Low-Cost Carriers: How to Fly Cheap and Still Have a Great Trip

When you’re planning a Caribbean getaway, low-cost carriers, airlines that cut extras to offer lower fares, often the only way to make a tropical trip fit your budget. Also known as budget airlines, they’ve changed how people travel—no more waiting for expensive holiday sales. You don’t need a bonus or a windfall to book a flight to Jamaica or Barbados. Just know how to use them right.

These airlines don’t offer free meals, assigned seats, or checked bags by default—but that’s not a bad thing. It means you pay only for what you need. A backpacker flying with a carry-on can save hundreds compared to traditional airlines. The trick is timing. Most low-cost carriers drop their cheapest fares on Tuesday nights, and flying midweek cuts prices even more. You’ll find better deals on flights to Antigua or St. Lucia if you avoid Christmas, Easter, and UK school holidays. And yes, some of these airlines fly from UK regional airports—like Manchester or Glasgow—so you might skip the long train ride to London Heathrow entirely.

But here’s what most people miss: low-cost carriers aren’t just about the ticket. They’re part of a bigger system that includes flight deals, time-sensitive promotions that often bundle airfare with hotel stays or car rentals, and travel savings, the real money you keep by avoiding hidden fees like baggage charges or seat selection. If you book a flight with a low-cost carrier and then pay £50 extra for a checked bag, £20 for a seat, and £15 for water on board, you’re not saving much. But if you pack light, choose a free seat, and bring your own snacks, you’re looking at a £200+ saving per person. That’s enough for a beachside rum punch or a guided snorkel tour.

You’ll see this play out in the posts below—people sharing how they flew to Grenada for under £300 roundtrip, how they used a low-cost carrier to extend a weekend trip into a full week, and how they avoided the trap of thinking "cheap flight" means "bad experience." Some even swapped out their usual airline for a budget option and ended up with better service because they knew what to expect. These aren’t stories of compromise. They’re stories of smart choices.

Whether you’re chasing a last-minute beach escape or planning your next romantic getaway, the right low-cost carrier can open doors you didn’t know existed. The key isn’t just finding the lowest price—it’s knowing how to play the game. Below, you’ll find real trips, real savings, and real tips from travelers who’ve done it. No fluff. Just what works.