Low-cost carrier

Airline with generally lower fares Aero K Airbus A320-214 (registered HL8562) taxiing at Taoyuan International Airport. Ryanair and Wizz Air are the two major ULCCs in the European market. A low-cost carrier (LCC) or low-cost airline, also called a budget or discount carrier or airline, is an airline that is operated with an emphasis on minimizing operating costs. It sacrifices certain traditional airline luxuries for cheaper fares. To make up for revenue lost in decreased ticket prices, the airline may charge extra fees, such as for carry-on baggage. The term originated within the airline industry referring to airlines with a lower operating cost structure than their competitors. The term is often applied to any carrier with low ticket prices and limited services regardless of their operating models. Low-cost carriers should not be confused with regional airlines that operate short-haul flights without service, or with full-service airlines offering some reduced fares. Some airlines advertise themselves as low-cost while maintaining products usually associated with traditional mainline carriers' services. These products include preferred or assigned seating, catering, differentiat