Save Big on Flights: 2026’s Cheapest Airlines in the US

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I’ve flown every airline on this list at least twice, and a few of them more times than I’d care to admit. After years of booking budget fares across the US, I’ve learned that the cheapest ticket doesn’t always mean the best deal once you factor in bag fees, seat fees, and the general misery of some carriers. This guide to the cheapest airlines in the US cuts through all of that.

A lot has changed in 2026. Spirit is gone, Southwest killed free bags, and Alaska swallowed Hawaiian into one mega-loyalty program. The good news is there are still plenty of ways to fly cheap if you know where to look. Whether you’re hopping to Florida for the weekend or crossing the country for less than a nice dinner, these are the 11 cheap airlines I keep coming back to.

Top 11 Cheapest Airlines in the US at a Glance ✈️

I know this is a long article, so here’s the cheat sheet if you’re just trying to figure out which airline to book tonight.

• Flying with bags? Southwest is still your safest bet, but only on the Choice Extra fare or with their credit card. Otherwise you’re paying $45-55 per bag like everyone else.
• Flying as cheap as humanly possible? Frontier. Pack a personal item, skip seat selection, and you’ll pay $25-40 one-way on routes that Delta charges $150 for. Their Discount Den membership and GoWild! pass make it even cheaper if you fly often.
• Flying budget but still want to feel human? JetBlue. Free Wi-Fi, seatback screens, decent legroom, and no nickel-and-diming on carry-ons.
• Flying to Hawaii? Hawaiian Airlines is still the most comfortable way to the islands, now with Atmos Rewards integration after the Alaska merger. Your miles work across both airlines.
• Flying from a smaller city? Breeze and Allegiant both specialize in nonstop routes from mid-size airports that the big carriers ignore. Breeze has nicer planes, Allegiant has lower fares.
• Flying from the upper Midwest? Sun Country out of Minneapolis is cheap and nobody talks about it. Fares to Phoenix and Las Vegas regularly dip under $70.
• Want the most reliable experience? Delta. Not always the cheapest fare, but the fewest headaches, the best app, and SkyMiles flash sales that occasionally make them the cheapest too.
• West Coast traveler? Alaska Airlines has great legroom, great food, and the Atmos Rewards program now spans both Alaska and Hawaiian with oneworld alliance access.
• Want something different entirely? JSX lets you skip TSA, board 20 minutes before departure from private terminals, and fly 30-seat jets with business-class legroom.

Keep reading for the full breakdown on each airline, including the fees they don’t advertise and the tricks I use to fly them for less.

1. Southwest Airlines

Southwest is still one of the cheapest airlines in the US, but it’s a fundamentally different airline in 2026 than it was even 18 months ago. The free checked bags are gone. Open seating is gone. And the fare tiers have been completely restructured. If you’re working off old assumptions about Southwest, you need to reset.

Here’s what changed. Free checked bags ended in May 2025 after a 54-year run, and as of April 2026 the fees went up to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second. Open seating was replaced by assigned seats in early 2026. The old fare names are gone too, replaced by Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Only Choice Extra includes two free checked bags, early boarding, and extra legroom.

What hasn’t changed is the route coverage and the people. Southwest still serves over 100 domestic destinations with hubs in Dallas, Chicago, and Denver, including nonstop Hawaii service from Sacramento. The Boeing 737 fleet offers decent legroom compared to ultra-low-cost competitors, and the no change fee policy holds on most fares, which is genuinely rare. Rapid Rewards points still don’t expire and have no blackout dates, which remains one of the strongest loyalty programs in budget travel.

If you hold a Southwest credit card, you still get one free checked bag for yourself and up to eight companions on the same reservation. That’s a meaningful perk that a lot of people overlook. Southwest isn’t the automatic cheapest pick it used to be, but if you book the right fare tier and understand the new structure, it’s still a very competitive option for domestic travel.

2. Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines is Minneapolis’ best-kept secret, and honestly, most people outside the upper Midwest have never heard of them. Based at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, they serve about 140 destinations across the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean – but here’s the kicker: almost everything connects through Minneapolis.

This Minnesota-based ultra-low-cost carrier was named “Best Low-Cost Carrier in North America” in 2023, and their pricing proves it. I’ve seen fares as low as $59 from Minneapolis to Phoenix and $69 to Las Vegas. They operate an all-Boeing 737 fleet with three seat options: Standard, Exit Row, and Best (which gives you priority boarding and extra legroom).

What’s wild about Sun Country is their hybrid business model – they do scheduled passenger service, charter flights, and cargo for Amazon Air all with the same planes. It’s actually pretty smart because it keeps costs down. I flew them last year from Minneapolis to Fort Myers for $79, and while the seat pitch isn’t amazing, the flight was on time and the crew was friendly. Their Sun Country Rewards program is straightforward, and their mobile app has improved a lot since launching in 2024. If you’re flying anywhere from the upper Midwest to a warm destination, Sun Country is worth checking.

3. JetBlue

JetBlue is well-known as an affordable airline for budget-conscious travelers. However, their commitment to offering high-quality amenities despite their low ticket prices makes them more than just one of the cheapest US airlines. They’re also one of the very best.

In 2026, JetBlue is offering low fares to over 100 destinations in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It’s my preferred airline to get from coast to coast, having spent as low as $200 roundtrip to fly from Boston to San Francisco.

Although a little on the pricier side when compared to other low-cost airlines, JetBlue flights offer more perks. This includes ample legroom, complimentary snacks, and seatback screens on every airplane. They also don’t nickel-and-dime their customers with hidden fees. What’s more, JetBlue’s luggage policy allows travelers both one carry-on item and an under-the-seat item at no cost. 

JetBlue’s rewards program is called TrueBlue and is one of the best out there. In addition to classic rewards system features like preferred seating selection and free or reduced flight costs, TrueBlue also has some unique benefits. The best of these is the “point pooling” feature, which allows you to share points with your friends or family members. It’s a great way to save if you’re traveling together with loved ones.

4. Allegiant Air

Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air is an ultra low-cost airline for budget travelers in the US. It’s the 14th largest commercial airline in North America, offering discounted fares to some very unique places around the country.

Allegiant focuses on connecting smaller, regional airports to popular vacation destinations, often with non-stop flights. This means less hassle and more savings for you.

Popular routes? Think sunny Florida, with flights to Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers. Or perhaps you’re drawn to the glitz of Las Vegas or the national parks of Montana. Allegiant covers a diverse range of destinations, making it a favorite for spontaneous getaways and planned vacations alike.

Now, let’s talk perks. While Allegiant is a no-frills airline, they do offer bundle options, like Allegiant Total. This allows you to combine seat selection, baggage, and priority boarding at a discounted rate. Plus, their flexible change policies and Trip Flex protection plan provide peace of mind for those unexpected life twists.

Allegiant operates on a less frequent schedule compared to major carriers, and amenities onboard are limited. But if your priority is getting from point A to B affordably and you’re flexible with travel plans, Allegiant Air is your ticket to savings.

5. Frontier Airlines

Frontier is the closest thing to Spirit Airlines that still exists in 2026. With Spirit gone, they’ve stepped into the “cheapest fares in the country” role on a huge number of routes. If you can pack everything into a personal item and you don’t care about seat selection, Frontier will get you there for less than almost anyone else.

The model is straightforward. You pay for a seat and a personal item, and everything else is extra. Carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, drinks, all of it costs money. Base fares can be absurdly low, sometimes $25-40 one-way on routes that legacy carriers charge $150 for. The key is knowing that those fees add up fast if you’re not disciplined about packing light.

Frontier’s Discount Den membership ($59.99 per year) is a smart investment if you fly them more than twice. Members get exclusive lower fares, a free carry-on on domestic flights, and kids-fly-free deals that save families real money. Since Spirit shut down in May 2026, Frontier has been expanding aggressively into Spirit’s former city pairs, picking up routes across Florida, the Northeast, and the Midwest.

The fleet is all Airbus A320 family aircraft, seats are tight at around 28-29 inches of pitch, and the experience is bare bones. But Frontier has been investing in operational reliability and their on-time performance has improved noticeably over the past year. Their GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass ($399/year for domestic) is also worth looking at if you’re flexible and fly frequently. It won’t work for everyone, but for spontaneous travelers who can handle day-of booking, it’s a great deal.

6. Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways is one of the more unique airlines on this list, in that it offers domestic flights to airports that, in many cases, aren’t as actively served by larger airlines. While you won’t find Frontier-level base fares, there are still plenty of good deals. For example, economy tickets from Pittsburgh, PA, to Tampa, FL, start at just $102.

Breeze has three different flight packages to accommodate different kinds of travelers. Their starting tier is “Nice”, a low-cost option that allows for one personal item (though a carry-on bag will incur a fee). “Nicer” offers extra legroom, one checked bag, and one carry-on. Last but not least is the first-class tier, “Nicest.” This option comes with all the same features as “Nicer,” but with the added bonus of a first-class seat and priority boarding.

Breeze Airways also has a rewards program called BreezePoints that grants you one point for every cent spent; if you are traveling in “Nicer” or above, you also earn 4% more points. Breeze points can be used to directly reduce the cost of your flight. Keep in mind, though, that the points expire within two years after you earn them. My advice? Use ‘em before you lose ‘em.

7. Hawaiian Airlines

One of the most popular travel destinations in the US is undoubtedly Hawaii. If you’re planning to fly to, from, or through Hawaii, then Hawaiian Airlines is your best choice for domestic travel.

With Hawaiian Airlines, you can fly direct to Hawaii from a number of locations, including Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. If you are planning a tropical vacation, Hawaiian Airlines is one of the safest and cheapest airlines to fly around. In fact, for an airline that has been in continuous operation for nearly 100 years, Hawaiian Airlines has an exceptional safety record. You’re in good hands when you fly Hawaiian.

Due to long flight times being standard on most routes to Hawaiian flights (whether traveling into or out of the islands), Hawaiian Airlines’ seating is premium. Designed for maximum comfort during long flights, Hawaiian’s seats are fully upholstered. They also have between 37 inches and 39 inches of legroom (well above the industry standard of 31 inches).

8. Avelo Airlines

If you want ultra-low-cost prices and are specifically looking for flights along the coast, Avelo Airlines is the carrier for you. Avelo is unique in that it serves cities along both coasts but has no intersection between them. In other words, you can’t go from the east coast to the west coast, but if you’re looking to travel from New York to Florida, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

Of course, that isn’t the only thing that makes Avelo one of the cheapest US airlines. It’s also very competitive when it comes to upgrading. For example, Avelo’s seats have a pitch of 29 inches of legroom, below the industry standard but on par with other budget airlines. However, the cost of upgrading to a seat with 37 inches of legroom starts at just $11!

That said, it’s worth noting that Avelo charges a small fee for carry-on bags. This encourages people to check their luggage (thus making for faster boarding times). Also, Avelo’s ultra-low-cost business model means that they don’t offer full meals. Dining options are limited to a complimentary snack and water bottle on certain routes.

Keep in mind that, as a part of Avelo’s ultra-low-cost business model, they do not offer in-flight meals of any kind. And only on some flights will they offer a complimentary snack and water bottle. This is just like every other budget carrier, but it’s still worth pointing out.

9. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is one of the oldest carriers still operating in America. This means they have a higher level of experience than just about any other low-cost US airline. With high levels of customer satisfaction, Delta is a great option for bargain hunters and frequent flyers alike.

Delta has routes going to numerous destinations all across the US, as well as six fare classes with a variety of options. If you are looking for the best deals for a first-class trip, Delta also has very good prices for their Delta One fare class, which provides travelers with a pod-style seat and plenty of room to lie down. There’s even a side table and divider walls that can be raised so you can enjoy total privacy.

Delta Air Lines’ loyalty program, Delta SkyMiles, is considered one of the best among domestic airlines due to its ample rewards, airport hospitality services, and fast accumulating miles that don’t expire. You can also sign up for a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Credit Card. This will give you complimentary access to Sky Club lounges at many airports around the US. 

10. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines started as a specialized carrier serving one of the most remote US states, but it’s a national airline now. It’s also one of the most transparent on pricing, with no hidden fees to worry about. Alaska serves over 100 destinations with hubs in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Anchorage. Several of those are consistently among the cheapest places to fly in the US.

For flights between 775 and 1,100 miles, customers are provided with a complimentary in-flight snack. Customers on flights that cover 1,100 miles, meanwhile, have access to a variety of tasty sandwiches, wraps, and platters.

Alaska’s first-class flights also have some of the best deals around, with round-trip first-class flights available for less than $500. I’ve found discounts of $2,000+ on business and first class flights thanks to Going, which is one of my favorite travel sites. Highly recommend signing up if you haven’t already. The seat pitch on economy class seats is just over 31 inches, while first-class seats offer a whopping 41 inches of legroom.

Like many of the other airlines listed in this post, Alaska Airlines has its own comprehensive loyalty program. It’s called Atmos Rewards now, which replaced Mileage Plan when Alaska and Hawaiian combined their programs in late 2025. Points can be used for airfare discounts, hotel credits, cruise deals, and upgrades to first class.

The bigger news is the international reach: with Hawaiian in oneworld as of spring 2026, your Atmos points now book award seats on partners like JAL, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. That makes Alaska one of the most useful loyalty programs in the country, not just a West Coast play.

11. JSX

JSX isn’t technically a budget airline, but it’s revolutionizing how we think about air travel pricing. This “hop-on jet service” operates 30-seat Embraer regional jets from private terminals, and honestly, it’s the closest thing to flying private without actually chartering a plane. Travel + Leisure ranked them #1 domestic airline in 2025 with a 92.29 score – that’s unprecedented.

Here’s what makes JSX special: you check in just 20 minutes before departure, skip TSA entirely (they do their own background checks), and board from private terminals called FBOs. The planes have business-class style seating with 36 inches of legroom, free WiFi, snacks, drinks, and up to three free checked bags. I tried them from Burbank to Las Vegas for $219, and the experience was incredible – like having a private jet with 29 other people.

JSX flies mainly West Coast routes plus some Texas, Florida, and Colorado destinations, with recent additions to Mexico. The catch? Fares typically run $179-295 each way, which is definitely more than budget airlines. But when you factor in what you’d pay for bags, seat selection, and airport parking on other airlines, plus the time savings, it can actually make sense. I wouldn’t use JSX for every trip, but for special occasions or when time really matters, it’s legitimately awesome. They also let you bring pets for $100, which beats dealing with TSA stress for your furry friend.