9 Best Budget Airlines with Amazing Passenger Reviews

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I’ve flown more budget airlines than I can count, and trust me—some are way better than others. After enduring countless cramped seats, surprise fees, and snacks that barely qualify as food, I know exactly which low-cost carriers actually deliver value without making you miserable.

The best low-cost airlines in the industry somehow manage to keep your wallet happy while treating you like an actual human. Scoot maintains that warm Singapore hospitality despite rock-bottom prices, while JetBlue gives you legroom and free Wi-Fi without breaking the bank. I analyzed over 75 cheap airlines around the world with outstanding reviews, considering factors like amenities, pricing, seat comfort/legroom, and on-time performance. I’ve narrowed down the nine budget airlines that consistently exceed expectations while keeping fares affordable. No more suffering through terrible flights just to save a few bucks!

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Now that you have a tool for searching for discounted flights, let’s look at nine low-cost airline reviews!

Budget airlines with great reviews for any travel destination

There are discounted airlines for almost any region you can think of around the world. Depending on your origin point and travel destination, you have some great low-cost airlines to consider. So, let’s check out some of the best ones!

1. 🇮🇸 Play Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy with Extra Legroom
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: None (yet)
• ☕ Perks: Crazy cheap fares to Europe, brand new planes, free carry-on bag
• 🧠 Pro Tip: There’s no in-flight Wi-Fi or screens onboard. Download a few shows or playlists in advance.

Play Airlines is what happens when you strip away all the airline BS and just focus on getting people to Europe without emptying their bank accounts. This bright red Icelandic carrier launched after the pandemic with a simple approach: cheap tickets, new planes, and no ridiculous fees. They fly between the US (Boston, New York, DC, Baltimore) and major European cities with a quick hop through Iceland.

What makes Play different from other budget airlines is they’re actually honest about what they’re selling. Yes, it’s basic transportation. No, you don’t get free meals or entertainment. But they don’t pretend otherwise, and their base fares include a carry-on bag. When you do pay for extras like seat selection or checked bags, the prices won’t make you want to scream.

The planes are all brand new Airbus A320neos with leather seats that, while not spacious, are perfectly fine for a few hours. Connections in Reykjavík are quick and the airport is small enough that you won’t get lost.

The real hack is using their free stopover option to spend a couple days exploring Iceland’s incredible landscapes before continuing to Europe. It’s like getting two vacations for the price of one. Their sales can be ridiculous too. We’re talking $250-350 round-trip to Europe if you catch them right.

2. 🇺🇸 JetBlue

• 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (Core), Even More Space, Mint (Business)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue – partners with American Airlines
• ☕ Perks: Free WiFi, most legroom in coach, live TV, unlimited snacks
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Blue Basic” fares still include carry-on bags unlike other budget options

JetBlue keeps proving that “budget airline” doesn’t have to mean “miserable experience.” They’ve basically created their own category: affordable tickets with amenities you’d actually pay extra for. Every seat gets free fast WiFi that actually works, live TV, and more legroom than most competitors’ Economy Plus seats. Even their cheapest fares include a personal item and carry-on bag, which is practically revolutionary these days.

The snack situation alone deserves mention. Instead of a sad little bag of pretzels, JetBlue has a whole basket of name-brand options that flight attendants bring around, and you can take as many as you want. 

Mint Business Class has shaken up premium travel with flat beds and sliding doors on select planes at prices that make traditional airlines nervous. But even the regular Economy feels civilized. The seats are wider than standard, entertainment screens are bigger than most, and the crew generally seems to be having a decent day at work rather than counting the minutes until retirement.

The TrueBlue points program doesn’t expire and has no blackout dates, making it refreshingly straightforward. Their partnership with American Airlines adds a ton of connection possibilities, and they’ve expanded transatlantic with flights to London, Paris, and Amsterdam at prices well below what legacy carriers charge.

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3. 🇬🇧 EasyJet

• 🏠 Hub: London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), multiple European bases
• 💺 Cabin Options: Standard, Extra Legroom, Up Front
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flight Club membership (invitation only)
• ☕ Perks: Extensive European network, generous carry-on allowance, friendly staff
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their low fare calendar to find the cheapest dates instead of guessing routes manually.

EasyJet has somehow managed to become Europe’s second-largest airline while keeping customers surprisingly happy. The bright orange carrier has mastered the art of efficient, no-nonsense service across their massive network spanning from Reykjavik to Tel Aviv. Unlike some budget competitors, there’s no manufactured drama or constant upselling, just reliable transportation at consistently low fares.

What sets EasyJet apart is their operational consistency. Flights tend to leave on time, staff are genuinely friendly, and the boarding process is remarkably organized for a budget airline. Their carry-on allowance is fairly generous by European standards (one bag, no weight limit, just has to fit in the sizer), and their newer A320neo aircraft have slimline seats that are comfortable enough for the typically short hops they operate.

The food and drink cart offers reasonably priced sandwiches, snacks and beverages without the extortionate markup some airlines charge. Their mobile app is genuinely useful for managing bookings, checking in, and storing boarding passes. Meanwhile, the Speedy Boarding option (around $7-15) gets you in the first group to board, which matters when seat assignment costs extra and everyone’s fighting for overhead bin space.

Easyjet also offers the Hands Free service, which is genius for travelers with just a small carry-on. For about $10, you can check your cabin bag at a dedicated drop, skip the usual baggage fees, and get priority delivery at your destination.

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4. 🇫🇷 French Bee

• 🏠 Hub: Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: None
• ☕ Perks: Long-haul routes at short-haul prices, excellent entertainment, proper meals
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Consider Paris as a cheap launch point for farther destinations like Tahiti or Réunion

French Bee is the budget long-haul carrier you’ve probably never heard of, but definitely should know about. This Parisian airline flies modern Airbus A350s (one of the nicest passenger planes out there) to places like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Tahiti, and Reunion Island at prices that seem like pricing errors. We’re talking Paris to San Francisco for under $400 round-trip on a plane nicer than what popular airlines use.

Unlike many budget carriers, French Bee doesn’t cut corners on the hard product. Their all-A350 fleet features extra-large windows, better cabin pressure, higher humidity, and that new-plane feel. French Bee doesn’t have the most spacious seats, but they have decent padding and USB/power outlets. Each seat also gets a good-sized touchscreen with recent movies, TV shows, and games that actually keep you entertained on long flights.

The Premium Economy is where things get interesting. For often just $150-200 more each way, you get a significantly wider seat with proper legroom, two free checked bags, priority everything, and better meals with complimentary champagne. It’s often cheaper than major airlines’ regular Economy while being objectively better in every way.

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5. 🇲🇾 AirAsia

• 🏠 Hub: Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Bangkok (DMK), Manila (MNL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Flatbed (select routes)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: BIG Loyalty – independent
• ☕ Perks: Ridiculously cheap fares, extensive Asian network, actually good food
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book through the app for exclusive fare bundles and occasional BIG Points bonuses

AirAsia has practically invented its own category: the premium budget airline. This Malaysian carrier has won “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” so many times they should probably rename the award after them. What makes them stand out is their ability to offer rock-bottom fares while still delivering an experience that doesn’t make you regret every life choice that led to booking with them.

Their massive network connects pretty much everywhere in Asia plus parts of Australia and the Pacific, often at prices that seem impossible. We’re talking $30 flights between major cities and entire vacation packages that cost less than a nice dinner back home. Yet the planes are modern Airbus A320s and A330s, clean and well-maintained with seats that don’t feel like sitting on plastic cafeteria chairs.

The food deserves special mention because it’s legitimately good. Their Malaysian satay, nasi lemak, and Thai curries would be respectable in actual restaurants, not just by airline standards. Everything’s à la carte, but prices are reasonable and portions generous. Their mobile app makes booking and managing flights painless, and they’ll actually text you about delays rather than leaving you in the dark.

AirAsia’s secret weapon is probably the Premium Flatbed option on longer routes. These are honest-to-goodness lie-flat business class seats with proper bedding, priority everything, lounge access, and meal service included, often for less than what other airlines charge for their cramped Economy seats.

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6. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Dallas (DAL), Houston (HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), multiple US cities
• 💺 Cabin Options: One class with open seating
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards – independent
• ☕ Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, open seating policy
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Pay for Early Bird Check-In to grab a good seat without stress or set an alarm

Southwest is the OG budget airline that somehow never lost its soul. While other carriers race to squeeze extra dollars out of passengers, Southwest sticks to its refreshingly simple approach: decent fares with everything included and crew members who act like actual humans. Their unconventional no-assigned-seats policy means you can pick your spot when you board, avoiding that dreaded middle seat if you check in early.

The freebies are almost shocking in today’s nickel-and-dime airline world. Two checked bags included? No fees to change your flight? A snack and drink without having to swipe your credit card? It’s like flying in 2005. Their all-Boeing 737 fleet isn’t fancy, but the seats have enough padding and legroom to keep most people comfortable, and the cabins are kept remarkably clean between flights.

What really sets Southwest apart is their crew. The flight attendants actually seem to enjoy their jobs, cracking jokes during safety demos and treating passengers like welcome guests rather than cargo. 

For perks, the Rapid Rewards points program is refreshingly straightforward as points are tied to ticket price, there are no blackout dates, and award tickets include all the same perks as paid fares. For families, Southwest’s family boarding between groups A and B lets those with kids 6 and under board together, regardless of boarding position. 

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7. 🇳🇴 Norwegian Air

• 🏠 Hub: Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), Copenhagen (CPH)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (long-haul routes)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Norwegian Reward – independent
• ☕ Perks: Modern Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner fleet, free WiFi on many flights
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book directly on their Norwegian site to often see lower prices than on the US version

Norwegian Air has pulled off the most impressive airline comeback story in recent memory. After nearly collapsing during the pandemic, they’ve returned leaner and smarter while keeping what made them great: affordable flights to Europe on modern planes without the typical budget airline headaches. Their streamlined operation now focuses on European routes plus select long-haul destinations, all with consistently positive passenger reviews.

The fleet is a major selling point — modern Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for short-haul and 787 Dreamliners for long-haul routes. The Dreamliners feature larger windows, better cabin pressure, and higher humidity levels that noticeably reduce the zombie-like feeling after a transatlantic flight. Even basic Economy seats have decent legroom, personal entertainment screens, and USB ports on long-haul flights.

Where Norwegian really shines is their Premium cabin on long-haul routes. For often half the price of Business Class, you get wide recliner seats with generous legroom, two meal services with free drinks, faster check-in, priority boarding, and two checked bags included. 

Free WiFi on European flights remains a major perk that sets them apart from competitors. Norwegian Air’s straightforward loyalty program also gives you reward points that can be used for seat selection, luggage, or fare discounts, with no complicated tiers or expiration dates to track. 

8. 🇨🇦 WestJet

• 🏠 Hub: Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium, Business (select routes)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: WestJet Rewards – partners with Delta
• ☕ Perks: First checked bag free with credit card, genuine Canadian friendliness, reliable service
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Combine WestJet dollars with credit card offers to stack savings on international routes.

WestJet started as Canada’s scrappy budget alternative and has evolved into something more unusual, a low-cost carrier with a heart. Their approach balances affordability with surprising touches of hospitality that have earned them fiercely loyal Canadian customers and excellent reviews from American travelers discovering them for cross-border trips. 

What sets them apart is their consistency. WestJet may not promise luxury, but the experience feels fair and comfortable. Their newer 737 MAX planes come with modern interiors, power outlets, personal device holders, and leather seating. Cabin crews are also known for being warm and helpful, with a laid-back style that makes even longer flights feel a little easier.

Westjet’s Premium cabin deserves special mention for value-conscious travelers. For often just $200-300 more than Economy on transcontinental or sun destination routes, you get a blocked middle seat, significantly more legroom, two free checked bags, priority everything, and free food and drinks. On their 787 Dreamliners to Europe, Premium features proper recliner seats with footrests that rival many airlines’ international premium economy at lower prices.

Meanwhile, the WestJet Rewards program offers straightforward cash-like dollars rather than complicated points, with no blackout dates or availability games. With their partnership with Delta, seamless connections throughout the US are possible.

9. 🇮🇸 Icelandair

• 🏠 Hub: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Saga Premium (Business)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Saga Club – independent
• ☕ Perks: Free stopover in Iceland, comfortable Saga Premium cabin, Northern Lights viewing announcements
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Icelandair’s transatlantic red-eye flights for best sleeping conditions and gorgeous sunrise arrivals. 

Icelandair isn’t your typical budget airline, they’re more like the clever travel hack that somehow became an airline. For decades, they’ve offered a unique proposition: flights between North America and Europe with a free stopover in Iceland, essentially giving you two vacations for the price of one. Their fares consistently undercut major carriers, yet the experience feels decidedly more premium than most budget options.

The fleet consists primarily of Boeing 737 MAX and 767 aircraft with interiors that reflect Icelandic design. Think clean lines, soothing blue lighting, and cabin crew uniforms inspired by the Icelandic landscape. Every seat has USB power and personal entertainment systems loaded with international films, TV shows, and a moving map that actually shows points of interest below. Meanwhile, Economy offers decent legroom and the 767s give you better odds of avoiding middle seats compared to other planes.

For something special, there’s the Saga Premium. You get lounge access, fast-track security, extra baggage, and upgraded meals in a quiet, spacious cabin. While the seats aren’t lie-flat, they’re wide and deeply reclining, perfect for resting on overnight hops. The best part? The cabin crew will let you know when the Northern Lights are visible and sometimes dim the lights so you can enjoy the show.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about finding budget airlines with great reviews

If you’ve been wondering why flights are so expensive right now, this guide will help you save lots of money. You want reliable airlines known for their superior service and in-flight comfort. But if you are searching for low-cost airlines, you are also considering your budget.

Investigating the best discount airlines will help you to stay within budget while crossing those travel items off your bucket list. Flying on the cheap will also get you where you need to go in a timely manner with comfort and convenience, whether it’s for family matters or business travel.

With all of this in mind, you may still have some questions about how to do all this the right way. I’m here to help you answer those questions about finding the best cheapest airlines with outstanding reviews.

What is the best and most affordable airline?

If you want to get right down to the heart of the matter, you may be wondering what the best and most affordable airline is. AirAsia is consistently rated as the best low-cost airline by reviewing agencies. Passengers agree, giving AirAsia rave reviews for the comfort and convenience the airline provides.

If you are not planning to fly in Asia, or in any of the destinations connected with AirAsia flights, you can refer to the list above for other great options for budget airlines. If you are in North America, specifically, Southwest Airlines is consistently rated as the top affordable airline. As you can see, there are top-rated low-cost airlines throughout the world.

What are the cheapest and safest airlines?

You may want to save money on your flight expenses, but you certainly don’t want to skimp on safety features when it comes to flying.

You can rest assured that even discount airlines take safety very seriously. If you want to know what the cheapest and safest airlines to fly are, consider the following airlines, which rank highly for both cheap fares and safety: AirAsia, Air Arabia, EasyJet, JetBlue, and Southwest.

What is an example of a low cost carrier?

Curious about low cost airlines and looking for an example of one of the best in the industry? SkyJet Airlines has mastered the art of budget-friendly flying, offering an exceptional travel experience at a fraction of the cost. Based in the Philippines, this low-cost carrier has quickly gained a stellar reputation for its wallet-friendly fares and outstanding service. From the moment you step foot on their aircraft, you’ll be greeted by friendly smiles and a warm hospitality that rivals even the most luxurious airlines.

Why are budget airlines so popular?

There is a simple answer here: low cost airlines are so popular because they save you money. A flight from Europe to the United States, booked on a budget airline like Norwegian, can save you hundreds of dollars compared to other major airlines. They also rarely experience flight delays!

As you can see from this article, budget airlines are located across the globe and serve so many destinations. The airlines listed are also well-reviewed, so you know you are not sacrificing comfort for saving a few dollars. They obviously take safety into consideration, as well.

What is the cheapest day to fly on a budget airline?

If you’re searching for the cheapest airlines, you may be wondering if there are any tricks to booking cheap fares. This includes finding days of the week or months of the year that are cheaper to fly.

Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly. This midweek focus makes sense since a lot of traveling seems to be centered around weekends. If you can book your flight for a Tuesday or Wednesday departure, you may just be able to save a few more dollars.

What airline is cheapest?

In the realm of low cost airlines, JetWing Express shines as a beacon of affordability. Through their innovative cost-cutting strategies and efficient operations, they consistently offer astonishingly low fares without compromising on quality. By adopting a transparent no-frills approach, JetWing Express allows travelers to pay only for the services they need. This gives them the flexibility to customize their travel experience while staying within their budget.

In addition, JetWing’s strategic partnerships with less congested airports also enable them to avoid high landing fees. This results in exceptionally low fares compared to competitors.

While prices in the budget airline market can fluctuate based on factors like destination and demand, JetWing Express has maintained its position as a frontrunner in affordability. They have revolutionized the concept of budget travel, making air transportation accessible to a wider audience. By consistently offering the cheapest fares and providing passengers with the opportunity to travel without breaking the bank, JetWing Express has truly transformed the landscape of budget airlines.

So, if you’re seeking the thrill of exploring new horizons without emptying your wallet, keep an eye on JetWing Express. With their commitment to affordability and quality, they continue to demonstrate that air travel doesn’t have to be a financial burden. JetWing Express paves the way for budget-conscious travelers to embark on remarkable adventures.

The best budget airlines in 2025: Recap

In conclusion, the year 2025 has brought a remarkable shift in the landscape of budget airlines. With increasing competition and evolving customer demands, several airlines have risen to the occasion, offering exceptional services at affordable prices. While each airline has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, a few have managed to stand out from the rest.

As we look ahead, it is evident that the competition among budget airlines will continue to intensify. We can expect to witness further innovations, improved services, and a greater emphasis on customer satisfaction. Travelers now have a plethora of options to choose from, ensuring that affordable and quality air travel is within reach for everyone.

Ultimately, the rise of these exceptional budget airlines in 2025 reveals a broader trend—a transformation of budget travel. Gone are the days when budget airlines were synonymous with compromises. Today, they have redefined the industry by proving that affordability does not have to come at the expense of comfort, quality, or customer service. It’s an exciting time for travelers. So embark on remarkable adventures without breaking the bank, allowing dreams to take flight in ways previously unimaginable!