Finding affordable airfare can make a major difference to your travel budget. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, visiting family, or traveling between major U.S. cities, choosing one of the best low cost airlines in the USA can help you reduce the price of your trip.
Budget airlines generally keep their basic fares low and charge separately for services such as checked bags, seat selection, and other extras. This means travelers should compare the total trip cost, rather than choosing an airline based only on the advertised ticket price.
If you are planning a domestic trip, you can also use our flight distance between cities calculator to estimate the distance between your departure and destination airports.
What Are Low Cost Airlines?
Low cost airlines are carriers that use a lower-cost business model to offer competitive airfare. Instead of including every service in the ticket price, some airlines allow passengers to pay only for the services they need.
For example, a traveler carrying only a small personal item may pay considerably less than someone traveling with multiple checked bags and a preferred seat.
This approach can be especially useful for solo travelers, students, business travelers taking short trips, and vacationers who are willing to pack light.
Best Low Cost Airlines in the USA
1. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is one of the most recognizable ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States. It is particularly attractive to travelers looking for very low base fares on domestic routes.
Frontier’s standard fare includes a personal item, while carry-on bags, checked luggage, and seat assignments can cost extra.
The airline serves more than 100 destinations and offers routes connecting many U.S. cities with popular vacation destinations.
Best for: Travelers who pack light and prioritize the lowest possible base fare.
2. Allegiant Air
Allegiant is another popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. The airline focuses heavily on leisure destinations and often connects smaller regional airports with popular vacation markets.
This can make Allegiant particularly useful when you live near one of its smaller departure airports. Its low-cost model means passengers should check baggage, seat, and other fees before booking.
Best for: Leisure travelers looking for inexpensive flights to vacation destinations.
3. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has traditionally been associated with affordable domestic travel and a customer-friendly approach. However, its pricing and baggage policies have changed in recent years.
As of 2026, Southwest’s Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares generally charge for checked bags, while a carry-on and personal item remain free. Certain fares, elite-status members, and eligible credit-card customers can receive free checked-bag benefits.
Southwest can therefore be a strong option when you want a combination of competitive airfare, a broad domestic network, and fewer restrictions than some ultra-low-cost carriers.
Best for: Travelers who want affordable fares with useful included benefits.
4. Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways has become another option for travelers searching for affordable domestic flights. The airline focuses on connecting cities that may not have convenient nonstop service from larger carriers.
Breeze can be particularly interesting when its route network matches your origin and destination because a nonstop budget flight can save both money and travel time.
Best for: Travelers looking for affordable nonstop flights between less-served U.S. cities.
5. Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines is another low-cost carrier worth checking when planning domestic travel. Its network focuses on selected airports and city pairs, so availability varies depending on where you live.
The key advantage of smaller low-cost carriers is that they may offer competitive fares on specific routes where larger airlines are more expensive.
Best for: Travelers whose local airport has convenient Avelo service.
How to Choose the Cheapest Airline
The cheapest advertised fare is not necessarily the cheapest overall ticket. When comparing the best low cost airlines in the USA, consider several costs.
Compare Baggage Fees
If you are traveling with a suitcase, check how much the airline charges for carry-on and checked baggage. A slightly more expensive ticket can sometimes become cheaper after baggage fees are included.
Check Seat Selection Costs
Some low-cost airlines charge extra if you want to choose your seat in advance. If you are traveling with family or friends, this can significantly affect the final price.
Consider Airport Location
A cheap flight from an airport several hours away may not actually save money. Include transportation, parking, tolls, and travel time when comparing airports.
Look at the Total Price
Always continue through the booking process far enough to see the final price. Budget airlines can have very low advertised fares, but optional services may increase the total cost.
Tips for Finding Cheap U.S. Flights
To get the best possible deal, compare several airlines and travel dates before booking. Flying on less popular days can sometimes provide better prices.
You can also compare routes using our flight distance calculator and learn more about flight distance between cities when planning your itinerary.
For longer journeys, our guide to best airlines for long haul international flights can help you compare other options.
Final Thoughts
The best low cost airlines in the USA depend on your destination, baggage needs, flexibility, and preferred airport. Frontier and Allegiant can be attractive for travelers focused on low base fares, while Southwest, Breeze, and Avelo may offer better value on certain routes.
Before booking, compare the complete fare—including baggage, seat selection, airport transportation, and other fees. By looking beyond the advertised ticket price, you can find an airline that offers genuine savings for your particular trip.
For additional planning help, explore our flight departure time calculator and other travel-planning tools to make your next trip easier to organize.
