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Low-cost or full-service airline: what's the difference and which to choose

How low-cost airlines such as Pegasus, AJet, flydubai and Wizz Air differ from AZAL and Turkish Airlines, and when a cheap ticket is really cheap.

Updated:2 min readAviaBazaar team
Low-cost or full-service airline: what's the difference and which to choose

In short

A low-cost airline's basic fare usually includes only a small bag; checked baggage, seat selection and food are paid separately. With full-service airlines (AZAL, Turkish Airlines) most of these are included. Low-cost is often better value for a short trip with hand luggage only, but when you fly with suitcases or family, compare the total price including baggage.

When you search, you see flights on the same route with prices that differ by half. The reason is often the airline's model: one is low-cost, the other a full-service airline. Low-cost airlines flying from Baku include Pegasus, AJet, flydubai and Wizz Air; full-service ones include AZAL and Turkish Airlines.

The main difference: what the price includes

A low-cost basic fare usually covers only the seat and a small bag that fits under it. A larger cabin bag, checked baggage, seat selection and food are paid separately. With full-service airlines, hand luggage and often checked baggage plus an in-flight meal are included. Exact size and weight limits vary by airline and fare, so check them in the ticket conditions.

When is low-cost better value?

  • A short 2–3 day trip with a small bag only.
  • A short flight where food and a comfortable seat don't matter much.
  • Fixed dates: changing cheap fares is usually expensive.

When is a full-service airline better?

  • Flying with suitcases, especially as a family: buying several bags later on a low-cost can quickly wipe out the price difference.
  • Connecting trips: on one ticket the airline rebooks you if you miss a connection.
  • Flying with children when sitting together matters.
  • If your plans might change: flexible fares are more widely available on full-service airlines.

Check the airport too

Low-cost airlines sometimes fly to a city's second airport. In Istanbul, for example, Pegasus and AJet land at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), while AZAL and Turkish Airlines use Istanbul Airport (IST). Factor in the time and cost of getting to where you're staying: more on Baku to Istanbul flights.

A quick test: work out the total

When comparing two options, add to the ticket price the baggage you need, seat selection (if you want it) and the trip from the airport into the city. The real difference is often much smaller than it looks on screen. On AviaBazaar you see flights together with their baggage conditions, which makes comparing easier. For baggage rules: hand luggage and baggage. Compare flights on AviaBazaar.

Frequently asked questions

What is a low-cost airline?

A budget airline whose basic fare usually includes only a seat and a small bag, selling baggage, seat selection and food separately. From Baku, Pegasus, AJet, flydubai and Wizz Air are such airlines.

Is a low-cost ticket always cheaper?

No. Once you add baggage, seat selection and travel from a distant airport, the difference can shrink or even favour a full-service airline. Compare the total price.

Is AZAL a low-cost airline?

No, AZAL is a full-service airline. Depending on the fare, hand luggage and often checked baggage are included.

Which is better value for a family?

If you need suitcases and to sit together, a full-service airline often works out better. Buying those extras separately on a low-cost quickly erases the difference.

Tagslow-cost, budget airline, baggage, ticket price