Best Budget Airlines in 2026: Complete Comparison Guide

Budget airlines have revolutionized air travel, making flights accessible to millions who couldn't afford traditional carriers. But with dozens of low-cost carriers worldwide, how do you choose the best one for your needs? This comprehensive guide compares the top budget airlines in 2026, helping you find the perfect balance between price and service.

📊 In this guide: We compare baggage fees, route networks, seat comfort, on-time performance, and overall value to help you choose the right budget airline.

What Makes a Budget Airline "Budget"?

Budget airlines—also called low-cost carriers (LCCs)—keep base fares low by charging separately for services that traditional airlines include. Understanding this model helps you avoid unexpected fees.

Typical budget airline unbundling:

Carry-on bags (beyond a personal item)
Checked luggage
Seat selection
In-flight meals and drinks
Priority boarding
Flight changes and cancellations

Top Budget Airlines by Region

🇺🇸 North America

1. Southwest Airlines

Base Regions: USA, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America

Pros:

2 free checked bags (industry-leading)
No change fees
Free snacks and drinks
Generous rewards program

Cons:

No assigned seating (open seating)
Limited international routes
No in-flight entertainment screens

Average Fees: Carry-on: FREE | Checked bag: FREE (first 2) | Seat selection: N/A

Best For: Domestic US travel with luggage

2. Spirit Airlines

Base Regions: USA, Latin America, Caribbean

Pros:

Lowest base fares in North America
Growing route network
Newer fleet (Airbus A320 family)

Cons:

Fees for everything (carry-on, seat, drinks)
Tight seat pitch (28 inches)
Frequent delays reported

Average Fees: Carry-on: $55-65 | Checked bag: $50-100 | Seat selection: $5-50

Best For: Ultra-light travelers on short flights

3. Frontier Airlines

Base Regions: USA, Mexico, Caribbean

Pros:

Very competitive pricing
"Discount Den" membership for extra savings
Cute animal tail designs on planes!

Cons:

Strict bag size enforcement
Fee structure similar to Spirit
Limited route options vs competitors

Average Fees: Carry-on: $55-60 | Checked bag: $50-95 | Seat selection: $10-45

Best For: Flexible travelers who can travel with minimal luggage

🇪🇺 Europe

4. Ryanair

Base Regions: Europe, North Africa, Middle East

Pros:

Rock-bottom prices (often under €20)
Largest route network in Europe
Reliable on-time performance
Modern Boeing 737 fleet

Cons:

Confusing fee structure
Often flies to secondary airports far from city centers
Strict bag policies with heavy fees

Average Fees: Carry-on: €8-25 | Checked bag: €25-60 | Seat selection: €5-25

Best For: Short European hops with backpack-only travel

5. EasyJet

Base Regions: Europe, North Africa

Pros:

Flies to major airports (unlike Ryanair)
Slightly more generous baggage allowance
Good customer service reputation
Speedy boarding option

Cons:

Higher base fares than Ryanair
Fees add up quickly
Limited route network outside UK

Average Fees: Carry-on: FREE (under 15kg) | Checked bag: £25-55 | Seat selection: £5-18

Best For: Travelers who want budget prices with better airport locations

🌏 Asia-Pacific

6. AirAsia

Base Regions: Southeast Asia, Australia, India, China, Japan

Pros:

Dominant player in Southeast Asia
Excellent value for money
Modern Airbus fleet
Good in-flight meal options (for purchase)

Cons:

Frequent delays and schedule changes
Customer service challenges
Baggage fees add up on longer routes

Average Fees: Carry-on: FREE (7kg) | Checked bag: $15-60 | Seat selection: $5-45

Best For: Budget travel across Southeast Asia

7. Jetstar

Base Regions: Australia, New Zealand, Asia-Pacific

Pros:

Qantas subsidiary (reliable operations)
Good coverage of Australia/New Zealand
Competitive pricing

Cons:

Expensive compared to other Asian LCCs
Fees can double the total cost

Average Fees: Carry-on: FREE (7kg) | Checked bag: AUD $30-80 | Seat selection: AUD $8-35

Best For: Australia/New Zealand domestic travel

Fee Comparison Table

Airline	Carry-On	Checked Bag	Seat Select
Southwest	FREE	FREE (2 bags)	N/A
Spirit	$55-65	$50-100	$5-50
Frontier	$55-60	$50-95	$10-45
Ryanair	€8-25	€25-60	€5-25
EasyJet	FREE	£25-55	£5-18
AirAsia	FREE (7kg)	$15-60	$5-45

When Budget Airlines Are Worth It

Budget airlines make the most sense in these scenarios:

Short flights (under 3 hours) - Discomfort is minimal
Light packing - You can avoid baggage fees entirely
Flexible schedules - You can fly off-peak for lowest prices
Popular routes - Competition keeps prices very low
One way trips - No need to coordinate return timing

When to Avoid Budget Airlines

Consider traditional carriers instead if:

You need to check bags (fees can exceed full-service airline cost)
Flying long-haul (6+ hours) - Comfort matters more
Traveling for business - Reliability and flexibility are crucial
You value loyalty points - Budget airlines have weak reward programs

💰 Pro Tip:

Always calculate the TOTAL cost including fees before booking. A $49 Spirit flight can become $150 after bags and seat selection, while a $130 United flight might include everything.

How to Maximize Value on Budget Airlines

Travel with a backpack only - Most allow a small personal item free
Skip seat selection - You'll get randomly assigned for free
Bring your own snacks - Food prices are often 300% markup
Download entertainment - Most budget airlines don't have IFE
Check in online - Avoid airport kiosk fees ($10-25)
Book during sales - Budget airlines have flash sales frequently
Join airline newsletters - Get early access to deals

Find & Compare Budget Airline Prices

Search all major budget airlines at once to ensure you're getting the absolute best deal.

Compare Flights Now →

Final Verdict: Which Budget Airline is Best?

Best Overall Value: Southwest (North America), EasyJet (Europe), AirAsia (Asia)

Cheapest Base Fares: Spirit/Frontier (North America), Ryanair (Europe)

Best for Families: Southwest (free bags for everyone!)

Best Route Network: Ryanair (Europe), AirAsia (Asia)

The best budget airline for you depends on your specific needs, route, and how much luggage you're bringing. Use comparison tools to check the total price including fees, and you'll always find the best deal.

Happy flying on a budget! ✈️💸