Ok, Australia has a “new kid on the block” when it comes to discount airlines. So what’s all the fuss about? I wanted to find out, so I booked my trip to Adelaide recently on Tiger Airways!

Is it any different to JetStar or Virgin? 
Yep, it’s bloody dam cheap. I had 2 weeks notice to go to Adelaide so I looked at all the fares from all the airlines (excluding Qantas because I know they’re expensive). I used Tiger Airways to Adelaide, and Virgin on my way back because those were the cheapest tickets I could get.

I avoided Jetstar, because you have to add in the cost to going to Avalon Airport  (Melbourne) as opposed to Tullamarine for the other airlines. Travelling to Avalon is a real pain in the a–, so Jetstar was not an option. Besides, their fares were more expensive anyway.

I bought my Tiger ticket for a mere $39.95. They have silly taxes though: what the hell is a luxury tax? It cost me more to get to the airport by taxi than it did to fly from Melbourne - Adelaide. That is just plain WRONG! LOL!

Furthermore, you have to pay “extra” if you want checked in baggage (which I did not have):
* 0-15kg: $5.00
* 15 + 5kg: $15.00
* 15 + 10kg: $25.00
*15 + 15kg: $40.00
** Sports equipment is extra ($30.00)

Doing the sums…
So things can add up, if you manage to get a $39.95 fare + GST ($3.95) + 30kg checked in baggage, then you would be spending: 83.90 + whatever they charge extra for using your credit card + luxury tax. You really need to do your sums before booking.

Charging customers for checked in baggage seems appropriate, because from an airline perspective they would save $$ on fuel costs (which are soaring!). So when the plane reaches Adelaide, and there’s more fuel remaining, it means less fuel is required to fill up (to come back) therefore cost savings for the airline.

So is it worth it?
For me, it was worth it because I only had hand luggage. Tiger Airways is ideal for the day traveller with hand luggage only. Remember, a laptop is not counted, so you can take an additional baggage. I took my laptop, and my suit. No hassles!

The process and planes…
You get a crappy terminal, and you need to walk onto the plane but when you are paying less than your taxi fare to the airport to travel 700km - who cares! There weren’t many people on my plane so I had two empty seats next to me, so I put my feet up.

What’s “not worth it” and has the colour red? 
Those silly Premium Economy seats that Virgin have introduced. Totally ridiculous. They simply added a cup holder to the “middle seat” and added a few inches of leg room. Yeah yeah, you get priority this and priority that, and free entry into “The Lounge” who really cares if you’re only travelling 1-2 hours. It’s suitable for business travellers who cancel a lot, so why not just call it Business Class.

I can’t believe on their website they mention: “exclusive red leather seats”! That is just plain pathetic.

Overall my experience with Tiger Airways was positive, and I felt it was worth the money I paid. Too bad I had to fork out $119 on my return with Virgin, which was the cheapest I could get. The biggest advantage for Tiger is that they have their terminal at Tullamarine.

Note: This is a Commentary, hence the “C” in the title. Find out more.