LCA (Low-Cost Aggregator)

An aggregator that gathers low-cost carrier fares into one search so they can be booked alongside scheduled airlines. Because many low-cost carriers don't distribute through the GDS, an LCA fills that gap by pulling their fares into a single comparison. This lets travellers and booking tools consider budget options without searching each airline's website separately.

Low-cost carriers often sell tickets mainly through their own websites and apps, and for a long time their fares were difficult to compare with those of full-service airlines in a single search. An LCA solves this by connecting to low-cost carriers and presenting their fares next to scheduled flights. For business travel this matters, because on short-haul and regional routes a low-cost option can be significantly cheaper — especially for travellers who fly with hand luggage only.

At the same time, low-cost fares come with trade-offs that companies should consider. Checked baggage, seat selection and changes are usually charged separately, fares are often non-refundable, and schedules or airports may be less convenient. A travel policy can define when low-cost options are appropriate — for example, for short trips with fixed dates — and when a more flexible fare is justified by the risk of changes. Clear rules help travellers make the right choice without asking for approval each time, and comparing the total trip cost, including ancillary fees, gives a more accurate picture than comparing base fares alone.

For a corporate booking platform, access to broad airline content is what makes a fair price comparison possible. Tumodo gives companies access to flights from 500+ airlines in one search, so travellers and coordinators can compare options side by side, check fare conditions and baggage rules before booking, and choose what fits both the trip and the travel policy — without searching each airline's website separately.