Best Budget Airlines for Cheap Flights

Flying has never been more affordable, thanks to budget airlines that provide travelers with a low-cost alternative to traditional carriers. 

These airlines offer cheap flights to popular destinations, making travel accessible to a wider audience. In this article, we will provide you with a list of the best budget airlines for cheap flights and explain the criteria for choosing the best budget airline.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Budget Airlines

When choosing a budget airline, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some of the criteria that we used to evaluate the best budget airlines:

Safety Record: Safety is the top priority when flying, and it’s essential to choose an airline with a strong safety record.

On-time Performance: Delays can be frustrating, and they can also cost you money in missed connections or canceled plans. Look for an airline with a reliable track record of on-time arrivals and departures.

Baggage Fees: Budget airlines are known for charging extra fees for baggage, so it’s important to consider these costs when comparing airlines.

Route Network: The number and variety of destinations served by an airline are essential, especially if you have a specific destination in mind.

Customer Service: Good customer service can make all the difference when dealing with the stress of travel. Look for an airline with a reputation for friendly and helpful customer service.

Ancillary Fees: In addition to baggage fees, budget airlines may charge for other services, such as in-flight meals or entertainment. Consider these fees when comparing prices.

List of Best Budget Airlines for Cheap Flights

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a low-cost carrier based in the United States, known for its affordable fares and excellent customer service. It operates flights to over 100 destinations across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean, making it a popular choice for domestic and international travel on a budget.

One of the key advantages of flying with Southwest Airlines is its no-frills approach to air travel. The airline offers a single class of service, with no assigned seating and a first-come, first-served policy. This allows passengers to board the plane quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of assigned seats or complicated boarding procedures.

Another advantage of flying with Southwest Airlines is its generous baggage policy. Passengers can bring up to two checked bags and two carry-on bags for free, making it easy to pack for longer trips without worrying about additional baggage fees. 

The airline also offers a range of in-flight amenities, including free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks, and entertainment options like movies and TV shows.

To save even more on flights with Southwest Airlines, travelers can sign up for the airline’s loyalty program, Rapid Rewards. Members can earn points for every flight and redeem them for free flights, hotel stays, and other rewards. The airline also offers regular promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking its website frequently for the latest deals.

Overall, Southwest Airlines is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for cheap flights in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. With its affordable fares, excellent customer service, and generous baggage policy, it’s easy to see why Southwest Airlines is one of the best budget airlines in the region.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is a low-cost carrier based in the United States, known for its comfortable and affordable flights. It operates flights to over 100 destinations in North and South America, making it a popular choice for domestic and international travel on a budget.

One of the key advantages of flying with JetBlue Airways is its in-flight amenities. The airline offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, free snacks and drinks, and complimentary entertainment options like movies and TV shows on its in-flight entertainment system. JetBlue Airways also offers a premium cabin experience, Mint, which includes lie-flat seats, a dedicated check-in experience, and premium food and beverage options.

Another advantage of flying with JetBlue Airways is its customer service. The airline has been recognized for its excellent customer service and has won several awards for its in-flight experience. 

JetBlue Airways also offers a unique policy called “The JetBlue Promise”, which guarantees that customers will be provided with information about delays, cancellations, and diversions in a timely manner and will be offered compensation if a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed.

To save even more on flights with JetBlue Airways, travelers can sign up for the airline’s loyalty program, TrueBlue. Members can earn points for every flight and redeem them for free flights and other rewards. The airline also offers regular promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking its website frequently for the latest deals.

Overall, JetBlue Airways is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for comfortable and affordable flights in North and South America. With its in-flight amenities, excellent customer service, and unique policies like “The JetBlue Promise”, it’s easy to see why JetBlue Airways is one of the best budget airlines in the region.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier based in the United States, known for its low fares and no-frills approach to air travel. The airline operates flights to over 70 destinations in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

One of the key advantages of flying with Spirit Airlines is its low fares. The airline offers some of the lowest fares in the industry, and travelers can save even more by joining its loyalty program, Free Spirit. Members can earn points for every flight and redeem them for free flights and other rewards. Spirit Airlines also offers regular promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking its website frequently for the latest deals.

Another advantage of flying with Spirit Airlines is its optional services model, which allows travelers to choose only the services they need and pay for them accordingly. For example, passengers can choose to bring only a personal item on board for free and pay extra for a carry-on or checked bag. Spirit Airlines also offers additional services like seat selection, priority boarding, and travel insurance for a fee.

However, it’s important to note that Spirit Airlines charges fees for many services that other airlines offer for free, such as printing boarding passes at the airport and selecting seats at check-in. The airline also has a reputation for strict baggage policies and fees, so travelers should be prepared to pay extra for any additional baggage.

Overall, Spirit Airlines is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for low fares and an optional services model. With its loyalty program, Free Spirit, and regular promotions and discounts, it’s easy to save even more on flights with Spirit Airlines. However, travelers should be aware of the airline’s fees and strict baggage policies when booking a flight.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier based in the United States, known for its low fares and no-frills approach to air travel. The airline operates flights to over 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.

One of the main advantages of flying with Frontier Airlines is its low fares. The airline offers some of the lowest fares in the industry and regularly offers promotions and discounts, so travelers can save even more. 

Frontier Airlines also has a loyalty program, Frontier Miles, which allows members to earn miles for every flight and redeem them for free flights and other rewards.

Another advantage of flying with Frontier Airlines is its optional services model, which allows travelers to choose only the services they need and pay for them accordingly. 

For example, passengers can choose to bring only a personal item on board for free and pay extra for a carry-on or checked bag. Frontier Airlines also offers additional services like seat selection, priority boarding, and travel insurance for a fee.

However, it’s important to note that Frontier Airlines charges fees for many services that other airlines offer for free, such as printing boarding passes at the airport and selecting seats at check-in. 

The airline also has a reputation for strict baggage policies and fees, so travelers should be prepared to pay extra for any additional baggage.

Overall, Frontier Airlines is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for low fares and an optional services model. With its loyalty program, Frontier Miles, and regular promotions and discounts, it’s easy to save even more on flights with Frontier Airlines.

However, travelers should be aware of the airline’s fees and strict baggage policies when booking a flight.

Read More: 9 Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air is an American ultra-low-cost airline that operates scheduled and charter flights to over 125 destinations across the United States, including popular tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach.

One of the main advantages of flying with Allegiant Air is its low fares. The airline is known for offering some of the lowest fares in the industry, and it regularly offers promotions and discounts on its already-low fares. Allegiant Air also offers additional savings to travelers who book their flights and hotel accommodations together, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious vacationers.

Another advantage of flying with Allegiant Air is its optional services model, which allows travelers to customize their travel experience and pay only for the services they need. For example, passengers can choose to bring only a personal item on board for free and pay extra for carry-on or checked baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and other services.

However, it’s important to note that Allegiant Air charges fees for many services that other airlines offer for free, such as printing boarding passes at the airport and selecting seats at check-in. The airline also has a reputation for strict baggage policies and fees, so travelers should be aware of these policies when booking a flight.

Overall, Allegiant Air is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for low fares and an optional services model. With its additional savings for booking flights and hotel accommodations together and regular promotions and discounts, it’s easy to save even more on flights with Allegiant Air. However, travelers should be aware of the airline’s fees and strict baggage policies when booking a flight.

Read More: How to Score Cheap Flights During Peak Travel Seasons

Ryanair

Ryanair is an Irish low-cost airline that operates over 1,800 flights per day to more than 200 destinations in 40 countries across Europe and North Africa. It is known for its low fares and no-frills service, which allows it to keep costs low and pass those savings on to its customers.

One of the main advantages of flying with Ryanair is its low fares. The airline offers some of the lowest fares in the industry, with prices as low as €9.99 ($12 USD) for a one-way ticket. Ryanair also offers regular promotions and discounts on its already-low fares, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Another advantage of flying with Ryanair is its optional services model, which allows travelers to pay only for the services they need. For example, passengers can choose to bring only a small carry-on bag on board for free and pay extra for checked baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and other services.

However, it’s important to note that Ryanair charges fees for many services that other airlines offer for free, such as printing boarding passes at the airport and selecting seats at check-in. The airline also has a reputation for strict baggage policies and fees, so travelers should be aware of these policies when booking a flight.

Overall, Ryanair is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for low fares and an optional services model. With its regular promotions and discounts on already-low fares, it’s easy to save even more on flights with Ryanair. However, travelers should be aware of the airline’s fees and strict baggage policies when booking a flight.

EasyJet

EasyJet is a British low-cost airline that operates over 1,000 routes to more than 30 countries across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is known for its low fares and no-frills service, which allows it to keep costs low and offer affordable flights to its customers.

One of the main advantages of flying with EasyJet is its low fares. The airline offers some of the lowest fares in the industry, with prices as low as £14.99 ($20 USD) for a one-way ticket. EasyJet also offers regular promotions and discounts on its already-low fares, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Another advantage of flying with EasyJet is its optional services model, which allows travelers to pay only for the services they need. For example, passengers can choose to bring only a small carry-on bag on board for free and pay extra for checked baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and other services.

However, it’s important to note that EasyJet charges fees for many services that other airlines offer for free, such as printing boarding passes at the airport and selecting seats at check-in. The airline also has a reputation for strict baggage policies and fees, so travelers should be aware of these policies when booking a flight.

Overall, EasyJet is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for low fares and an optional services model. With its regular promotions and discounts on already-low fares, it’s easy to save even more on flights with EasyJet. However, travelers should be aware of the airline’s fees and strict baggage policies when booking a flight.

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Norwegian Air Shuttle, commonly known as Norwegian, is a low-cost airline based in Norway that operates a wide range of domestic and international routes. It is known for its affordable fares and modern fleet of aircraft.

One of the main advantages of flying with Norwegian is its low fares. The airline offers some of the lowest fares in the industry, with prices as low as $39 USD for a one-way ticket. Norwegian also offers regular promotions and discounts on its already-low fares, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Another advantage of flying with Norwegian is its modern fleet of aircraft. The airline has invested heavily in new, fuel-efficient planes that are designed to minimize its environmental impact while providing a comfortable flying experience for passengers.

Norwegian also offers a range of optional services, including meals, checked baggage, and seat selection. Passengers can choose to pay for only the services they need, which can help keep the overall cost of the flight low.

However, it’s important to note that Norwegian charges fees for many services that other airlines offer for free, such as printing boarding passes at the airport and selecting seats at check-in. The airline also has a reputation for being strict with baggage policies and fees, so travelers should be aware of these policies when booking a flight.

Overall, Norwegian is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for low fares and a modern flying experience. With its regular promotions and discounts on already-low fares, it’s easy to save even more on flights with Norwegian. However, travelers should be aware of the airline’s fees and strict baggage policies when booking a flight.

Read More: Pros and Cons of Booking Early vs. Last-Minute Flights

AirAsia

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier based in Malaysia, and it’s known for its affordable prices and extensive network of destinations across Asia. With a focus on providing simple, no-frills air travel, AirAsia offers some of the lowest fares available on the market today.

One of the advantages of flying with AirAsia is its wide range of destinations, including popular tourist hotspots like Bali, Bangkok, and Tokyo. The airline operates flights to over 120 destinations across 25 countries, with hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Jakarta. This makes it easy to travel around Asia on a budget, whether you’re planning a backpacking trip or a luxury vacation.

In addition to its low fares, AirAsia offers a range of seating options to suit different budgets and preferences. Passengers can choose from standard seats or upgrade to premium flatbeds for extra comfort. Food, drinks, and other amenities are available for purchase onboard, allowing passengers to customize their travel experience and only pay for what they need.

To save even more on flights with AirAsia, travelers can sign up for the airline’s loyalty program, AirAsia BIG. Members can earn points for every flight and redeem them for free flights, hotel stays, and other rewards. The airline also offers regular promotions and discounts, so it’s worth checking its website frequently for the latest deals.

Overall, AirAsia is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for cheap flights in Asia. With its affordable fares, extensive network of destinations, and flexible seating options, it’s easy to see why AirAsia is one of the best budget airlines in the region.

Conclusion

There are many great budget airlines that offer affordable flights without sacrificing quality. Southwest Airlines is a top choice for domestic travel within the United States, while Norwegian Air offers great options for international travel. EasyJet and Ryanair are popular choices in Europe, and AirAsia is a top pick for travel within Asia.

When booking with budget airlines, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, read the fine print carefully to understand the airline’s policies on baggage fees, seat selection, and other add-ons. 

Make sure to compare prices and book directly with the airline to avoid extra fees from third-party booking sites. 

Consider flying during off-peak times or on weekdays for the best deals, and sign up for the airline’s loyalty program to earn rewards and save even more on future travel.

Traveling on a budget can be a great way to see the world without breaking the bank, and budget airlines offer a convenient and affordable way to get around. 

While they may not offer the same amenities as full-service carriers, they can provide a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience at a fraction of the cost. 

With a little research and careful planning, you can find the best budget airline deals and make your travel dreams a reality. Happy travels!