Flying can be expensive, but you can find great flight deals if you know which budget airlines to check. While big domestic carriers like American, United, and Delta focus on amenities and service, some travelers just want the cheapest possible tickets. The good news is that no matter where you want to go, there are airlines catering to budget-conscious flyers who prioritize low fares over perks like extra legroom or top-notch customer service.
By checking out discount carriers and comparing prices across multiple airlines, you can save a substantial amount of money on airfare. This article will highlight strategies for finding cheap flights and discuss specific airlines that offer great deals for thrifty travelers. The bottom line is that with some research and flexibility, you can find significant savings on airline tickets, even when flying internationally. You don’t have to break the bank to reach your desired destination.
Top 10 Cheapest Airlines–Cheap Flight Ticket
Finding Cheap Flight Ticket can be a challenge, but some airlines consistently offer better deals than others. To identify the most budget-friendly options for U.S. travelers, Rome2Rio analyzed economy fares over a two-month period. This research revealed the airlines with the lowest average ticket prices flying out of the United States.
If you’re looking to minimize airfare costs on your next trip, focus your search on these affordable domestic and international carriers:
Flight Cost per Mile-Cheap Flight Ticket
| Rank | Airline | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spirit Airlines | $0.209 |
| 2 | Frontier Airlines | $0.225 |
| 3 | Hawaiian Airlines | $0.257 |
| 4(T) | Allegiant Air | $0.322 |
| 4(T) | Sun Country Airlines | $0.322 |
| 6 | Alaska Airlines | $0.338 |
| 7 | JetBlue Airways | $0.402 |
| 8 | American Airlines | $0.418 |
| 9 | United Airlines | $0.451 |
| 10 | Southwest Airlines | $0.467 |
Spirit Airlines
Headquartered in Florida, Spirit Airlines operates as a budget airline, requiring passengers to pay for additional services such as food, drinks, and carry-on luggage. According to the study, the airline boasts a cost per mile of only 20.9 cents.
Frontier Airlines
With its base in Denver, Colorado, Frontier Airlines serves over 80 destinations globally. Despite negative publicity, earning it a place among the top five worst U.S. airlines in 2015, the study reveals an average cost of 22.5 cents per mile.
Hawaiian Airlines
As the largest carrier in Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines connects the U.S. mainland with international locations. Teaming up with Mastercard for the Hawaiian Airlines Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard, the airline’s cost per mile slightly exceeded Frontier and Spirit at 25.7 cents.
Allegiant Air
Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air recently upgraded its fleet from MD-80 jets to Airbus A319 and A320 jets. The study indicates a cost of 32.2 cents per mile for this low-cost carrier.
Sun Country Airlines
Headquartered in Minnesota, Sun Country Airlines offers routes across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Ranking at 32.2 cents per mile, it secures a position among the top five most affordable U.S. airlines.
Alaska Airlines
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is known for periodic sales, including a recent two-day airfare promotion with tickets as low as $39. The study places Alaska Airlines at 33.8 cents per mile.
JetBlue Airways
Headquartered in New York City, JetBlue Airways stands out for providing complimentary snacks and drinks. With over 90 destinations, it garnered an average cost of 40.2 cents per mile in the study.
American Airlines
Fort Worth, Texas, is home to American Airlines, recognized as the world’s largest airline in various categories. While offering lower baggage fees compared to budget airlines, its tickets are somewhat pricier, with a cost per mile of 41.8 cents.
United Airlines
Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines operates domestic and international flights, covering 48 countries. The study shows a cost of 45.1 cents per mile for United Airlines.
Southwest Airlines
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines simplifies deal-finding through a low-fare calendar. Known for free snacks, drinks, and checked bags (with restrictions), it ranks high in overall customer satisfaction. The study indicates a cost of 46.7 cents per mile for Southwest Airlines.
How to Save on Airfare
Use a Comparison Website
The initial step in securing an affordable round-trip flight is to avoid individual airline websites. By examining each airline separately, you may overlook lesser-known options. Instead, opt for a comparison website to assess multiple airlines simultaneously, providing a comprehensive overview of consistently budget-friendly options.
Book in Advance
Maximize cost savings by booking your flight well in advance. Flight prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches. While last-minute bookings may be necessary for urgent family visits, planning ahead becomes advantageous for vacations. Communicate with your employer, allocate vacation time, decide on your destination, and promptly book your flight to capitalize on lower fares.
Leave on a Weekday
Opt for midweek departures over weekends to enjoy cost savings, as weekday flights are generally more affordable due to lower demand. Explore potential discounts, including last-minute price reductions resulting from undersold flights. However, exercise caution with last-minute bookings, as the risk of higher costs exists compared to earlier reservations.
Fly Out of a Large Airport
If feasible, depart from larger cities or airport hubs to save on costs. Choosing departure from major locations like Boston, New York, or San Francisco is likely to be more economical than departing from smaller regional airports.
Watch Out for Additional Costs
When flying with budget or no-frills airlines, remain vigilant about additional charges for checked and carry-on bags. These fees are typically separate from the base ticket price and can accumulate swiftly.
Bottom Line
While air travel is not commonly associated with budget-friendly options, strategic planning can yield significant savings. Explore various flight options, including those from budget carriers, and refrain from committing to a specific airline. Flexibility in midweek travel can contribute to additional savings. Utilize tools like Hopper to uncover more affordable travel deals during your flight search.
If you know what you’re doing and keep an eye out for limited-time sales, the sky is the limit when it comes to how much you can save in your travel budget.