15 Airlines That Make Affordable Flights Feel Luxurious
You’ve waited in endless lines, paid for water, and even crammed into tight seats, all for the sake of saving money. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? These 15 airlines provide budget travelers a better way to fly, with the kind of ticket that respects both your back and your budget.
Southwest Airlines
Nobody likes change fees, which is why Southwest scrapped them. Boarding feels casual yet efficient, thanks to their number-based queuing system that skips assigned seats altogether. Moreover, their Rapid Rewards program’s easy-to-redeem points seal the deal, especially for frequent fliers chasing flexibility over fluff.
JetBlue Airways
What if economy class didn’t feel like punishment? JetBlue gets it. They offer the most legroom in standard coach and still throw in free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, great customer support, and name-brand snacks. Combine that with seatback screens and power outlets, and you’ll see that budget flying feels more like upgraded living.
AirAsia
AirAsia, a Malaysian low-cost carrier, has been recognized multiple times as the “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” by Skytrax. It offers comfortable seating with a variety of in-flight meals and an extensive network across Asia and beyond, all at competitive prices.
Allegiant Air
Think of Allegiant as your weekend getaway genie. It links small cities directly to vacation spots like Las Vegas or Orlando. Flights operate on a low-frequency model, and fares are wallet-friendly, but they vary with the services. Optional upgrades, such as bundled trip packages, simplify vacation planning and make it feel less like a complicated calculation.
Spirit Airlines
For a low-cost airline, Spirit surprises with its “Big Front Seat”—leather, roomy, and up front. It’s a smart upgrade if you want comfort without breaking the bank. The app makes check-in easy, but travelers should plan for add-on charges if they want anything beyond a simple seat.
Volotea
Volotea earned the 2024 title of “Europe’s Leading Low-Cost Airline” by targeting overlooked routes. It connects smaller European cities directly, avoiding major hub congestion. With fares beginning at £25 (around $32.39 as per current rate), it serves as a practical option for travelers seeking affordability without skipping regional convenience.
Sun Country Airlines
Based in Minneapolis, Sun Country quietly delivers above its price point. Expect free drinks, genuinely kind flight attendants, and direct routes to seasonal hot spots like Palm Springs or Cancun. Their Boeing 737s sport comfy seats and the airline’s easygoing Midwestern vibe keeps things smooth, even at 30,000 feet.
Breeze Airways
Created by the guy behind JetBlue, Breeze knows a thing or two. It skips congested hubs and flies you between overlooked city pairs like Charleston and Providence. The real kicker? There are no change or cancellation fees, and it has a sleek app design and optional “Nicest” seats with recline, legroom, and Wi-Fi onboard.
Avelo Airlines
Flying out of Burbank instead of LAX? That’s Avelo’s magic. They serve overlooked airports to save you traffic time and headaches. Tickets start low, and boarding is a breeze. With a fleet of 737s and no fees for flight changes, it’s like air travel stopped trying to be difficult.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines has made significant strides in enhancing the passenger experience while maintaining low fares. They’ve eliminated change and cancellation fees, offering flexibility to travelers. Their “UpFront Plus” plan provides extra legroom and priority boarding, ensuring comfort without breaking the bank.
Jetstar Airways
Jetstar Airways, an Australian low-cost airline and subsidiary of Qantas, offers affordable fares across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides options for both economy and business class seating, with add-on services that suit a variety of travel styles and budgets.
Cape Air
Operated by real humans who know your name by the second flight, Cape Air connects small-town America like Hyannis, Bar Harbor, and Lebanon to major hubs. Its 9-seater Cessna 402s may feel old-school, but they offer quick boarding with scenic views and unmatched regional accessibility that larger carriers ignore.
Southern Airways Express
Flying small but mighty, Southern Airways Express connects rural communities to larger hubs using Cessna Caravans. With no TSA lines at most terminals, boarding feels more like hopping in a van than a 737. Fares stay low, and they often partner with larger carriers for seamless connections.
Contour Airlines
Contour quietly wins at customer care. They fly 30-seat jets with roomy leather seats and no middle rows, with a focus on underserved airports. Checked bags? Free. Booking confusion? None. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re flying from Macon to Baltimore or Owensboro to Nashville; they make short-haul flights feel anything but small.
Advanced Air
Based in Hawthorne, California, Advanced Air offers semi-private flights across the Southwest, including routes to destinations like Mammoth Lakes and Silver City. Designed around comfort and ease, the airline offers private terminals, free snacks, and fares that stay traveler-friendly.
