4 Tricks Budget Airlines Use To Ensure Your Flight Departs On Time

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Low-cost airlines have pioneered affordable air travel, and part of this strategy starts on the ground.

Low turnaround times (the time during which an aircraft arrives at a gate and is prepared for its next flight) are a game changer for budget airlines. It means more flights in a day, less waiting time on the ground for passengers, and more money for the airline.

Here’s how some airlines ensure 20–30 minute turnarounds while their competition takes double the time to get you airborne.

Reason 1: Early Boarding

Many budget airlines don’t have a first come, first serve approach to seats. There is no reserved seating, so passengers arrive early at their gate. This streamlines the boarding process, enabling an on-time departure, and fewer final call passengers who need to be found by ground staff at the airport.

Reason 2: Teamwork during the turnaround

The cabin is thoroughly cleaned during a turnaround. On budget airlines, everyone helps clean between flights, including the cabin crew and pilots. More hands helping allows a quicker cleanup process and a swift departure.

Reason 3: Airstairs

Some airlines (like Ryanair in Europe) have their own airstair that are stowed in the aircraft. This cuts any waiting time for external stairs to be attached to the aircraft, speeding up the boarding and deboarding process.

Reason 4: Abundant ground handling resources

As I mentioned in a previous post, low cost airlines operate to secondary airports. Sometimes they are the only airline there. This means all ground equipment is readily available, and they don’t have to worry about delays caused by waiting for a pushback tractor or bus. Yet another reason the built-in airstairs are an asset.