Compare the two airlines on equal terms, with the same bags, seats and meals. If the gap is small after that, the full-service airline gives a calmer start to the honeymoon. If the gap is wide and your flight is short, the low-cost airline can win.
This guide is part of our budget topics. It gives you a same-trip table to fill in and a few comfort checks that matter when you are tired after the wedding.
How do we compare both airlines on equal terms?
Pick one outbound and one return flight on each airline. Then complete the same lines for both. The table shows what to add.
| Line | Low-cost airline | Full-service airline |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare for two | Write it down | Write it down |
| Checked bags | Add if not included | Check what is included |
| Seat selection | Add if you want to sit together | Check what is included |
| Meal and drinks | Add if you want them | Check what is included |
| Change or cancel | Check the fare rules | Check the fare rules |
| Airport and terminal | Note the terminal | Note the terminal |
| Transfer to the hotel | Match the arrival time | Match the arrival time |
What changes the total the most?
For most couples, the biggest swing comes from baggage. After a wedding you may carry gifts and extra outfits, so a bag allowance matters.
Seats and meals come next. Our guide on flight timing and baggage costs has a worksheet for this, and paying to sit together covers the seat fee.
How do comfort and tiredness enter the choice?
A short flight of one to two hours is easy on either airline. A longer one asks more of you, so legroom, a meal and a smooth check-in are worth more.
Consider the day you leave, too. If you are exhausted after the wedding, a convenient flight time can be worth more than a lower fare. See red-eye flight to save money for the energy trade-off.
When does the low-cost airline win?
It wins when you can travel with one light bag, you are happy with a basic seat and the times suit you. It also wins on short routes where comfort differences are small.
Keep a back-up plan for delays, since you may have fewer re-booking options on a basic fare. Ask yourself what you would do if the flight were delayed by half a day.
When does the full-service airline win?
It wins when you need a checked bag, a meal and a seat together, and the total ends up close to the low-cost one. It also helps when your leave is short and a calm arrival matters.
Check what is included in your exact fare type, since inclusions differ. A published fare name is not enough; ask for the fare conditions.
Should we book flights and hotel together?
Sometimes a bundle is simpler, and sometimes separate bookings are cheaper. Read hotel and flight bundle versus separate bookings before you decide.
Whichever you choose, keep arrival times in line with hotel check-in so you do not pay for a night you cannot use.
What should we do next?
- Pick one outbound and one return on each airline.
- Fill in the table with the same bags, seats and meals for both.
- Add the airport transfer and any extra night.
- Send us the two totals, and we will confirm the better value for two with the airline details.