5 reasons why budget airlines aren't all that bad

Would you buy a seat on a discounted flight—one with no food, entertainment, or baggage allowance—to save potentially hundreds of dollars?

In an era of one-way transatlantic fares selling for as little as $99 on Wow Air and domestic flights selling for under $20 from Spirit and Frontier, more and more people are asking themselves: Is it worth it to forego small luxuries for a barebones flight?

There are many things to consider before jumping at those eye-popping prices. But if you're not a habitual first- or business-class traveler, budget airlines may indeed be worth a few sacrifices. Here's why.

SEE ALSO: For just $199, this budget airline will fly you from California to almost anywhere in Europe

You'll save money even if you have to pay fees.

If you're not the type to travel with just a carry-on bag, go ahead and pay the fee to check a bag on Wow Air. You're already paying significantly less than you would on another airline that allows a free checked bag, so you'll still come out ahead.

Even the ubiquitous ads and in-flight sales pressure from flight attendants aren't so bad. Sure, you have to sit through some sales pitches, but just imagine you're being handed hundreds of dollars to do so. An eye mask and some decent headphones will shield you from most of it anyways.

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You can bring your own food and drink.

Bringing food from home or, in some cases, even buying food in the airport terminal will be cheaper than the onboard options. Don't let the TSA's 3-1-1 guidelines scare you out of bringing in your own meals—just don't bring any dressing or other liquids that exceed three ounces and bring an empty, refillable water bottle. Packing food is likely much healthier than any of the onboard food options.

Not selecting your own seat can be a blessing in disguise.

Some people love to choose their own seats. Others don't care. And if you're traveling with children or a large group, you might not be able to get all of the seats when you book regardless of your options. In those cases, waiting at the gate and being seated on a first-come, first-served basis may actually make it easier for everyone to sit together—even if you can't get the exact window or aisle seat you want. (And when all else fails, you can always try politely asking someone to switch with you.)