Everyone loves a good deal, and when travelers learn about “low-cost” carriers (LCC), excitement usually follows. But just because a flight is affordable doesn’t mean it meets the standards; some budget airlines are better than others.
We’ll discuss the best and worst below, but first, let’s clarify some terms.
A “low-cost” airline keeps expenses down, like using one type of plane for easier maintenance. This doesn’t always mean cheaper tickets. Now, there’s a newer term called “ultra-low-cost” carriers (ULCC). These airlines really focus on cutting costs, for example, by having non-reclining seats and no seat-back pockets. This can make tickets much cheaper, but it might mean less comfort for travelers.
Now, let’s take a look at the Best And Worst Budget Airlines For Domestic Flights In The USA to help you make the best travel choices.
Top Budget Airlines In The USA
The Best And Worst Budget Airlines For Domestic Flights In The USA Are Given Below
Southwest Airlines
The best budget airlines for flights within the country are Southwest Airlines. When Southwest began nearly 50 years ago, it focused on short flights in Texas. Now, it flies all over the US and a few international places, serving 103 cities.
Southwest Airline Pros
- Nostalgic journey with standard pitch seats.
- Free snacks, drinks, and two checked bags.
- Stream movies for free on personal devices.
- Easy ticket changes with no cancellation fees.
- Unique open-seating policy in economy class.
Southwest Airline Cons
- No seat-back entertainment.
- Limited seat selection.
- Exclusive fares are not on regular flight search sites. Use Southwest’s website and Low Fare Calendar.
Southwest Flights Details
- Carry-on and personal item
- Two free checked bags
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
- Free changes
- Streaming entertainment on your device
- Free seat selection
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways, similar to Southwest’s origins, began as a low-cost airline. Distinct from Southwest, JetBlue maintained a range of amenities, earning a loyal following. Presently, JetBlue serves nearly 100 U.S. cities and several international destinations.
JetBlue Pros
- Varied flight classes, including a premium product (Mint).
- Blue and Blue Basic (economy versions) offer complimentary snacks, beverages, WiFi, and seat-back entertainment.
- Above-average seat pitch (32–34 inches) in the main cabin.
- Extensive partner airline network for broader travel options.
JetBlue Cons
- Additional fees for checked bags start at $35.
- Fee for advance seat selection in Blue Basic.
- Blue Basic passengers board last.
- Changes to tickets are generally not allowed.
JetBlue Flight Details
- Includes a carry-on and personal item.
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
- Free changes and cancellations are available from February 28, 2021.
- Seatback entertainment and WiFi.
- Free seat selection for Blue and above; fee for advance seat selection for Blue Basic.
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines, launched in 2021, emphasizes point-to-point flights, avoiding layovers. It currently serves 22 destinations with a fleet of six planes
Avelo Pros
- Great fares, especially with flexible travel dates.
- Lower add-on fees compared to many other airlines.
- Convenient locations for smaller cities near national parks.
- Encourages checked luggage, speeding up the boarding process.
Avelo Cons
- Limited daily flights on some routes.
- Few aircraft and tight schedules may lead to cascading delays.
- Slightly less legroom (29″ seat pitch) with an extra fee for more.
- Only a small personal item is free; additional bags have fees.
Avelo Flight Details
- One free personal item (14 x 9 x 9.5 inches).
- Carry-on and checked bags are available for a fee.
- Seat selection at an additional cost.
- No in-flight food, beverages, or entertainment.
- No change fee; you receive credit for a cheaper flight or pay the difference for a costlier one.
- Cancellation up to 15 minutes before departure incurs no charge.
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways, originally named Moxy Airways, launched as a budget carrier in May 2021. With a focus on serving smaller airports, it operates point-to-point flights similar to Avelo.
Breeze Pros
- Fares are great for underserved cities.
- The base fare seat pitch is a decent 32 inches, reaching 39 inches in premium classes.
- User-friendly mobile app.
- The loyalty program (BreezePoints) offers points for various add-ons and ticket purchases.
Breeze Cons
- Limited daily flights on certain routes.
- Potential for delays with a small fleet and specific route map.
- The overhead bin space is smaller than average.
Breeze Flights Details
- Free changes or cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure (credit in BreezePoints for cancellations).
- No in-flight wifi or entertainment.
- Airport-printed boarding passes are available for a fee ($3 per pass).
Worst Airlines In The USA
At the opposite end of the spectrum, selective travelers may have varying opinions. But the below-mentioned four budget airlines are the least preferred in the USA.
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines originated in Minnesota in the early 1980s with just one airplane. Now, it operates 30 passenger planes serving 54 destinations.
What Makes It Worse?
- All seats are in economy class with a below-average seat pitch of 29–30 inches.
- It has an ultra-low-cost approach with seemingly low fares, but fees accumulate for checked and carry-on bags, seat selection, and snacks.
- Limited date flexibility due to a restricted fleet and destination network.
Sun Country Fees
- Carry-on bag starting at $30 each way (one under-seat item allowed at no charge).
- Checked bags starting at $30 each way.
- Change fees are $50-$100 when less than 60 days to departure (free before 60 days).
- Seat selection starts at $8 each way.
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines shifted to an ultra-low-cost carrier in 2007 and now flies to 77 destinations. Like other low-cost carriers, their advertised fares are tempting, but extra fees add up quickly. Unfortunately, their customer service is also widely known for being subpar.
What Makes It Worse?
- Initially attractive fares, but extra fees significantly raise the total cost.
- Extra charges for seat selection and checked bags.
- Notorious for poor customer service.
- Limited seat pitch, with most seats at a cramped 28 inches.
- Few “Big Front Seats” with 36 inches pitch, but high fees often eliminate any savings.
- Up-front fares seem appealing, but the final cost, including fees, can surpass legacy carriers.
Spirit Fees
- Carry-on bag starting at $33 each way (one under-seat item free).
- Checked bags starting at $28 each way.
- Seat selection starts at $9 each way.
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines evolved into an ultra-low-cost carrier in 2014. Now, it serves over 110 destinations. Despite attractive advertised fares, the accumulating extra fees often bring the total cost close to legacy airlines.
What Makes It Worse?
- Initial fares seem appealing, but additional fees for checked and carry-on bags, seat selection, and in-flight snacks contribute to a comparable cost with legacy airlines.
- Limited flexibility in flight options.
- Most seats offer a 28-inch pitch, below the industry average.
- Rows with more generous 36–38-inch pitches are available at a premium.
Frontier Fees
- Carry-on bags starting at $39 each way (small personal items allowed at no charge).
- Checked bags starting at $34 each way.
- Seat selection starts at $22 each way.
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air, established in the late 1990s, transitioned to an ultra-low-cost carrier after filing for bankruptcy. Currently serving nearly 130 destinations, Allegiant primarily operates on a point-to-point system with a modern fleet of Airbus planes.
What Makes It Worse?
- Imposes fees for checked and carry-on bags, seat selection, in-flight snacks, and beverages.
- Additional charges for online or telephone reservations and airport boarding pass printing.
- The seat pitch is slightly better than most ultra-low-cost carriers at 30 inches.
- The entire fleet with non-reclining seats.
- Focus on serving secondary airports, often located farther from city centers.
Allegiant Fees
- Carry-on bags start at $18-20 each way (small personal items free).
- Checked bags starting at $22-25 each way.
- Seat selection starts at $5 each way.
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.
Wrapping It Up!
When considering The Best And Worst Budget Airlines For Domestic Flights In The USA, airlines like Southwest and Avelo stand out as top choices with reasonable fares, customer-friendly policies, and notable perks.
