15 Budget Airlines That Actually Save You Money in 2025 [Fee Comparison]

Think budget airlines save you money? You might be surprised to learn these low-cost carriers could cost 40% more than traditional airlines after adding all the fees.

Budget airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and Avelo promise super-low fares but add charges for basics like carry-on bags and choosing your seat. Southwest’s fleet includes over 700 Boeing 737 jets that fly to 103 destinations. The newer players Avelo and Breeze serve a much smaller network – just 22 and 18 cities since their launch in spring 2021. These budget carriers play a vital role to keep industry prices competitive.

Airlines made $103 billion from extra services in 2022, a huge jump from $40 billion in 2013. Budget airlines can still save you money if you plan ahead and expect limited amenities. This complete comparison of 15 budget carriers will show which airlines really help your wallet in 2025 and which ones cost more than you’d expect.

Southwest Airlines

_{Image Source: Berkeley Economic Review – University of California, Berkeley}

Southwest Airlines revamped its fare structure into four distinct tiers. The long-standing budget carrier now gives travelers options from Basic to Choice Extra that fit different needs.

Southwest Airlines Fare Inclusions

Each of Southwest’s four fare bundles comes with its own perks and pricing. The Basic fare (formerly Wanna Get Away) gives you a standard seat at check-in with last boarding position and 2x Rapid Rewards points per dollar. The Choice fare lets you pick a standard seat when booking and earn 6x points. Choice Preferred comes with a preferred seat near the front and 10x points, while Choice Extra provides extra legroom seats and 14x points per dollar. Every fare type also gives you free inflight entertainment where it’s available.

Southwest Airlines Change Policy

Southwest stands out by offering zero cancel fees on all fare types. You’ll need to cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to keep your travel funds. Flight credits for Basic fares last six months, while Choice and higher fare credits stay valid for twelve months. Basic fares need an upgrade to make changes, but other fares just require paying the fare difference. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares let you change to same-day flights at no cost when seats are open.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest ended its “bags fly free” policy Starting May 28, 2025. First checked bags now cost USD 35.00 and second bags USD 45.00. Some travelers still get baggage perks – Choice Extra passengers and A-List Preferred members can check two bags free, while A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders get one free bag. Hawaii residents flying inter-island keep their two free checked bags. All bags need to stay within the 62-inch size limit (length+width+height) and 50-pound weight limit.

Southwest Airlines Best For

Frequent flyers with Rapid Rewards status or credit cards will find great value with Southwest. The airline’s no-cancel-fee policy makes it perfect for trips with changing schedules. Most flights serve complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Credit card holders earn extra points – up to 6 total points per dollar on Basic fares based on card level. Flexible travelers who know how to use their status benefits and fare options will get the most out of flying Southwest.

JetBlue Airways

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JetBlue stands out from typical budget airlines by bridging the gap between low-cost and full-service carriers. You’ll find their base fares stay competitive while they pack in more perks than your average budget airline.

JetBlue Airways In-Flight Amenities

JetBlue goes above and beyond other budget carriers with its free perks that you’d usually see on premium airlines. Every seat comes with free high-speed wi-fi (called Fly-Fi) throughout your journey. On top of that, it has personal TVs with free live television and movies. JetBlue’s exclusive partnership lets you watch Peacock Originals on touchscreen-enabled flights. Passengers get free brand-name snacks and drinks, plus freshly brewed Dunkin’ coffee. The transatlantic flights step it up with full meals and free beer, wine, and liquor for guests 21 and older.

JetBlue Airways Pricing

JetBlue’s fare structure has five tiers with different perks:

• Blue Basic – Lowest price with restrictions (fees for seat selection)
• Blue – Standard fare with free seat selection
• Blue Plus – Has one checked bag
• Blue Extra – Has early boarding and same-day flexibility
• Mint – Premium experience with lie-flat seats

The airline charges some of the lowest seat selection fees around – just USD 4.00 per passenger. Their transatlantic routes cost about 60% less than traditional carriers, with New York to London trips running around USD 500 round-trip. EvenMore Space seats cost extra, and prices change based on your route and seat location.

JetBlue Airways Seat Comfort

JetBlue takes pride in offering “the most legroom in coach” among U.S. airlines. Their standard Core seats give you more space than typical economy seats, while EvenMore Space seats stretch out to 38 inches of legroom. Looking for premium comfort? Mint suites on select routes feature fully lie-flat beds that extend to 6’8″ – the longest in U.S. domestic flights. Mint passengers also get Tuft & Needle sleep accessories to boost comfort on longer trips.

JetBlue Airways Best For

Budget-savvy travelers who want good perks will love JetBlue. The airline works great for people who care about entertainment and staying connected while flying. It’s a fantastic choice for longer domestic routes and now transatlantic travel, where you get exceptional value for your money. Families love the perks included in all fare classes, and business travelers find Mint’s premium features cost less than traditional business class.

Avelo Airlines

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Avelo Airlines, a 2-year-old budget carrier in American aviation, started operations in April 2021. The ultra-low-cost airline serves smaller, less congested airports to cater to cost-conscious travelers.

Avelo Airlines Route Map

The airline’s network spans approximately 48 domestic destinations and 4 international locations across 5 countries as of August 2025. Operations split between East Coast bases in New Haven, Connecticut and Wilmington, Delaware, while West Coast flights mainly depart from Burbank, California. The carrier expanded into international markets recently by adding destinations in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico in November 2024. Point-to-point flights to underserved airports reduce congestion and help passengers reach destinations faster.

Avelo Airlines Pricing

The airline adopts a classic budget pricing structure with low base fares plus fees for extras. Passengers can book flights starting at USD 19.00, with additional government taxes and fees that include the September 11th Security Fee (USD 5.60 per segment) and U.S. Transportation Tax (7.5% of base fare). Booking checked baggage costs USD 20.00 during initial reservation, while carry-on bags exceeding under-seat dimensions cost USD 25.00 each way. Active-duty military personnel enjoy special benefits – one free carry-on and two complimentary checked bags.

Avelo Airlines Seat Options

Avelo’s seating lineup features three categories as of September 2025:

• Standard – Basic seating with 29-inch pitch
• Stretch – Enhanced legroom seats with 32-36+ inches of pitch
• Stretch+ – Premium offering where the middle seat remains intentionally unoccupied

Seat selection fees start at USD 6.00 based on location. Families traveling with children under 14 receive adjacent seating with an adult without extra charges. Extra legroom seats cost around USD 13.00 and provide a more comfortable journey on Avelo’s Boeing 737 fleet.

Breeze Airways

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David Neeleman, the aviation entrepreneur behind JetBlue, launched Breeze Airways with its “Seriously Nice” flights in May 2021. This budget-friendly carrier serves more than 50 destinations throughout the United States. The airline aims to combine affordability with customer-focused service.

Breeze Airways Fare Tiers

The airline’s fare structure comes with four distinct bundles that cater to different travel needs:

• No Flex Fare: This basic option lets travelers bring one personal item with limited flexibility. Cancelations made 61+ days before departure receive 100% flight credit, while 11-60 days prior get 50% credit, and 1 hour to 11 days before receive 25% credit. Travelers earn 1x BreezePoints for every dollar spent, including taxes and fees.
• Nice: Passengers can bring one personal item and a carry-on bag without change or cancelation fees. Changes result in full flight credit that remains valid for two years. This tier earns 2x BreezePoints per dollar.
• Nicer: Passengers enjoy extra legroom, priority boarding, free WiFi, one personal item, one carry-on, and one checked bag with complete flexibility. The base fare earns 5x BreezePoints.
• Nicest: The premium tier, exclusive to Airbus A220-300 aircraft, features Access cabin seats measuring 20.5 inches wide with 39 inches of legroom. Passengers receive two checked bags, free WiFi, and complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcohol. Base fares earn 5x BreezePoints.

Breeze Airways Pricing

Seat selection begins at USD 10.00. Carry-on bags cost USD 30.00-35.00 beyond the free personal item. The first checked bag ranges from USD 35.00-40.00, while the second costs USD 55.00, and a third bag runs USD 65.00. WiFi service costs USD 8.00 per flight where available.

Breeze Airways Loyalty Program

The Breezy Rewards program keeps things simple with points valued at minimum 1 cent each. Members earn 5x BreezePoints per dollar on qualifying add-ons such as baggage fees and seat selection. These points work for any Breeze purchase, from fares and taxes to seat upgrades and baggage. A partnership with Barclays provides a co-branded credit card that offers up to 10x points on Breeze purchases and free inflight WiFi on A220 aircraft.

Spirit Airlines

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Spirit Airlines shows what an ultra-low-cost carrier truly means with its complete a la carte pricing model. The airline charges separately for almost every service beyond simple transportation.

Spirit Airlines Bare Fare Breakdown

Spirit has restructured its fare options into four tiers. The simple “Go” fare gives you just a ticket and one personal item (maximum 18″x14″x8″). This fare comes with change fees between USD 59.00 and USD 99.00 based on how close you are to departure. The “Go Savvy” tier adds either a checked bag or carry-on plus seat selection without change fees. You’ll get extra legroom seats with 32 inches of pitch (compared to standard 28 inches), priority boarding, a snack, and non-alcoholic beverage with “Go Comfy”. The premium “Go Big” tier comes with the Big Front Seat, free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and priority check-in.

Spirit Airlines Add-On Fees

Flying Spirit’s actual cost becomes clear through its detailed fee structure. While a personal item costs nothing, carry-on bags will set you back USD 41.00 during online check-in or USD 55.00 at the airport. Checked bags cost USD 36.00 online but jump to USD 50.00 at the airport. The airline charges USD 2.00 for printing boarding passes at kiosks and USD 10.00 from agents. Seat selection starts at USD 5.00 but usually runs USD 12.00-USD 20.00 for standard seats. Drinks on board start at USD 2.00 for coffee and USD 3.00 for sodas.

Spirit Airlines Seat Comfort

Standard Spirit seats come with minimal padding and 28 inches of pitch. The airline’s Big Front Seats offer much more comfort with 36 inches of pitch and 18.5 inches of width. These premium seats take up the first two rows of each aircraft. The airline introduced its “Go Comfy” product that features seven rows of 32-inch pitch seats near the plane’s front. This upgrade gives passengers better comfort without paying for the more expensive Big Front Seats.

Frontier Airlines

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Frontier Airlines leads America’s budget carriers with its new pricing and policies that bring transparency to low-cost travel in 2025.

Frontier Airlines Fare Structure

The airline’s four fare options cater to different travel needs. A Basic fare gives you just a personal item – perfect for ultralight travelers. The booking process shows three straightforward bundle choices:

• Economy Bundle – A carry-on bag and standard seat selection come with this option (from USD 30.00)
• Premium Bundle – You get premium seating and priority boarding with guaranteed overhead bin space (from USD 50.00)
• Business Bundle – This top tier gives you UpFront Plus seating with guaranteed empty middle seat, two checked bags (50 lbs each), and priority boarding (from USD 100.00)

Frontier Airlines Change Fees

The airline’s customer-friendly approach shines through its elimination of change and cancelation fees on all bundled fares. Basic fare changes follow this structure:

• 60+ days before departure: No fee
• 59-7 days before departure: USD 49.00
• 6 days or less: USD 99.00

Basic fare cancelations cost USD 99.00 at any time. Economy, Premium, and Business bundles let you cancel free, and your travel credit stays valid for 12 months starting May 2025.

Frontier Airlines Best For

Advanced planners and bundle-friendly travelers will find great value with Frontier. The airline connects domestic and international destinations using Airbus A320 family aircraft. The no-frills Basic fare and comprehensive bundles make Frontier a smart choice for both light packers and comfort seekers who want to avoid premium airline prices.

Allegiant Air

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Allegiant Air connects smaller cities to popular vacation spots. The airline uses a detailed à la carte pricing model that sets it apart from other budget carriers.

Allegiant Air Booking Fees

The airline encourages customers to book online with a USD 19.99 call center fee per passenger per segment. This aligns with their strategy to charge extra for services beyond transportation. Passengers pay USD 5.00 to print boarding passes at the airport.

Allegiant Air Baggage Policy

Each passenger can bring one free personal item (maximum 8″×14″×18″) that fits under the seat. Carry-on bags cost USD 10.00-75.00 based on purchase timing, and airport prices are much higher. The checked baggage fees vary by route and timing. Passengers pay USD 18.00-50.00 during booking, USD 45.00-70.00 before departure, and USD 75.00 at the airport. Extra charges apply to overweight bags: USD 50.00 (51-70 lbs) or USD 75.00 (71-100 lbs).

Allegiant Air Airport Locations

The airline serves over 110 U.S. cities. They connect smaller markets to major vacation spots like Florida, Las Vegas, Phoenix, California and Myrtle Beach. Their network covers 46 states, with Florida having 11 airports and California having 9 airports. The airline’s route strategy focuses on nonstop service instead of connecting flights.

Sun Country Airlines

_{Image Source: Sun Country Airlines}

Sun Country Airlines started as a full-service carrier in Minnesota and transformed into a low-cost airline with unique pricing tiers.

Sun Country Airlines Fare Classes

The airline has three bundled fare options that set what your ticket includes:

• Grab and Go – The cheapest option lets you bring a small personal item under the seat without overhead bin access
• Check and Go – Your ticket has checked bag access starting at USD 20.00 per bag
• Store & Go – You get overhead bin access at USD 30.00 per carry-on (USD 40.00 if purchased at the airport on travel day)

Sun Country Airlines Pricing

Standard seats cost between USD 9.00 and USD 39.00. Preferred seats range from USD 15.00 to USD 65.00. The “Best” seats with extra legroom cost USD 25.00 to USD 75.00. Ufly Rewards Elite members don’t pay these fees. Passengers can buy snacks for about USD 3.00 and alcoholic drinks between USD 7.00 and USD 10.00.

Sun Country Airlines Entertainment Options

The airline’s AirFi system provides free digital entertainment. Passengers can enjoy movies, shows, games, and other content on their devices without needing internet access. Most seats come with USB charging ports to keep devices powered during flights. The “Best” seats also have standard AC power outlets that ensure nonstop entertainment.

Volaris

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Volaris stands as Mexico’s largest airline with a vast network that connects Mexico, the United States, and Central America through approximately 400 daily flights to 71 airports.

Volaris Fare Options

The airline’s fare structure comes with three distinct options. The Zero fare has a personal item that fits under the seat and v.club benefits that unlock discounts on future bookings. The Basic fare adds a carry-on bag (maximum 22″×16″×10″) and sets a combined weight limit of 33 pounds for both items. The premium Plus fare gives travelers a personal item, carry-on bag with higher weight allowance (44 pounds combined), one checked bag up to 55 pounds, priority boarding, unlimited flight changes, full refund options, and in-flight entertainment.

Volaris Pricing

Smart booking strategies help secure affordable flights. To cite an instance, see how booking international flights 2-3 months ahead usually leads to the lowest prices. Weekday flights and off-peak times (early morning/late night) come with cheaper fares. US-Mexico routes charge around USD 35-40 for carry-on bags and USD 60-75 for checked bags when purchased separately. Airport prices spike dramatically—reaching USD 79 for carry-ons and USD 90 for checked bags on shorter routes.

Volaris Best For

The airline serves travelers with flexible schedules who book ahead perfectly. People who pack light or know their ideal fare bundle find great value here. The carrier’s annual pass at USD 500 proves invaluable for frequent flyers and saves hundreds on multiple flights throughout the year.

Scoot Airlines

_{Image Source: According To Caitlin}

Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, connects over 70 destinations across 18 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe.

Scoot Airlines Route Network

Scoot currently flies to 75 international destinations and 1 domestic location as of August 2025. The airline connects Singapore to popular spots throughout Asia. Their Thailand service will soon grow to 111 weekly flights, while Japan will see an increase to 45 weekly flights. The airline plans to launch new routes to Chiang Rai in Thailand, plus Okinawa and Tokyo Haneda in Japan between December 2025 and March 2026.

Scoot Airlines Pricing

Scoot’s fare structure gives passengers four options:

• Basic – You get 10kg cabin baggage without checked luggage
• Value – This adds 20kg checked baggage and lets you pick your seat
• Flex – You can change flights at no cost and get checked baggage
• ScootPlus – You receive 15kg cabin baggage, 30kg checked baggage, meals, Wi-Fi (200MB), seat selection, priority boarding, and in-seat power

Scoot Airlines In-Flight Services

Scoot runs a true low-cost model where extras cost more. Unless you’re flying ScootPlus, you’ll need to buy your food separately. Water costs about SUSD 3.00. Wi-Fi packages start at SUSD 5.00. Passengers can buy comfort items like pillows and blankets for longer trips.

Norwegian Air Shuttle

_{Image Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia}

Norwegian Air Shuttle stands out as a major European budget airline with a simple tier-based pricing system that caters to different traveler priorities.

Norwegian Air Fare Types

The airline’s fare structure has three distinct categories. The LowFare package lets you carry one small underseat bag (30x40x20cm) and one overhead cabin bag (55x23x40cm) with a combined 10kg weight limit. The LowFare+ builds on this by adding a 23kg checked bag and seat reservation while keeping the same cabin baggage allowance. The Flex fare gives you two 23kg checked bags and cabin bags with a higher 15kg combined weight limit.

Norwegian Air Pricing

The airline’s change policies and fees vary by fare tier. Name changes cost USD 75.00 on LowFare and LowFare+ tickets. You’ll pay the same USD 75.00 fee plus any fare difference to change flights on these tiers. Flex ticket holders can change names and rebook at no cost. Some routes are surprisingly affordable – you can find return flights from £70 (about USD 90). WiFi access costs 5.99 euros for 60 minutes or 9.99 euros for unlimited use.

Norwegian Air Best For

Norwegian Air works well for travelers who want good value without sacrificing service quality. Budget-conscious European travelers and Americans looking for cheaper transatlantic flights will find great options here. The LowFare+ tier offers the best value for most travelers who need checked bags.

EasyJet

_{Image Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia}

EasyJet follows a transparent pricing philosophy that lets passengers add only the services they need while keeping base fares low.

EasyJet Fare Inclusions

A baseline EasyJet fare includes just one small cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) that fits under the seat ahead. These simple fares come with no credit card fees, no debit card charges, and random seat assignments at check-in. Passengers looking for extra comfort can choose the Inclusive Plus fare with its bundled benefits: a large cabin bag, 23kg hold bag, free Up Front seat, dedicated bag drop, Fast Track Security, Speedy Boarding, and a CAFE meal deal.

EasyJet Pricing

The airline’s dynamic pricing system raises ticket costs as seats fill up. Fares for spring 2025 started at £26.99 (approximately $34) for March to June flights. The airline structures fares in a “staircase” pattern with different “buckets” of seats at each price point. Selected routes get discounts up to 20% during sales periods.

EasyJet Seat Selection Fees

EasyJet Plus cardholders get free seat selection, while others pay extra. Standard seat selection costs between £1.99-£8.99 based on the route. Premium Up Front seats in rows 2-6 range from £7.99-£24.99 and include Speedy Boarding perks. Extra Legroom seats provide the most comfort and cost £12.99-£29.99.

Ryanair

_{Image Source: Wikiwand}

Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget carrier, built its success by offering rock-bottom base fares while charging fees for almost everything beyond simple transportation.

Ryanair Fare Breakdown

The airline’s fare structure consists of five distinct bundles. The Basic Fare allows just one small cabin bag (40x20x30cm) that fits under the seat. Travelers choosing the Regular Fare get priority boarding with two cabin bags and a standard seat. The Plus bundle comes with one small cabin bag and one 20kg checked bag. The Family Plus package gives families 10kg check-in bags for each passenger and free seats for children under 12. The premium Flexi Plus option provides priority boarding, unrestricted seating choices, and security fast-track where available.

Ryanair Hidden Fees

Ancillary charges drive the airline’s profits significantly. Passengers pay €4.50-€33 per flight for seat selection based on location. Checked baggage fees range from €18.99-€59.99 online, while airport rates climb to €39.99-€59.99. Many passengers overlook name changes that cost €115 online or €160 through an agent. The airline charges €20 for printed boarding passes. Payment methods also affect the final price with varying credit card surcharges.

Ryanair Best For

Smart travelers who understand the airline’s pricing strategy book their flights 2-3 weeks ahead. Ticket prices usually drop until about 10 days before departure, then surge by 50-75%.

Wizz Air

_{Image Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia}

Wizz Air, a Hungarian carrier, has grown into one of Europe and Middle East’s most cost-effective airlines.

Wizz Air Fare Options

The airline offers three distinct fare bundles. The Basic fare comes with online check-in and a free carry-on bag that fits under the seat (40x30x20cm). WIZZ Go gives passengers a 20kg checked bag, standard seat selection outside premium areas, and the small under-seat carry-on. The premium WIZZ Plus package lets passengers bring a trolley bag (55x40x23cm), check a 32kg bag, select premium seats with extra legroom, board early, and enjoy more booking flexibility.

Wizz Air Pricing

The airline’s extensive flight network helps keep prices competitive. Routes with frequent Wizz Air flights allow the carrier to offer discounted fares during peak times while maintaining regular prices on other flights. Families can save money through special “WIZZ Family” bundle discounts that apply automatically.

Wizz Air Customer Experience

Passengers can choose from several seat options. Front Row seats provide extra leg space, Upfront seats allow quicker exit, and Extra Legroom seats are available in emergency exit rows. Booking services online saves money as airport fees cost more. The in-flight menu features meal deals from £5 for breakfast with a hot drink to £11.40 for beer and snacks.

Air Transat

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Air Transat adjusted its fare structure in February 2025, aligning with other North American budget airlines’ trends.

Air Transat Fare Classes

Air Transat’s lineup features five fare options across two cabin classes. Economy travelers can pick from Eco Budget (personal item only), Eco Standard (adds carry-on), or Eco Flex (has checked bag and seat selection). Premium travelers get Club Standard with gourmet meals, priority boarding, and two free checked bags, while Club Flex adds complete booking flexibility. Flights to Europe, Morocco, and Peru still maintain generous baggage allowances compared to domestic and US routes.

Air Transat Pricing

Air Transat eliminated free carry-on bags for Eco Budget fares on US, South, and Canadian routes starting February 11, 2025. Eco Standard passengers must pay checked baggage fees on these routes now. Seat selection costs start at USD 30.00 for standard seats and reach USD 50.00+ for extra legroom options. The airline aims to “offer more competitive base fares” while letting travelers “pay only for services they truly need”.

Air Transat Best For

Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate Air Transat’s comfortable seating options. The airline’s ergonomic Italian-leather seats come with four-way headrests and 32 inches of legroom, beating typical budget carriers. Families find great value here since children aged 2-13 get free adjacent seats when flying with parents or guardians.

Comparison Table

Airline	Base Fare Inclusions	Carry-on/Checked Bag Fees	Seat Selection Fees	Change/Cancel Policy	Notable Features
Southwest	Personal item, standard seat	$35 (1st checked), $45 (2nd checked)	Included	No cancel fees, must cancel 10min before departure	Free inflight entertainment, complimentary snacks
JetBlue	Personal item, free WiFi, TV	Not mentioned	From $4.00	Not mentioned	Most legroom in coach, free brand-name snacks
Avelo	Personal item	$25 carry-on, $20 checked	From $6.00	Not mentioned	Serves smaller, less congested airports
Breeze	Personal item	$30-35 carry-on, $35-40 checked	From $10.00	No fees for bundled fares	“Seriously Nice” service, multiple fare bundles
Spirit	Personal item	$41-55 carry-on, $36-50 checked	$5-20 standard seats	$59-99 change fees	28″ seat pitch, Big Front Seat option
Frontier	Personal item	Bundled pricing from $30	Not mentioned	No fees for bundled fares	Transparent bundle pricing
Allegiant	Personal item	$10-75 carry-on, $18-50 checked	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Focuses on leisure destinations
Sun Country	Personal item	$30 carry-on, $20 checked	$9-75 by seat type	Not mentioned	Free digital entertainment
Volaris	Personal item	$35-40 carry-on, $60-75 checked	Not mentioned	Unlimited changes with Plus fare	Annual pass option available
Scoot	10kg cabin baggage (Basic)	Varies by fare type	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	ScootPlus premium option available
Norwegian	Small underseat + cabin bag (10kg combined)	Included in higher fares	Not mentioned	$75 change fee for basic fares	Free WiFi packages available
EasyJet	Small cabin bag	Not mentioned	£1.99-£8.99	Not mentioned	Dynamic pricing structure
Ryanair	Small cabin bag (40x20x30cm)	€18.99-59.99 checked	€4.50-33	Not mentioned	Multiple fare bundles available
Wizz Air	Small carry-on (40x30x20cm)	Varies by bundle	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Family bundle discounts
Air Transat	Personal item (Eco Budget)	Varies by route and fare class	$30-50+	Not mentioned	32″ standard legroom

Conclusion

These budget airlines might cost you more than regular carriers after adding all the fees. Your understanding of their pricing structure determines whether you save big or pay premium prices.

Low base fares are the cornerstone of budget airlines’ strategy, but they make money through extra services. Southwest dropped its “bags fly free” policy recently. JetBlue sits somewhere between budget and full-service carriers. Spirit and Frontier charge extra for anything beyond a simple ride.

Smart planning gives you the best shot at saving money with these airlines. You can save 50-75% on fees by buying add-ons when you book instead of waiting until you reach the airport. Picking the right fare bundle often costs less than choosing services one by one.

The best budget airline for you depends on how you like to travel. Southwest’s no-cancel-fee policy and Rapid Rewards program work great for frequent flyers. JetBlue’s entertainment options and Sun Country’s digital content make families happy. Business travelers get good value from premium choices like Breeze’s “Nicest” fare or JetBlue’s Mint experience.

New players Avelo and Breeze have shaken things up by flying to smaller, less crowded airports. European carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet keep growing their routes with super-low fares plus lots of extra fees.

The detailed comparison table shows how services differ between airlines. Looking at what you need – bags, seats, flexibility to change – helps you find an airline that saves you money instead of just showing the lowest starting price.

Budget airlines give you good value if you know their pricing tricks and plan ahead. The days of all-in budget fares are mostly gone, but smart booking can still save you money compared to traditional carriers while keeping your trip comfortable.

Key Takeaways

Budget airlines can save you money, but only if you understand their fee structures and book strategically to avoid costly surprises.

• Budget airlines aren’t always cheaper – They can cost 40% more than traditional carriers once all fees are added, with ancillary services generating $103 billion industry-wide in 2022.
• Book add-ons during initial purchase – Purchasing extras like baggage and seat selection at booking saves 50-75% compared to airport prices across most carriers.
• Southwest leads in flexibility – Despite ending free bags, Southwest offers zero cancelation fees and allows changes up to 10 minutes before departure on all fare types.
• Newer carriers serve smaller airports – Avelo and Breeze target less congested airports, offering shorter travel times and potentially better overall experience despite limited route networks.
• European carriers offer extreme low fares – Ryanair and EasyJet provide flights from as low as $34, but charge extensively for extras like seat selection (€4.50-€33) and checked bags.

The key to maximizing savings lies in matching your specific travel needs—baggage requirements, flexibility, and comfort preferences—with the right carrier’s pricing structure rather than simply choosing the lowest advertised fare.

FAQs