A cheaper ticket — with clear conditions
Air Cairo, Nile Air, Air Arabia, flydubai and more: why are their tickets cheaper? What's included, what do you pay extra for, and who are they right for?
The Question Everyone Asks
Low-cost flying doesn't mean "less safe flying" — every airline is subject to the same international safety standards. The difference lies in how they operate and sell:
Unbundled pricing: the basic fare usually covers the seat and a cabin bag, while other services such as checked baggage, seat selection and meals are bought separately, only by those who need them.
A fleet of a single aircraft type or family, which lowers the cost of maintenance, spare parts, and pilot and cabin-crew training.
Intensive aircraft utilisation: shorter turnaround times on the ground and more daily flights per aircraft, so fixed costs are spread across a larger number of passengers.
A point-to-point network of direct flights rather than relying on transit connections, which reduces the cost of transferring baggage between flights and compensation for missed connections.
Direct sales through the website and app reduce intermediary commissions and distribution costs.
Usually a single-class cabin with more seats on the aircraft, which lowers the cost per seat.
Use of secondary or less congested airports in some destinations, where operating fees are typically lower (for example Sphinx Airport in Cairo for some airlines).
The Airlines
Some of these airlines describe themselves as "hybrid": priced close to low-cost carriers, but their ticket may include services such as checked baggage or a meal. Click on any airline to see its fare bundles, pros and cons.
Hybrid airline
No complimentary meals on flights; food and drinks are charged
Lower baggage allowance on the Hurghada – Germany route (20 kg checked and 5 kg cabin)
Low-cost airline
The basic fare does not include a checked bag or a meal except on Cairo Airport (CAI) flights
Value fare bundles
The Lite fare does not include a checked bag and does not allow changes or cancellations
Low-cost airline
The basic fare does not include a checked bag on flights from Sphinx, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria and El Alamein
Low-cost airline
The basic fare does not include seat selection
Low-cost airline
The basic fare does not include a checked bag or seat selection
iCon Travel Tip
What's the Difference?
General rules to help you choose — the fine details vary from airline to airline and ticket to ticket.
Usually included in an international economy ticket (allowance depends on destination and fare type).
Usually not included in the basic fare; added for a fee or with a higher fare bundle.
Usually included on international flights.
Usually purchased on board or pre-ordered.
A standard seat is usually free, or included with certain fare types.
Usually for a fee, except on higher fare bundles.
A wide network with connections via the airline's hub for long-haul destinations.
Usually direct point-to-point flights, with a smaller network.
Seatback screens or streaming to your device on most modern aircraft.
Limited or unavailable, depending on the airline.
Depends on the fare class; some are flexible.
Usually stricter conditions and higher fees on the basic fare.
Usually higher, as services are included.
Usually lower — you pay only for what you need.
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Airline information is taken from the airlines' official websites (last reviewed September 2026), and their names are trademarks of their owners. iCon Travel is an independent travel agency; fares and policies are confirmed by our team at booking.
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