What is the cheapest airline?

Finding the cheapest airline for your next trip isn’t as simple as naming one specific carrier. “Cheapest” depends on where you’re flying, when you book, how much luggage you bring, and how flexible you are with comfort and schedules. Instead of one universal answer, there are categories of airlines that tend to be cheaper and specific tactics you can use to consistently find the lowest fares.

Below is a practical guide to understanding what “cheapest airline” really means, which airlines are usually low-cost in different regions, and how to compare them so you actually pay less overall.

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Why there is no single “cheapest airline”

Airlines constantly change prices using dynamic algorithms. The cheapest airline:

• Varies by route (New York–Miami vs. London–Paris)
• Changes by date and season
• Depends on sales and promotions
• Depends on extras like bags, seats, and boarding priority

A carrier that looks cheapest at first glance may become more expensive once you add baggage, seat selection, and other fees. That’s why the better question than “What is the cheapest airline?” is:

Which airline has the lowest total trip cost for my route, on my dates, with my needs (bags, seat, flexibility)?

Still, there are airline types and names that consistently appear among the cheapest options.

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Types of airlines and how pricing works

Before naming specific airlines, it helps to understand how different airline models affect price.

1. Ultra low-cost carriers (ULCCs)

These airlines advertise very low base fares and charge for almost everything else.

Typical features:

• Very low base fare
• Extra fees for: carry-on bag, checked bag, seat selection, early boarding, printing boarding pass at the airport, etc.
• Less legroom, fewer routes, sometimes secondary airports
• Often strict change/cancellation policies

Good for you if:

• You travel light (personal item only)
• You’re flexible and just need the absolute lowest upfront price
• You don’t mind fewer amenities

Bad for you if:

• You always check luggage
• You care about seat comfort and flexibility
• You want generous customer support if something goes wrong

2. Low-cost carriers (LCCs)

These are budget airlines but not as extreme as ULCCs.

Typical features:

• Competitive fares
• Some freebies (e.g., small cabin bag)
• Smaller network than big legacy airlines, but more comfortable than ULCCs
• Fees still exist, but not as aggressive

Good for you if:

• You want cheap fares with a bit more comfort
• You don’t need full-service perks like airport lounges or included food

3. Full-service or legacy airlines

These are the big traditional carriers.

Typical features:

• Higher base fares, but sometimes sales can match or beat budget airlines
• Typically include at least a personal item and a carry-on (varies by region)
• Wider networks and more frequent flights
• Better options if your flight is canceled or delayed

Good for you if:

• You value reliability and flexibility
• You travel with more baggage
• You care about loyalty programs and miles

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Airlines that are often among the cheapest (by region)

Below are airlines frequently considered among the cheapest options by region, focusing on base fares. Always compare total cost including fees.

North America: Cheapest airlines to consider

Ultra low-cost carriers (often the lowest base fare):

• Spirit Airlines (US)
  Known for extremely low base fares on US and some Latin America routes.

  • Cheap if: You travel with only a personal item and don’t mind basic service.
  • Watch out for: High fees for bags, printed boarding passes, seat selection.

• Frontier Airlines (US)
  Similar model to Spirit.

  • Cheap if: You’re flexible and pack very light.
  • Watch out for: Fees for almost everything beyond a personal item.

• Allegiant Air (US)
  Focuses on smaller city routes, vacation destinations.

  • Cheap if: You fly on specific routes they serve and avoid extras.
  • Watch out for: Limited schedule, extra fees, less flexibility.

Low-cost carriers:

• Southwest Airlines (US)
  Not always the absolute cheapest, but often excellent value.

  • Pros: Two free checked bags on most fares, no change fees, decent legroom.
  • Cons: Not on major comparison sites (you must check directly), boarding system is different (group boarding instead of assigned seats).

• JetBlue (US)
  Hybrid of budget and full-service.

  • Pros: Good legroom, free Wi-Fi, snacks; competitive fares.
  • Cons: Checked bags often cost extra on basic fares.

• Sun Country Airlines (US)
  Smaller network, often cheap from Midwest hubs like Minneapolis.

  • Pros: Low fares on select routes.
  • Cons: Limited coverage and schedule, ancillary fees.

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Europe: Cheapest airlines to consider

Europe is rich in low-cost and ultra low-cost carriers, which often undercut trains and buses on price.

Ultra low-cost and low-cost carriers:

• Ryanair (Europe)
  Often among the absolute cheapest for short-haul flights.

  • Cheap if: You travel with only a small bag that fits their strict size rules.
  • Watch out for: Strict bag policies, fees for printing boarding passes, flying to secondary airports far from city centers.

• easyJet (Europe)
  Slightly more comfortable experience than some ULCCs.

  • Pros: Big network across Europe, competitive prices.
  • Cons: Fees for bags, seats, and changes.

• Wizz Air (Central & Eastern Europe)
  Often cheap on routes in and around Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

  • Pros: Very low base fares in its core regions.
  • Cons: Strict carry-on rules, extra charges, fewer routes than Ryanair/easyJet.

• Vueling (Spain-based)
  Budget option, especially around Spain and Western Europe.

  • Pros: Works well for Mediterranean routes.
  • Cons: Bags and seat choices add cost.

• Norwegian (Nordic & transatlantic historically)
  Often competitive on Scandinavian and some other European routes.

  • Pros: Good value, especially off-peak.
  • Cons: Fees for extras, network changes over time.

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Asia: Airlines that often offer the lowest fares

Asia has some of the world’s most competitive budget airlines; the cheapest carrier often depends on the specific country or sub-region.

Popular low-cost/ultra low-cost carriers:

• AirAsia (Southeast Asia)
  One of the largest budget airlines in Asia.

  • Pros: Very competitive fares throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.
  • Cons: Extra cost for bags, food, and seat selection.

• Scoot (Singapore-based)
  Budget airline owned by Singapore Airlines.

  • Pros: Good value on routes between Southeast Asia, Australia, and some long-haul.
  • Cons: Extras add up, limited full-service perks.

• IndiGo (India)
  India’s largest airline, often the cheapest on domestic routes.

  • Pros: Frequent flights, generally low fares, reliable operations.
  • Cons: Limited free extras; bags and add-ons cost more.

• SpiceJet, Go First (status may vary), Akasa Air (India)
  Other budget Indian carriers that frequently compete on price.

  • Pros: Cheap domestic fares.
  • Cons: Watch for baggage charges and schedule changes.

• Cebu Pacific (Philippines)
  Known for promos and low fares in the Philippines and regional routes.

  • Pros: Very low prices during frequent sales.
  • Cons: Extra fees for bags and meals; often basic service.

• VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways (Vietnam)
  Often cheapest on domestic and nearby international routes.

  • Pros: Low base fares.
  • Cons: Fees and variable service quality.

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Latin America & the Caribbean: Often-cheapest options

• Volaris (Mexico)
  Budget airline serving Mexico, the US, and Central America.

  • Pros: Frequently low fares, especially between US and Mexico.
  • Cons: Many add-on fees; check total cost.

• Viva Aerobus (Mexico)
  Competes with Volaris and legacy carriers.

  • Pros: Very low base fares.
  • Cons: Fee-based extras, strict baggage rules.

• GOL, Azul (Brazil)
  Often competitive on Brazil domestic routes.

  • Pros: Good coverage in Brazil.
  • Cons: Lowest fares usually come with restrictions.

• Sky Airline, JetSMART (Chile & South America)
  Budget carriers with expanding networks.

  • Pros: Low fares in Chile, Peru, Argentina, and nearby routes.
  • Cons: Limited network outside core regions; fees for extras.

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Middle East & Africa: Budget options to know

• flydubai (UAE)
  Low-cost airline with strong regional network.

  • Pros: Often cheaper than full-service Gulf carriers on short-haul.
  • Cons: Add-on costs for bags and meals.

• Air Arabia (UAE based, regional hubs)
  Budget carrier with routes across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.

  • Pros: Competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Limited extras in the basic fare.

• Jambojet, Fastjet, FlySafair (Africa)
  Regional budget carriers in Kenya, Southern Africa, and other markets.

  • Pros: Often the cheapest on domestic routes.
  • Cons: Smaller networks and fee-based extras.

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“Cheapest airline” vs “cheapest total trip cost”

When comparing airlines, you need to consider total trip cost, not just the advertised fare.

Key factors that change which airline is actually cheapest:

1. Baggage fees

   • ULCCs often charge for any bag beyond a small personal item.
   • Full-service airlines may include a carry-on and sometimes a checked bag on long-haul flights.
   • If you always bring a checked bag, a slightly higher fare with a free bag can be cheaper overall.

2. Seat selection and airport services

   • Want to sit with family? Many budget airlines charge per seat selection.
   • Some charge to print a boarding pass at the airport if you don’t check in online.

3. Airport location and transfers

   • Some cheap airlines fly into secondary airports farther from the city (e.g., Ryanair).
   • You might save on airfare but spend more on ground transportation and time.

4. Time and convenience

   • Early morning or late-night flights can be cheaper but less convenient.
   • Long layovers or multiple connections may cost you in time and extra meals.

5. Change and cancellation flexibility

   • Non-changeable ultra-cheap tickets can be costly if your plans shift.
   • A slightly pricier flexible ticket might save money if you’re not sure about your dates.

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How to consistently find the cheapest airline for your trip

Instead of guessing which airline is cheapest, use a methodical approach.

1. Use meta-search tools

Use flight comparison sites to see multiple airlines at once:

• Google Flights
• Skyscanner
• Kayak
• Momondo

Steps:

1. Search your route with flexible dates if possible.
2. Sort by price and check which airlines appear at the top repeatedly.
3. Open each promising option in a new tab and visit the airline’s official site to confirm the final price and see any direct-only deals.

2. Check “nearby airports”

If your origin or destination has multiple airports:

• Search from “All airports” (e.g., NYC, LON, PAR) or manually check each major airport.
• Budget airlines often fly into lesser-known airports with cheaper fees, but factor in ground transport costs.

3. Compare final price, not just base fare

Before deciding which airline is cheapest, calculate the all-in cost:

• Base fare
• Checked baggage (round-trip)
• Carry-on fees (if any)
• Seat selection (if you care about it)
• Airport transfers (if flying to a secondary airport)

Create a quick comparison like:

Airline	Base Fare	Bags (round-trip)	Seats	Transfers	Total
Airline A	$90	$60	$20	$10	$180
Airline B	$130	Included	$0	$0	$130

In this example, Airline B is actually the cheapest.

4. Be flexible with dates and times

• Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays can often be cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.
• Use the monthly or “flexible dates” view to spot cheaper days.
• Early morning or late-night departures can be cheaper if you don’t mind the schedule.

5. Set price alerts

Most search tools allow you to set alerts:

• Turn on “Track prices” (e.g., in Google Flights)
• Receive email or app notifications when fares drop
• Book when the price aligns with your budget

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When a “non-cheapest” airline might be the best value

Sometimes the airline with the lowest fare is not the best choice:

• You have tight connections: A full-service airline with multiple daily flights and better rebooking help may save you from costly delays.
• You’re traveling with kids or elders: Extra comfort, free seat selection, and included snacks can be worth more than the savings from an ultra-cheap ticket.
• You’re on a long-haul flight: A slightly more expensive airline with better seats, food, and entertainment can significantly improve your experience.

Always ask: Am I saving money or just shifting costs to comfort, time, and risk?

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Quick summary: What is the cheapest airline?

• There is no single universally cheapest airline.
• Ultra low-cost carriers (like Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, Wizz Air, AirAsia) often show the lowest base fares, especially if you travel very light.
• Low-cost carriers (like Southwest, JetBlue, easyJet, IndiGo, Volaris) often offer a better balance between price and comfort.
• The true cheapest option is the one with the lowest total cost for:
  • Your route
  • Your travel dates
  • Your baggage needs
  • Your flexibility and comfort preferences

If you want the cheapest airline for your specific trip, the most reliable approach is to:

1. Search flights across multiple airlines and dates.
2. Compare all-in costs, not just ticket prices.
3. Consider the trade-off between price, convenience, and comfort.

By following that method, you’re far more likely to end up with the real cheapest airline for your needs, not just the one that looks cheapest at first glance.