipstick, or a hand cream; the air can get very dry on the plane) and some refreshments (don't forget the drink). All the big suitcases must be put in the overhead locker therefore it's a bit annoying to stand up and fiddle with it each time you remember to drink or take a picture. Or your suitcase might end up on the other side of the plane.. The worst case scenario is that the airlines decide there is not enough room for your suitcase on-borad therefore they'll check it in for you- free of charge-.
It is a bit cheeky, but once you enter the plane, quickly take the handbag out of the suitcase. Then put the suitcase in the overhead locker. Took off the jumpers and coats, which are most likely to go also into the overhead compartment. Then put the small handbag you so carefully prepared under the seat in front of you. Sit and now you can relax, you made it :)

This might seem like a long list of things to remember but they are very logical steps and quickly you'll get used to them. If there is anything more what can improve quick and carefree trip to the airport and through the check points, please feel free to leave a comment.