If you think ever, you know that flying in the US can be one of the biggest expenses of any trip. Between tickets, luggage fees & add-ons, costs add up quickly. That’s why knowing the cheapest airlines in US is such a money-saver. No matter if you are flying across the country, hopping down to Mexico, or heading to the Caribbean, some carriers are consistently easier on the wallet than others.
When it comes to moving from one place to another, the first thing that comes to mind is price, and which airline is the cheapest? So, to help you find the best deals, we looked at airline passenger revenue per available seat mile (that’s basically how much airlines make for each seat for every mile flown). The lower the number, the cheaper the airline usually is for passengers.
In this post, we shed light on the cheapest airlines in US, which can help you save big on your journeys in 2025! So, stay tuned with Flight Booking Zone to fly confidently without breaking the bank!
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5 Top-notch Cheapest Airlines in US
Look at the top two Cheapest airlines to get air tickets online at affordable rates to make your travel affordable as well as smooth. So, let’s explore together:
American Airlines: Save on your International Travel!
Many travelers are surprised to see American Airlines on this list. While it is one of the largest airlines in the world, it also offers Basic Economy fares that compete with budget carriers. You can relish a vast network of destinations with American Airlines.
Let’s check what’s included in your basic ticket:
- Complimentary Snacks & Drinks.
- One Carry-on Bag.
- Free checked bag on some itineraries
Why it’s affordable:
- Basic Economy tickets cost less than standard fares.
- Frequent deals and loyalty programs like AAdvantage.
- Easy access to big cities and regional airports.
Best perks:
- Comfortable seating even in Basic Economy.
- Strong network across the US and international destinations.
- Mileage points that can help you save on future flights.
- It covers over 350 destinations worldwide.
Southwest Airlines: Save Your Pennies with Confidence!
When it comes to booking a reasonable flight, the name of Southwest Airlines can not be hidden. Yes, many passengers call it the best low cost airlines, as you do not need to pay extra money to reach your destinations on time.
What will you get in the basic ticket price while booking with the cheapest airline?
Your ticket includes:
- Free Carry-on & Personal Item
- Free In-flight Entertainment
- Free Cancellation (with flight credit)
- Free Texting (limited)
Why is it affordable?
- No hidden fees – what you see is what you pay.
- Two free checked bags per passenger.
- No extra charges for flight changes.
Top Benefits:
- Free snacks & drinks.
- Open seating policy (choose your seat when you board).
- Regular sales and special deals.
Frontier Airlines: Fly Affordably with Ease!
Frontier takes the crown as the cheapest airlines to fly. They are what’s called an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), which means you pay for the bare minimum: a seat as well as a small personal item.
Frontier Airlines’ Basic Ticket Includes:
- Basic seat assignment
- One Personal Item (that comes under the seat)
- Access to onboard non-alcoholic water
Why it’s affordable:
- Ultra-low base fares.
- You can choose only the services you need – from seat selection to carry-on baggage.
Key Merits:
- Family-friendly options like discounted kids’ fares.
- Permits travel in more than 100 cities across the US & a few international routes.
- Discount Den membership for exclusive deals.
If you are okay with no-frills travel, Frontier is a great pick for saving money.
Spirit Airlines: Spend without Going Out of Your Pocket
Spirit Airlines is often called the ultra-low-cost carrier of the US. It is perfect for travelers who want to pay the lowest possible base fare and don’t mind paying extra for add-ons.
What you will get in the basic flight ticket of Spirit Airlines:
- One personal item (for free)
- Pay $9 (extra) for seat selection
- Checked bag starting at $28 each way
- Seat selection starting at $9 each way
- Snacks and drinks for purchase
Why it’s affordable:
- Very low ticket prices on most domestic routes.
- You only pay for what you use – baggage, food, and seat selection are optional.
Best perks:
- New and modern aircraft.
- Great for short trips when you travel light.
- Regular discounts through the $9 Fare Club membership.
- Over 80 destinations in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
For budget-conscious travelers who don’t need luxury, Spirit is one of the best options.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is a smaller airline, but perfect for travelers looking for cheap flights to vacation spots. It focuses on nonstop flights between smaller US cities along with tourist destinations.
What will you get in the basic ticket for free:
- Personal item
- Random seat assignment
Why it’s affordable:
- No-frills, budget-friendly pricing.
- Flights mainly on less crowded routes.
- Passengers can go for flight + hotel + car rentals for extra savings.
Best perks:
- Easy online booking.
- Nonstop flights to vacation cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
- Travel packages help save even more.
- It covers around 120 destinations, mostly focused on leisure travel.
If you are seeking a low-cost airline for family vacations, Allegiant Air is a smart choice.
How are American & Southwest Airlines the cheapest Over Others?
When people think about budget-friendly airlines in the US, names like Frontier, Spirit, or Allegiant often come to mind. But American as well as Southwest Airlines actually give you more value for your money while still being among the cheapest options. Let’s break it down:
Southwest Airlines: The #1 Cheapest Airline in the US
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines in the USA that permits you to save big on your frequent travel. It is also famous as a super discount airline among passengers because of its affordable fares. The airline tops the list with an average revenue per seat mile of $0.1732.
What makes Southwest Airlines popular?
The following features make the airline everyone’s favorite in the USA:
- Exceptional flexibility than most other large airlines in the country.
- Free flight changes and cancellations (you only pay the fare difference).
- Two free checked bags per passenger (no other US airline gives this benefit).
- Free snacks, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
American Airlines: Travel the World Without Overspending!
American Airlines is one of the largest carriers in the world, yet it offers Basic Economy fares that are often as low as those of budget airlines. The difference is—you get more included without paying extra.
- Complimentary snacks and drinks (no need to buy them like on Spirit or Frontier).
- A full-sized carry-on bag for free (some budget airlines charge for this).
- Frequent deals and loyalty rewards with AAdvantage Miles.
- Access to 350+ destinations worldwide, so you can fly cheaply both locally and internationally.
While Spirit and Frontier may advertise lower base fares, once you add in bags, seat selection, and snacks, their tickets often cost more than American’s Basic Economy.
2024-2025 Key Metrics: Go with the Best Cheapest Airlines in the US
| Airline | 2024 Cancellation Rate | 2024 Complaints per 100k Pax | 2024 Recognition |
| Southwest Airlines | 0.83% | 1.5 | J.D. Power #1 Economy |
| American Airlines | – | – | J.D. Power #3 Premium Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | Worst: 2.32% | 12.8 | – |
| Spirit Airlines | 1.91% | Worst: 23.3 | – |
| Allegiant Air | – | 13.1 | – |
Why does Seat Mile Revenue Matter?
If you have never heard of revenue per seat mile, don’t worry. We know you may find it a little bit complicated to understand, but think of it like this:
- The more money an airline earns per mile, the more expensive it typically is for you as a traveller.
- The less money per mile, the more likely you are to score cheap flights.
So, by looking at these averages, we can find the best low cost airlines that consistently deliver affordable fares, and which ones might not be the bargains they claim to be.
The Final Words
Finding the cheapest airlines in US doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort or reliability. When passengers book flights, one question: What is the cheapest airline, often hits the mind. So, it depends on your travel style. If you prefer no-frills flying, the above-mentioned airlines can get you to your destination at rock-bottom fares—perfect for light packers & short trips. But if you want the best value without hidden fees, Southwest and American Airlines stand out as the best low-cost airlines in the US.
No matter where your next trip takes you, knowing the cheapest airlines to fly helps you save more and travel smarter. So, book your next trip with Flight Booking Zone to book the best low cost airlines without any hassle!
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