10 Budget Airlines That Are Actually Good & 10 That Will Make You Wish You Spent More Money
10 Budget Airlines That Are Actually Good & 10 That Will Make You Wish You Spent More Money
Looking To Fly Cheap Without The Regret?
Cheap flights can turn out to be great when you choose an airline that gets it right. Some offer good service without stripping you of basic comforts. But others will make you wish you splurged on the pricier flights when you discover hidden fees and uncomfortable surprises. So, let's check out 10 affordable airlines that are actually good before diving into the ones that might ruin your trip.
1. Southwest Airlines
Flying with Southwest is like finding an airline that actually wants you to enjoy your trip. No baggage fees, no change fees, and a straightforward boarding process. It's practically unheard of in the budget world. When the flight attendants crack jokes, it becomes a memorable in-flight experience.
2. Peach Aviation
Japan's no-nonsense approach to efficiency extends to its low-cost airlines. Peach gets passengers to their destinations on time, with minimal hassle and no unnecessary chaos. Just don't expect luxury because it's a budget choice, after all.
3. Allegiant Air
Allegiant specializes in connecting smaller cities to vacation hotspots, skipping the chaos of major hubs. The fares are super low but come with a catch. There is a fee for "extra-everything." But if you travel light and plan ahead, Allegiant is still one of the most affordable ways to reach your next getaway.
4. Avelo Airlines
Avelo is more than an affordable airline. It's one that actually tries. With nonstop flights from smaller airports, friendly service, and a focus on affordability, Avelo is making waves in the low-cost airline world. For now, it's still a hidden gem that frequent users might hope stays that way.
5. Breeze Airways
Designed by JetBlue's founder, Breeze is all about affordable, direct flights with no frills but lots of convenience. It skips the hub-and-spoke model, meaning fewer layovers and shorter travel times. Breeze is a solid choice if your dream trip includes not sprinting across an airport to make a connection.
6. AirAsia
With low prices, solid service, and a route network covering most of Asia, AirAsia is a favorite. The airline has mastered the art of reducing costs while offering a decent experience. Pay for what you need, skip what you don't, and enjoy the ride.
7. Scoot
Scoot keeps things straightforward. The base fare is cheap, and you can add extras if needed. Ranked second-best globally by Skytrax, it proves that affordability doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. However, keep in mind that better comfort still depends on seat selection.
8. Volotea
Want to visit a European city that doesn't require navigating a mega-airport? Volotea makes that happen without overpriced tickets and unnecessary add-ons. It's not a luxury experience, but you'll land where you need to go on a clean plane without feeling like you just survived an extreme budget travel experiment.
9. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue gives you an even more spacious seat. The airline's standard legroom beats some legacy carriers. Moreover, they offer free Wi-Fi, live TV, and snacks to keep you happy. If you want to fly affordably without feeling like cargo, JetBlue is an excellent option.
Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) on Wikimedia
10. ZIPAIR
When many budget airlines force passengers to choose between low cost and basic comfort, ZIPAIR eliminates this trade-off. With tech-forward cabins and reasonable pricing, it delivers a stress-free experience without making you regret booking the cheaper flight.
So, the airlines above prove that budget travel doesn't always have to be a nightmare. However, not all low-cost flights got the memo. It's time to talk about those "affordable" airlines that offer nothing but regret.
1. Ryanair
Booking a Ryanair ticket seems a steal until the fees start rolling in. Seat selection? That costs. A carry-on? That costs, too. Need to print your boarding pass? Better have your wallet ready. The low fares are real, but so is the price of every basic convenience.
2. Cebu Pacific
Missing a flight is frustrating. Waiting for one that never seems to board is worse. Cebu Pacific remains one of the cheapest ways to fly in the region, but its reputation for delays keeps passengers on edge. Some travelers accept the risk, knowing the fares make up for the lost time.
Hetzark Segundo RPLL on Wikimedia
3. Wizz Air
Flying Wizz Air requires strategy. Baggage rules are strict, and fees pile up fast for anyone unprepared. Although ticket prices lure in budget travelers, one misstep, like bringing the wrong-sized bag, turns a cheap flight into an expensive lesson. If you play by their rules, it works. If not, good luck.
Łukasz Golowanow & Maciek Hypś, Konflikty.pl; edit by Chalger on Wikimedia
4. Spirit Airlines
A flight with Spirit is a test of patience. Seats barely recline, legroom is dreadful, and fees seem to multiply overnight. The airline operates on an ultra-low-cost model, meaning almost everything is chargeable. It's still an option for travelers who prioritize price over comfort.
5. Frontier Airlines
At first glance, Frontier looks like a great deal. But once you're onboard, reality sets in. Hard plastic seats and no free drinks make it a bare-bones experience. Picking your seat also falls under "extra fee." As for a carry-on, that'll cost more than dinner at the airport.
6. Vueling Airlines
Vueling's history of delays and slow customer service can test your patience. While 2023 data shows an 80.85% on-time rate (rising to 86.3% in November), passenger reviews still highlight delays. So, if you're willing to risk it, it's an affordable ride.
7. Sun Country Airlines
There was a time when Sun Country was a hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers. Recently, though, reliability has taken a hit. Delays are more frequent, customer service struggles to keep up, and extra charges sneak in where they never used to. It's still affordable, but it's not the airline it once was.
8. easyJet
Low fares, high hassle. easyJet delivers on-budget travel but again at the cost of convenience. Chaotic boarding, frequent delays, and paid comforts make for a disappointing experience. In 2023 alone, 32.5% of flights were delayed, with an average wait time of 20 minutes and 24 seconds.
9. Viva Air Colombia
Viva Air Colombia's strict baggage policy leaves little room for error. If you don't read the rules carefully or misjudge size and weight limits, you could face hefty extra fees at the airport. A budget-friendly ticket quickly becomes costly for those who misunderstand the fine print.
Andrés Dallimonti on Wikimedia
10. China Southern Airlines
Time moves slower when you're stuck at the gate with no updates. China Southern's cheap tickets seem like a great deal, but the uncertainty and lack of clear answers wear you down. By the time the plane finally boards, the savings may not feel worth it.
