Budget airlines have made air travel accessible, but some cheap flights are meant to mislead flyers, as the lowest advertised fare is rarely the total price. Extra fees for carry-on luggage, seat selection, and boarding priority can quickly double base ticket costs, shifting which carrier actually offers the better deal. That is why this ranking looks past initial sticker prices to evaluate total value.
To rank the best U.S. budget airlines, we analyzed route networks, unbundled pricing structures, fleet reliability, and customer service data tracked by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some airlines excel at connecting underserved regional airports without layovers, while others score higher by offering free checked bags or complimentary Wi-Fi to eliminate hidden add-ons.
Here is how these seven carriers compare, starting with a leisure carrier that offers high-value vacation flights on a focused regional route map.
7
Sun Country Airlines
Best Hybrid Budget Airline For Seasonal Vacationers
Sun Country Airlines is known for its low fares and smart focus on leisure travelers. Operating primarily out of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Terminal 2, the carrier connects travelers to over 100 vacation destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Instead of flying fixed daily schedules year-round, Sun Country adjusts its seasonal routes to match peak travel demand. It links smaller Midwestern markets like Duluth, Milwaukee, and Green Bay directly to warm-weather spots like Cancún, Orlando, and Phoenix without forcing passengers through congested connecting hubs.
The airline operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet under an unbundled pricing model. The base fare covers only seat admission, while carry-on bags, checked luggage, and advance seat assignments cost extra. However, unlike many ultra-low-cost rivals, Sun Country includes complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, in-seat power outlets on most seats, and free entertainment streaming to phones or tablets.
While its limited weekly schedules mean fewer backup flights if delays happen, Sun Country provides a comfortable, budget-friendly ride for vacationers who pack light and plan ahead.
6
Frontier Airlines
Best For Pure Ultra-Low Base Fares
Frontier Airlines, which has recently taken over eight routes previously operated by Spirit Airlines, is the ultimate ultra-low-cost option for budget travelers who travel light. Centered in Denver, the carrier boasts an extensive network spanning over 100 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Frontier has one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in America, consisting entirely of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The airline has modernized its pricing by introducing upfront fare bundles (Basic, Economy, Premium, and Business) that include zero change or cancellation fees when booked directly. It also offers premium seating options like UpFront Plus, which guarantees extra legroom and an empty middle seat in the front rows.
For budget travelers, the base ticket covers only flight admission and one personal item that must fit beneath the seat in front of them. À la carte fees for carry-on overhead bags, checked luggage, and advance seat assignments remain high if purchased separately at the airport. Frequent flyers can also purchase Frontier’s GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass, which offers unlimited confirmed flights for a flat annual fee plus taxes and fees.
While unbundled add-on fees keep Frontier from ranking higher for families, it remains unbeatable for flexible travelers seeking cheap point-to-point flights. In a Reddit thread asking travelers to share their experiences with Fronteir Airlines, one user wrote:
“I actually fly Frontier twice a week for work, and I’ve been pretty happy with them. Honestly, I’ve had way more issues with Delta, delays, and just overall not-great experiences. I personally feel much more comfortable on Frontier: prices are literally 1/10 of what I’d pay elsewhere, I just walk to my seat, no stress, and their flight attendants have always been kind to me.
If you go in with the right expectations (low-cost airline = pay for extras), it’s usually a smooth and simple trip.”
5
Breeze Airways
Best For Underserved Regional & Direct Routes
Breeze Airways blends ultra-low-cost flexibility with premium passenger comfort. Founded in 2021 by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, the airline focuses on point-to-point routes connecting mid-sized cities that legacy carriers often overlook.
Instead of funneling passengers through crowded mega-hubs, Breeze operates direct nonstops out of key focus cities like Charleston, Hartford, Providence, and Norfolk. The backbone of its modern fleet is the quiet, fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300. These aircraft feature a 2-3 seating configuration in economy (meaning fewer middle seats), high-speed Viasat Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat.
Breeze structures its pricing into distinct fare tiers, namely No Flex Fare, Nice, Nicer, and Nicest. The basic fare covers seat admission, while higher bundles include checked luggage, carry-on bags, extra legroom, and free Wi-Fi. Passengers seeking top-tier comfort can select the Nicest bundle to fly in Breeze Ascent, a spacious recliner class complete with complimentary snacks, drinks, and priority boarding. That strategy has made Breeze an attractive option for travelers looking to save time and money.
4
Allegiant Air
Best For Cheap Direct Leisure & Vacation Flights
Allegiant Air is known for its unique point-to-point route strategy that focuses on a market that many larger airlines overlook. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the ultra-low-cost carrier bypasses major connecting hubs to link small-to-midsize regional communities directly with top sun-and-sand vacation destinations. This approach helps travelers avoid long layovers while keeping fares competitive.
Allegiant keeps base ticket prices low through strict unbundled pricing. The base fare covers only seat admission and one small personal item (up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches). Carry-on overhead bags, checked luggage, advance seat selection, and food or drinks cost extra. Since flights on specific routes may operate only twice or three times a week, booking early and locking in baggage fees online yields the greatest savings.
Instead of competing on business routes between major hubs, Allegiant operates primarily out of secondary leisure gateways. Its largest operational bases include Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), and Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Flying an all-jet fleet of Airbus A320s and new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Allegiant gives regional travelers direct flights to Florida, Nevada, Arizona, and coastal beaches without layovers.
Allegiant ranks ahead of other low-cost carriers because it offers direct nonstops on routes that legacy airlines ignore entirely, making vacation travel seamless for regional communities.
3
Avelo Airlines
Best For Stress-Free Secondary Airport Travel
Avelo Airlines proves that low-cost flying can come without mega-hub headaches. Operating since April 2021, the ultra-low-cost carrier bypasses crowded major hubs, connecting mid-sized communities with direct, nonstop routes using Boeing 737 aircraft.
Instead of competing on heavily saturated routes outside some of the busiest airports in America, Avelo builds its schedule around convenient secondary facilities.
Its primary operating bases include Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut, Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Delaware, Charlotte/Concord (USA) in North Carolina, and Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Florida. For travelers, using these smaller airports means shorter security lines, lower parking costs, and faster gate-to-car exit times.
Avelo relies on a strict unbundled fare model. The low base ticket price covers the seat and one small under-seat personal item (up to 17 x 13 x 9 inches). Carry-on overhead bags, checked luggage, advance seat selection, and priority boarding all incur extra charges. However, pre-paying for bags online during initial booking delivers the lowest rate.
While Avelo operates smaller fleet numbers and lower flight frequencies than legacy competitors, its commitment to underserved secondary markets makes it a standout choice for hassle-free regional travel. In a Reddit discussion about the airline, one user wrote:
“My husband and I flew with them to Concord, NC at the end of last year and it was great. We checked 1 bag and everything went smoothly. For the price, it was definitely amazing. My in laws also fly Avelo at least twice a year to come to Rochester and they don’t really have complaints. The only thing that sucks is the limited airports they fly to or from and the days the fly out and back in.”
2
JetBlue Airways
Best Budget Airline For Amenities & Comfort
JetBlue Airways claims second place for delivering a near-legacy flight experience at low-cost carrier prices. This carrier proves budget travel does not require sacrificing passenger comfort, onboard entertainment, or basic luggage allowances. JetBlue is based in New York with primary hubs at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). This airline features a major network across the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and Transatlantic European destinations.
JetBlue sets itself apart from ultra-low-cost rivals by including standard perks that others charge extra for. Operating a modern fleet of Airbus A320, A321, and A220-300 aircraft, JetBlue offers free high-speed Fly-Fi Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment screens with live DirecTV, and unlimited brand-name snacks and drinks for every passenger. Its Core economy cabin also provides up to 32 to 34 inches of seat pitch, giving passengers more standard legroom than almost any domestic competitor.
Unlike other budget carriers, JetBlue allows all fare types (including Blue Basic) to bring one personal item plus one full-sized overhead carry-on bag at no extra charge. Checked luggage fees apply on basic fares, but the value of free Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment helps offset overall travel costs.
1
Southwest Airlines
Best Overall Low-Cost Carrier & Flexibility
Southwest Airlines takes the top spot as the premier low-cost carrier in North America. This airline has an extensive all-Boeing 737 network spanning over 120 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Better yet, Southwest Airlines added new routes to popular international destinations, adding to its appeal.
Southwest leads the industry in booking flexibility. Unlike competitors that impose strict penalties, Southwest charges zero flight change fees on standard fares. This policy allows travelers to apply unused ticket balances toward future travel with no expiration dates.
The airline has also modernized its passenger experience by fully retiring its iconic open-seating model across the board. Passengers now hold assigned seating, with options to select or upgrade to Preferred and Extra Legroom seats near the front of the cabin. Additionally, Southwest officially ended its signature “Bags Fly Free” policy for standard base fares.
While every ticket still includes one standard carry-on overhead bag plus one personal item, first and second checked bags now incur standard unbundled fees on Basic and Choice fares. Free checked luggage is now strictly reserved for top-tier Choice Extra fare bundles, elite Rapid Rewards members, and qualifying credit cardholders.
Southwest claims the No. 1 ranking because its massive domestic route map, unrivaled change fee policies, and generous carry-on allowances deliver unmatched overall value for leisure and business travelers.
TheTravel reached out to Cirium for comment on the operational characteristics that distinguish the best-performing budget airlines but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
