Flying can be expensive, but knowing which low-cost airlines to choose can help you slash your travel costs. While some airlines focus more on customer service, many travelers prioritize finding affordable flights and the best deals.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to save big on airline tickets and highlight the top budget-friendly airlines to consider for your next trip.
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- 10 cheapest airlines
- How to save on airfare
- FAQ
10 cheapest airlines
To help you find the most affordable flights, AirAdvisor analyzed economy-class airfares over a recent period to identify the cheapest airlines. Here are the top budget-friendly airlines in the U.S.
If you’re looking to find an inexpensive flight within the U.S., start with these airlines for the best deals.
| Airline | Cost per mile |
| Frontier Airlines | $0.0985 |
| Spirit Airlines | $0.1110 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $0.1236 |
| Allegiant Air | $0.1294 |
| JetBlue Airways | $0.1324 |
| Alaska Airlines | $0.1554 |
| United Airlines | $0.1650 |
| American Airlines | $0.1730 |
| Southwest Airlines | $0.1732 |
| Delta Airlines | $0.1761 |
1. Frontier Airlines
Frontier, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is known for its “Low Fares Done Right” philosophy. It offers ultra-low-cost travel with a focus on budget-conscious travelers.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Basic seat assignment: Frontier provides a standard seat in the main cabin.
- Personal item: One small personal item that fits under the seat is included.
What costs extra?
- Carry-on baggage: Frontier charges for carry-on bags and checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Choosing a preferred seat, including extra legroom seats, incurs additional fees.
- In-flight amenities: Snacks, drinks, and WiFi are not included and must be purchased separately.
- Other fees: Frontier charges for priority boarding and other services.
2. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines, based in Florida, operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, maintaining low base fares by charging for additional services and amenities.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Basic seat assignment: Standard seating in the main cabin.
- Personal item: One small personal item that fits under the seat is included.
What costs extra?
- Carry-on baggage: Charges apply for both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Preferred seating, including larger front seats, comes with additional fees.
- In-flight amenities: Food, beverages, and WiFi are not included and must be purchased.
- Other fees: Spirit also charges for boarding passes printed at the airport and other services.
3. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines offers budget-friendly flights to and from Hawaii. It provides a comfortable travel experience with a strong focus on safety and customer satisfaction.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Complimentary meal: Meals and snacks are included on all transpacific flights.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment via personal devices.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
What costs extra?
- Checked baggage: Fees apply for checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Preferred seating, such as extra comfort seats, incurs additional charges.
- In-flight amenities: Premium meals, drinks, and WiFi are available for purchase.
4. Allegiant Air
Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air focuses on providing low-cost domestic flights, operating on a business model similar to that of other budget carriers.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Basic seat assignment: Standard seating in the main cabin.
- Personal item: One small personal item that fits under the seat is included.
What costs extra?
- Carry-on baggage: Fees apply for both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Preferred seating, including exit row and extra legroom seats, comes with additional costs.
- In-flight amenities: Snacks, drinks, and other services are not included and must be purchased.
5. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue offers competitive prices along with added perks, making it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers seeking more comfort and services.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Complimentary snacks and drinks: Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights.
- Free WiFi: Complimentary high-speed WiFi on all flights.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
What costs extra?
- Checked baggage: Fees apply for checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Even More Space seats and other preferred seating options are available for an additional fee.
- In-flight amenities: Alcoholic beverages and premium snacks are available for purchase.
6. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlinesoffers competitive fares and periodic sales, making it a popular choice for flights to and from remote areas.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Complimentary snacks and drinks: Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment on personal devices.
What costs extra?
- Checked baggage: Fees apply for checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Preferred seating, including Premium Class, incurs additional charges.
- In-flight amenities: Meals, alcoholic beverages, and WiFi are available for purchase.
7. United Airlines
United Airlines offers extensive domestic and international routes. It balances price and comfort, making it a solid choice for long-distance travelers.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Complimentary snacks and drinks: Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on most flights.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment via seatback screens and personal devices.
What costs extra?
- Checked baggage: Fees apply for checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Preferred seating, including Economy Plus, comes with additional fees.
- In-flight amenities: Meals, alcoholic beverages, and WiFi are available for purchase.
8. American Airlines
American Airlines offers a vast network of destinations and frequent flights, making it a reliable choice for many travelers.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Complimentary snacks and drinks: Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on most flights.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment via seatback screens and personal devices.
What costs extra?
- Checked baggage: Fees apply for checked luggage.
- Seat selection: Preferred seating, including Main Cabin Extra, incurs additional charges.
- In-flight amenities: Meals, alcoholic beverages, and WiFi are available for purchase.
9. Southwest Airlines
Based in Dallas, Texas, Southwest Airlines offers budget-friendly fares with the added perk of no baggage fees for up to two checked bags.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- 2 checked bags: No additional fees for up to two checked bags.
- Complimentary snacks and drinks: Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment on personal devices.
What costs extra?
- EarlyBird Check-In: Allows for earlier boarding for an additional fee.
- Upgraded boarding: Preferred boarding positions are available for an additional fee.
- In-flight amenities: WiFi is available for purchase.
10. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines, known for its reliability and customer satisfaction, offers a high level of service and comprehensive route options.
What’s included in the base ticket?
- Complimentary snacks and drinks: Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights.
- Personal item and carry-on bag: One personal item and one carry-on bag are included.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment via seatback screens and personal devices.
What costs extra?
Checked baggage: Fees apply for checked luggage.
Seat selection: Preferred seating, including Comfort+ and Delta One, comes with additional fees.
In-flight amenities: Meals, alcoholic beverages, and WiFi are available for purchase.
How to save on airfare
Follow these tips to get the most out of your travel budget.
Use a comparison website
Stop visiting individual airline websites to find cheap, round-trip flights. Instead, use a website, such as Google Flights, that lets you compare multiple airlines at once. This approach gives you a comprehensive view of which airlines consistently offer the best deals.
Book in advance
Plan your trips ahead of time. For domestic flights, aim to book one to three months before your departure date. For international flights, book two to eight months in advance. This strategy helps lock in lower fares because prices typically rise as the departure date approaches.
Leave on a weekday
Due to lower demand, flights during the middle of the week are generally cheaper than weekend flights. Look for discounts, including last-minute price breaks on undersold flights, but be cautious: Waiting too long can result in higher prices.
Fly out of a large airport
Whenever possible, fly out of major cities and airport hubs. Larger airports in cities such as Boston, New York, and San Francisco often offer lower fares compared to smaller regional airports.
Compare total costs
When flying with budget carriers, be aware of additional costs for checked and carry-on bags, seat selection, and onboard services. These fees can add up fast.
To ensure you’re getting the lowest overall cost, compare the total price of your flight, including these extras, with other airlines. Going through the ticket-buying process with multiple airlines can help you determine the most cost-effective option.
FAQ
What is the cheapest airline to fly with?
Based on a 2024 study by AirAdvisor, Frontier Airlines is the cheapest airline to fly with. Frontier offers ultra-low base fares by charging extra for baggage, seat selection, and onboard refreshments, allowing passengers to pay only for the services they need. Spirit Airlines follows a similar pricing model, making it another top choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Which airlines in the top 10 list are considered budget airlines?
In the top 10 list of cheapest airlines, the ones typically considered budget airlines are Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant Air. These airlines offer low base fares and charge extra for additional services such as seat selection, carry-on luggage, and in-flight meals. This business model allows them to keep ticket prices lower than traditional carriers while still providing essential air travel services.
Are budget airlines safe to fly with?
Yes, budget airlines are generally safe to fly with. All airlines, including budget carriers, must adhere to strict safety regulations set by aviation the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe.
While budget airlines may cut costs by offering fewer amenities and charging for extras, they do not compromise on safety. If you have concerns about flying with a particular carrier, always check reviews and the airline’s safety record.
