Skybus Because Only Birds Fly Cheaper

That slogan is accurate. Skybus is the newest airline to make saving money almost as fun as taking a vacation. Based in Columbus, OH this low cost carrier is safe, fully automated and fun. They have brand new airbus airplanes that are clean and comfy, and their staff is friendly and helpful.

I have always been a fan of Southwest airlines because they take customer service seriously, even though their flights are no frills. The same is true of Skybus, but even more so thanks to the fully automated computer-only system that eliminates the expense of a call center. In this day and age when your travel plans are mostly made online, why not save a bundle by booking things all by yourself?

I booked a non-stop flight from Columbus to San Diego and saved over $300 compared to other carriers. When I checked in the ticket counter crew was smiling, cheerful and prepared to answer all the questions a new Skybus traveler would have. The tee-shirt clad crew and flight attendants were equally impressive.

Skybus charges you based on what you use. The flights are priced based on availability, so the first ten seats on every flight are $10 each way, and as they sell more seats on the flights the prices go up from there. For example my tickets from Columbus to Kansas City was $10 outbound and $35 for the return, making the round trip just under $50 with taxes and fees. I could not have driven it for that price if factoring in the time difference - 1 hour and 35 minutes via Skybus or 12 hours in my mini-van. You do the math!

You pay for a ticket and can add on extras from there. Priority boarding, snacks, meals, drinks, checked luggage and lap children cost extra. If you don’t need any of those services you don’t pay for them. Fair enough. Skybus keeps the fares low by selling advertising space on the planes and they even offer aisle shopping during the cruising altitude, should you need a pair of $12 sunglasses or a cute $10 kid’s backpack. You can pay for the in-flight purchases with cash, debit or credit card too.

Skybus selects smaller (less expensive to operate) airports near major cities. Check out the facts at Skybus and see if you can take advantage of their deals. The company is adding new cities and routes regularly. Thanks to this new airline your next vacation may be more affordable than you thought.

Written by Helene, who is a “fly by the seat of her pants” mom with 6 kids, well really 7 if you count her husband. She is a die-hard bargain shopper, designer-clad domestic diva who writes reviews to maintain a sense of sanity and unleash her creative side. You can also keep up with their busy family at their blog.