Flying on low-cost airlines can be a bit of a risk to your travel plans. Usually, the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” But at times, you may need to pull back a bit on the cost of your travel to get where you need to go. We all want to have that once-in-a-lifetime spring break trip to Europe but might not have the thousands to shell out to get there. With a budget airline and flight, this becomes more plausible and gets you on your way to your journey. 

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The Best Low-Cost Airlines in the US

There are quite a few budget airlines in the US, but which are worth flying, and which are worth avoiding? Check out the conclusive list below, and remember that some COVID era changes may have been made and will depend on the airline, crew, and state regulations. 

Allegiant Airlines

Specializing in shorter flights, Allegiant Airlines is typically based on regional flying. If you’re looking for a short hop from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, or Austin to Orlando, it’s hard to beat the price and the ease of Allegiant Air.

Pros:

• Low-cost fares. In 2018, the average cost of a flight under Allegiant was around $67. With access to flights all around the country, $67 is a much cheaper fare than the bigger airlines.
• Flexibility on one-way flights. Price hikes and penalizations can occur when booking a one-way ticket with an airline such as Southwest. But with Allegiant, these low costs remain and can help you travel smart, and on a budget.
• Nonstop flights only. Due to the shorter routes that Allegiant embarks on, there are no connecting flights necessary to get to your destination.

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Cons:

• Flight delays. Due to minimal fleet and low staffing from Allegiant in order to keep low fares, delays can occur, and there is no flexibility with your travel plans accordingly. There are no other flights to switch to under Allegiant for your route, and you will be forced to wait for delays to be resolved.
• Fees: Anything extra on top of your flight will cost. Checked bag? There’s a fee. Carry-on bag? That’s a fee. Want some water? That’ll cost you. Allegiant is the epitome of budget, so expect to pay a bit more if you’re traveling for more than a quick trip.

Spirit Airlines

This airline is an ultra-low-cost airline flying all around the United States and Latin America. If you are a traveler looking for the most stripped-down, “Bare Fare” flight for cheap, Spirit will be your best option. Similar to Allegiant, you’ll be looking at added fees for things such as checking a bag, choosing a seat, or getting water. So while the fares are cheap, the experience may be as well.

Pros:

• Fares are incredibly cheap. On average, Spirit flights cost 40% less than the major competition, which leaves you extra room for the rest of your travels.
• Generally on time and efficient. Unlike Allegiant, Spirit has a good track record for sticking to their flight schedule without too many hiccups.

Cons:

• Everything extra is going to cost, and savings can disappear quickly if you don’t pay attention to what you’re adding.
• Seats are smaller than your average flight experience, so flying with the standard option will be a slightly uncomfortable experience.
• No in-flight entertainment, so come prepared.

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Southwest Airlines

This one is a nationally known airline, flying all over the US with some flights to Central America. Southwest is well known for its cheaper flights and overall friendly customer service. With a much larger fleet in comparison to the Spirit and Allegiant, you can expect more flexibility with your travel plans.

Pros:

• Flights are cheaper than major competitors, such as American and United. You also will not be seeing as many additional fees as you would see on Spirit or Allegiant.
• No assigned seating on Southwest flights. This may be a positive or a negative, depending on your preference, but we generally see this as a pro. Unassigned seating gives you flexibility when traveling with a party, and allows you access to the whole flight.
• The lowest price is always honored by Southwest, and if you see the fare of the flight fall after you purchase your ticket, Southwest will kick you a travel voucher for the difference upon request.
• No fees for checking and carry-on bags. Southwest is one of the few airlines to allow two free checked bags, as well as an additional carry-on bag and personal item. This is a great value for the cheaper fares you’re already saving on.

Cons:

• No airline partnership. Unlike other major airlines, Southwest is not in any airline partnership. If you’re looking to continue your travel to a destination not covered by Southwest, you may not be able to integrate your next route with Southwest.
• While you can get complimentary drinks such as water, juice, coffee, and cold drinks, there are no meals served on the flight, so bring a snack! 

JetBlue Airways

Although JetBlue is rather new, the airline has gained rapid popularity over the last two decades. Being known for their excellent customer service alongside their cheaper flights, JetBlue appears to be the go-to selection for many budget travelers. JetBlue currently flies all over the United States, as well as parts of Latin America.

Pros:

• Free Wi-Fi is available on JetBlue flights, so you’ll have plenty of access to entertainment. There is also entertainment available onboard.
• Snacks and beverages are available to all passengers.
• Fares are relatively low compared to most major airlines.
• The seats are comfortable and spacious.
• New destinations and routes are added often, so the airline’s reach continues to expand.

Cons:

• Flights are more expensive than the airlines in comparison to this list.
• Many complaints from JetBlue flyers mention flight delays, cancellations, and misconnections, so this would be something to keep in mind.

Book Your Flight Today

Now that the pandemic is almost over (fingers crossed) it’s time to book your flights and reclaim your travel bug with great offers and travel deals with Booking.com.

There are quite a few options for low-cost airlines when you’re looking for a cheap way to get where you’re going. Each of the airlines we’ve listed has positives and negatives and offers something different for each customer. If price, experience, or comfortability is most important to you, one of these airlines is guaranteed to provide the budget travel you’re looking for.

If you’re on a budget, we know you’re going to enjoy this one, check out our article on how to be boujee while traveling on a budget!