LOT Polish Airlines, commonly referred to as LOT, is the flag carrier of Poland. The airline has been operating since 1929 and has undergone significant changes in recent years. Today, LOT known for offering some of the lowest fares in the industry. In this article, we will explore the reasons why LOT Airlines is so cheap and what you can expect when flying with them.
Lower Operating Costs
One of the primary reasons why LOT Airlines is able to offer such low fares is because of their lower operating costs. The airline operates a modern fleet of aircraft, which allows them to streamline their maintenance and crew training processes. They also have a low-cost business model, which means that they cut costs wherever possible, such as using a single class of service and charging for extras such as seat selection and checked bags.
Additionally, LOT Airlines has a quick turnaround time between flights, which means that they can fly more flights per day than other airlines. This allows them to spread their operating costs over more flights and passengers, which helps to keep fares low. The airline also uses technology to automate processes such as check-in and boarding, which reduces the need for staff and helps to keep costs down.
No Frills Service
LOT Airlines is a no-frills carrier, which means that they offer basic transportation without any extras. This means that they do not offer amenities such as in-flight meals, drinks, or entertainment. Passengers required to pay for any extras they may need, such as food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. This allows the airline to keep their fares low while still offering basic transportation.
However, LOT Airlines does offer a complimentary snack and drink on some flights, as well as the option to pre-order meals for an additional fee.
Point-to-Point Route Network
Another way that LOT Airlines keeps their fares low is by operating a point-to-point route network. This means that they fly non-stop between cities, rather than connecting through a hub airport. This allows the airline to avoid the high costs associated with operating a hub-and-spoke system and also allows for quicker and more efficient travel for passengers.
In addition, LOT Airlines flies to a mix of major cities and smaller regional airports, which allows them to serve a wider range of travelers and attract more passengers.
High Load Factors
LOT Airlines also maintains high load factors on their flights, which means that they try to fill as many seats as possible on each flight. This allows them to spread their operating costs across more passengers, which helps keep their fares low.
Ancillary Revenue
Another factor that contributes to LOT Airlines’ low fares is their focus on ancillary revenue. Ancillary revenue revenue generated by selling products and services other than the airline ticket, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, and in-flight food and beverage sales. LOT Airlines has a high focus on generating ancillary revenue, which allows them to keep their base fares low while still generating revenue.
The airline also offers a subscription service called My Favourite Seat, which allows passengers to pre-select their favorite seat for an additional fee.
Fuel Efficiency
Another factor that contributes to LOT Airlines’ low fares is their focus on fuel efficiency. The airline has invested in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 MAX and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which use less fuel than older aircraft models. This helps to reduce the airline’s operating costs and allows them to pass those savings on to customers in the form of lower fares.
Government Support
Finally, it’s worth noting that LOT Airlines has received significant government support in recent years. The airline partially privatized in 2015, and the Polish government still holds a 33% stake in the company. This government support allows LOT Airlines to access funding and resources that other airlines may not have access to, which can help to keep fares low.
Conclusion
LOT Airlines is able to offer some of the lowest fares in the industry due to a combination of factors, including their lower operating costs, no-frills service, point-to-point route network, high load factors, focus on ancillary revenue, fuel efficiency, and government support. While the airline may not offer the same amenities and services as other carriers, they do provide basic transportation at a great value.
However, passengers should be aware of the airline’s fees for extras such as seat selection and checked bags, which can add up quickly and increase the overall cost of their travel. Additionally, while the My Favourite Seat program can a way to get a preferred seat, passengers should aware of the additional cost.
Overall, LOT Airlines can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers who are looking for a no-frills travel experience. By understanding how LOT Airlines operates and what to expect when flying with them, passengers can make an informed decision about whether the airline is the right choice for their travel needs.
