Let's say you have purchased or researched airline tickets in the last few months and if you did so you probably came across the following situation: on the one hand a cheaper fare appeared, but with some limitations – such as checking baggage – and on the other, a rate was found that allows you to check in your bags, but also make changes to your ticket without charging other fees for this – however, as you can imagine, the cost is much higher.

It is important to know that each airline has its own fare policies, categories and benefits, but in general there are three types of fares that are applied by airlines: economy fare, basic fare and full fare.

So when we understand what each one is like, it becomes easier to understand what you are buying. 

Thus, as the name suggests, the economy fare is the cheapest ticket that generally comes with a promotional fare and delivers few (or zero) benefits to the traveler.

The basic tariff, on the other hand, can be considered as a middle ground between the tariffs, and may provide some advantages for the customer.

On the other hand, the full fare, which airlines generally sell for a higher price, entitles you to much more comfortable seats, cancellation of the ticket or even change of reservation, without incurring costs and even with the possibility of earning miles for undertake other trips.

But what is the difference between airfare and flight class?

To continue on the subject, we need to detail the difference between the air fare and the flight class (which is classified as economy, business and first class).

When we talk about class, we are talking about the sector of the plane in which you will travel, that is, what type of seat you will have, what the meal varieties are, the service, and the most different activities.

However, when talking about the fare, we are talking about the conditions of the ticket, which involve checking in bags, canceling or rescheduling the flight and also several other purposes that take place before boarding.

Generally speaking, you can pay a full economy class fare, or travel business class by choosing to pay a more basic fare. Now that we understand the difference, let's understand a little more what the differences between the rates are.

Airfares – Benefits

Let's understand a little better what air fares are and then focus on light fares.

Light Latam Tariff – talking a little about Latam's light fare, in this category it is possible to take a hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg and choose which seat will be yours. In addition, if the customer decides to check a bag weighing up to 23kg, they will be required to pay a fee of R$40 and if there is a need to make a change to the reservation, the fee is R$ 172.

It is also important to highlight that for the Latam Light Fare there is no refund in the case of cancellation made by the customer, however if it is made by the airline it is important to know what the rules are regarding delay, cancellation and overbooking in Brazil. These rules must be complied with by any company.

Light Gol Tariff – In the case of Gol, customers who choose their Light Tariff can take one hand bag weighing up to 10 kg. To check any bag, you must pay a fee of R$ 30 (if done online or over the phone) or R$ 60 if the customer chooses to check it at the counter, upon check-in.

Additionally, for people who want to book their seat on the plane, they will need to pay a fare of R$10. When rebooking your ticket, you will have to pay a fee ranging from R$170 or up to 100% of the ticket price (in this case, the lowest value will always be considered). And if the customer decides to cancel their ticket, the amount paid will not be refunded.

In general, Light fares offered by airlines meet the following criteria:

Is it worth buying a light ticket?

The light ticket can be a good choice for those people who are going on a short trip of just a few days, who don't need a lot of clothes, and who are sure that they will show up for the trip.

Otherwise, although light fares cost less, they have a side effect, especially when arriving at the airport and discovering that you need to check your bag. In other words, this type of concern is very important when choosing your rate.