Finding an affordable airline that balances cost, comfort, and reliability is key to making travel stress-free and budget-friendly. Whether you’re flying domestically within the USA or planning an international adventure, the right airline can make all the difference.
At Top10ofWorld, we’ve compared the top 10 budget-friendly airlines based on ticket prices, baggage policies, in-flight experience, and route coverage to help you choose the best one for your next trip.
Top 10 Budget Airlines for Affordable Travel (2025 Comparison Table)
| Airline | Best For | Hub Region | Baggage Fees | In-Flight Comfort | Loyalty Program | Notable Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Best for Free Checked Bags | USA |  (2 Free Bags) |  | Rapid Rewards | USA, Mexico, Caribbean |
| JetBlue Airways | Best for Comfort & Free Wi-Fi | USA |  (Fees Apply) | | TrueBlue | USA, Caribbean, Latin America |
| Alaska Airlines | Best for West Coast & Free Upgrades | USA | (Fees Apply) | | Mileage Plan | USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica |
| Spirit Airlines | Best for Ultra-Budget Domestic Travel | USA | (Fees Apply) | | Free Spirit | USA, Caribbean, Latin America |
| Frontier Airlines | Best for Low-Cost Domestic Flights | USA | (Fees Apply) | | FRONTIER Miles | USA, Mexico, Caribbean |
| Ryanair | Best for Cheap European Travel | Europe | (Fees Apply) | | Ryanair Choice | Europe, North Africa |
| EasyJet | Best for UK & Europe Budget Flights | Europe | (Fees Apply) | | easyJet Plus | Europe, Middle East |
| Norwegian Air | Best for Cheap Transatlantic Flights | Europe & USA | (Fees Apply) | | Norwegian Reward | USA, Europe, Asia |
| AirAsia | Best for Budget Flights in Asia | Asia | (Fees Apply) | | BIG Loyalty | Asia, Australia, Middle East |
| Scoot Airlines | Best for Long-Haul Budget Travel | Asia & Global | (Fees Apply) | | KrisFlyer | Asia, Europe, Australia |
1. Best for Free Checked Bags: Southwest Airlines (USA)
Why? Southwest is the only major U.S. airline that allows two free checked bags. Best Feature: No change fees and flexible policies make it a top choice.
2. Best for Comfort & Free Wi-Fi: JetBlue Airways (USA & Latin America)
Why? JetBlue offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and complimentary snacks. Best Feature: TrueBlue points make it easy to earn free flights.
3. Best for West Coast & Free Upgrades: Alaska Airlines (USA & Canada)
Why? Frequent West Coast deals and a generous loyalty program. Best Feature: Mileage Plan allows elite members free first-class upgrades.
4. Best for Ultra-Budget Domestic Travel: Spirit Airlines (USA & Caribbean)
Why? One of the cheapest airlines in the USA, but charges for carry-ons and extras. Best Feature: Good for quick, no-frills domestic travel.
5. Best for Low-Cost Domestic Flights: Frontier Airlines (USA & Mexico)
Why? Regular “Penny Fare” sales make it one of the cheapest airlines in the U.S. Best Feature: Discount Den membership offers exclusive fares.
6. Best for Cheap European Travel: Ryanair (Europe & North Africa)
Why? The king of budget travel in Europe, with flights starting at just $10! Best Feature: Extensive routes across Europe, Morocco, and the Canary Islands.
7. Best for UK & Europe Budget Flights: EasyJet (Europe & Middle East)
Why? Slightly more premium than Ryanair but still affordable. Best Feature: No-frills travel with big sales on international routes.
8. Best for Cheap Transatlantic Flights: Norwegian Air (USA & Europe)
Why? One of the best options for cheap flights between the US and Europe. Best Feature: Premium Economy option at budget prices.
9. Best for Budget Flights in Asia: AirAsia (Asia & Australia)
Why? The leading low-cost airline in Asia with mega sale events. Best Feature: BIG Loyalty program offers free flights with earned points.
10. Best for Long-Haul Budget Travel: Scoot Airlines (Asia & Global)
Why? A budget subsidiary of Singapore Airlines with excellent service. Best Feature: Offers long-haul budget flights from Asia to Europe and Australia.
How to Choose the Best Budget Airline?
When selecting a budget-friendly airline, consider these factors:
Ticket Prices – Does it offer consistently low fares? Baggage Policies – Are carry-ons and checked bags free or extra? Route Coverage – Does it fly to your desired destination? Hidden Fees – Are there additional charges for seat selection, meals, or printing boarding passes? In-Flight Comfort – How much legroom and service can you expect?
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best budget airline for domestic USA travel, Southwest Airlines is an excellent choice thanks to its free checked bags and flexible booking policy. JetBlue offers the best in-flight experience, while Spirit and Frontier are perfect for no-frills, cheap flights.
For international travel, Ryanair and EasyJet dominate Europe, Norwegian Air is great for cheap transatlantic flights, and AirAsia is the top choice for budget travel across Asia.
Ready to book your next affordable flight? Compare these top airlines and find the best deals for your next trip! 