10 AMAZING Budget Airlines That Offer the Cheapest Flights Worldwide

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Let’s be real…airfare prices have been wild lately. But if you know where to look, there are still some seriously underrated airlines flying to epic destinations for a fraction of what the big names charge.

I’ve spent the last 8 years chasing cheap flights across continents, testing out budget airlines you’ve probably never heard of — and a few you’ve maybe sworn off (spoiler: some of them have seriously leveled up).

In this guide, I’m breaking down the 10 cheapest airlines to fly in 2025. Not just the usual suspects, but the ones that actually make travel feel exciting again. No fluff, no bait-and-switch. Just the real-deal airlines that can get you to bucket list places without blowing your budget!

#1 tip on the cheapest airlines to fly with

If you’re serious about saving money on flights, stop wasting time bouncing between travel sites. The best flight deals don’t show up when you search — they show up in your inbox.

For the past 5+ years, I’ve used Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find mistake fares and ultra-low airline deals. Just set your home airport, and Going sends flight alerts for crazy-cheap tickets — often hundreds off regular prices. I saved $10k in 2024 alone using this service.

There’s a free version that works great. But if you want early access to the best deals (before they disappear), the Premium plan is only $49/year — and it’s worth every penny. Want 20% off? Use code JON20 at checkout.

Now, let’s dive into the 10 cheapest airlines to fly in 2025 — broken down by continent, vibe, and value.

Top Budget Airlines That Offer Cheap Flights

Looking for budget airlines that offer cheap flights? Fly with Spirit Airlines for ultra-low-cost fares across the U.S. and Latin America, choose Air Canada Rouge for affordable leisure travel, book with GOL Airlines for low-cost flights in South America, and travel with Cebu Pacific for budget-friendly routes across Asia. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, these airlines provide cost-effective travel options.

1. 🇺🇸 Spirit Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• ✈️ Best For: Ultra-low-cost domestic US travel and Caribbean/Latin American destinations
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with Big Front Seats available for purchase
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Free Spirit points program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Join the Saver$ Club membership ($69.95 annually) for exclusive discounts on flights, bags, and seats

Spirit Airlines has built its entire business model around one simple concept: stripping air travel down to its bare essentials to offer rock-bottom prices. Since transforming into an ultra-low-cost carrier in 2007, they’ve become synonymous with budget travel in the United States.

Operating primarily from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), with significant presence in Orlando, Las Vegas, and Detroit, Spirit connects to over 80 destinations across the US, Caribbean, and Latin America. Their route network targets leisure travelers with fares that sometimes dip as low as $29 one-way during their frequent promotions.

Their all-Airbus fleet features densely configured cabins that maximize passenger capacity and minimize costs. Yes, the seats don’t recline and legroom is tight, but their “Big Front Seats” offer a premium economy experience at prices still lower than many competitors’ standard economy. Their unbundled pricing approach means you only pay for exactly what you need, with base fares often 30-50% cheaper than legacy carriers.

The best way to maximize value on Spirit is planning ahead. Their “Bare Fare” prices increase substantially as departure dates approach, and bag fees cost more at the airport than online. Their revamped Free Spirit loyalty program now offers surprisingly good value for frequent travelers, with points that don’t expire for members who use a Spirit credit card. 

• Read next: Top Experiences in North America

2. 🇨🇦 Air Canada Rouge

• 🏠 Base: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget leisure travel to sun destinations and European cities
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and Premium Rouge (extra legroom and enhanced service)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Integrated with Air Canada Aeroplan
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during seat sales and use Aeroplan points to offset baggage fees

Air Canada created Rouge as their budget brand in 2013, and they’ve mastered a pretty sweet trick: offering fares up to 40% cheaper than traditional airlines while still giving you enough perks that you don’t feel like you’re flying in the cargo hold.

Flying mainly from Toronto with smaller operations in Montreal and Vancouver, Rouge gets you to all those Instagram-worthy vacation spots that usually cost a fortune. Want to hit up Barcelona or chill in Punta Cana without spending your entire savings? They’ve got you covered with prices that beat their parent company by up to 35%.

Rouge feels like the sweet spot between bare-bones budget flying and not being treated like cargo. Their planes have these newer slim seats with spots to prop up your phone and USB chargers so your battery doesn’t die mid-flight. Sure, the legroom isn’t amazing, but they still give you free meals on long flights across the ocean, which is pretty rare for a budget airline these days.

The best part? You’re still in the Aeroplan universe. Your points work exactly the same as regular Air Canada, and you can connect to flights with all their partner airlines too. Their deals during sales seasons are seriously good, like $149 one-way tickets to Europe. Plus, if something goes wrong, you’ve got a major airline’s support system backing you up, not some tiny company that might ghost you when things get complicated.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada
• You may also like: Cheapest Cities to Fly Into the USA
• For more reading: Cheapest Places to Fly Into Mexico
• Keep reading: Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Fly To
• Also worth reading: Affordable Places to Fly to in South America
• Readers also enjoyed: Cheap Places to Fly Into Europe

3. 🇨🇱 Sky Airline

• 🏠 Base: Santiago International Airport (SCL)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travel within Chile and neighboring South American countries
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with preferred seating options
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: None
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Zero” fare class for rock-bottom prices if you can travel with just a backpack

Sky Airline turned Chile’s travel scene upside down when they went budget in 2015. Air travel jumped 50% in just two years as average people could suddenly afford to fly to places like Patagonia instead of taking 24-hour bus rides.

Based in Santiago, Sky connects the ridiculously long country of Chile (seriously, it’s over 2,600 miles from top to bottom) with super cheap flights that make exploring actually doable. They’ve expanded to cool spots across Peru, Argentina, and Brazil too, often with fares that are 30-40% cheaper than other airlines.

Their all-Airbus A320neo fleet is brand new and surprisingly comfortable for a budget airline. The “SkyClass+” upgrade is actually worth considering, for about $30 extra you get priority boarding, dedicated overhead space, and some free snacks.

The real hack with Sky is their Tuesday “Happy Hour” flash sales, when fares sometimes drop to just $12 one-way. Their “Zero” fare is perfect if you’re backpacking with minimal gear. While there’s no free food, you can buy decent Chilean empanadas and local wines onboard. For exploring South America without blowing your budget, Sky has made country-hopping possible without those brutal overnight bus journeys.

4. 🇧🇷 GOL Airlines

• 🏠 Base: São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget domestic travel within Brazil and regional South American routes
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and GOL Premium Economy (select routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; first checked bag included on most fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Smiles frequent flyer program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book connecting flights through São Paulo for the best deals to smaller Brazilian cities

GOL flipped the script on South American flying when they launched with crazy-low fares that made exploring Brazil actually affordable. They’ve somehow managed to keep prices down while still treating passengers like actual humans.

Flying from main hubs in São Paulo and Rio, GOL connects pretty much everywhere worth visiting in Brazil plus a bunch of neighboring countries. Want to hit the beaches in Rio, check out the Amazon, or see Iguaçu Falls? They’ve got routes that cost way less than the competition.

Their all-Boeing fleet means you’re not squeezing into tiny regional jets. The cool part? Unlike most budget airlines, they still give you free snacks, drinks, and often a checked bag without charging extra. Their newer planes even have USB ports so your phone doesn’t die mid-flight.

Their flash sales are legendary among budget travelers, with domestic flights sometimes dropping to around $50 USD. The Smiles loyalty program is surprisingly decent too. For exploring a country as massive as Brazil, where bus rides can take literal days, GOL’s affordable flights are a lifesaver for both your wallet and your sanity.

• Read next: Miami – Gateway to Latin America

5. 🇵🇭 Cebu Pacific

• 🏠 Base: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila
• ✈️ Best For: Budget island-hopping in the Philippines and affordable travel across Asia
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with premium seats available for purchase
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: GetGo rewards program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during their famous “Piso Fare” promotions where seats sell for as little as 1 Philippine Peso plus taxes

Cebu Pacific revolutionized air travel in the Philippines by making flights between the country’s 7,000+ islands cheaper than ferry tickets. Their legendary “Piso Fare” sales have become so popular that Filipinos set alarms for midnight just to grab seats for practically nothing.

Operating from hubs in Manila and Cebu, this budget carrier connects travelers to more than 60 destinations across the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Their extensive domestic network means you can hop from the pristine beaches of Boracay to the chocolate hills of Bohol to the surf spots of Siargao all in one trip without breaking the bank.

Their modern fleet of Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft keeps things simple with all-economy configurations. While the seats are basic and legroom is tight, their fares are often 50-70% cheaper than full-service carriers. The onboard experience is no-frills, but their “Fun Games” with prizes during longer flights add a uniquely Filipino touch to budget travel.

What makes Cebu truly special is their pricing strategy. Their regular sales drop base fares to as low as $10-15 for international flights within Asia. The airline has mastered the art of unbundled pricing: their “Go Lite” fare gets you just the seat, while bundles add flexibility and baggage at reasonable rates. Just be ready to book fast during promotions, as their best deals often sell out within minutes, especially for popular beach destinations during peak season.

• Read next: Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Japan

6. 🇮🇳 IndiGO

• 🏠 Base: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi
• ✈️ Best For: Budget domestic travel within India and affordable connections to Asia and the Middle East
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and “Flex” fares with extra benefits
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; checked bags available for purchase
• 💳 Loyalty Program: IndiGO 6E Rewards program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “6E Double Seat” option for extra space at a fraction of business class cost

IndiGO has grown from a six-aircraft operation in 2006 to India’s largest airline with over 50% domestic market share, making air travel affordable in a country where flying was once considered a luxury only for the wealthy elite.

Based primarily in Delhi with multiple hubs across India, IndiGO connects over 70 destinations throughout the subcontinent and beyond to Asia and the Middle East. Their massive route network has transformed travel in India, with fares often cheaper than first-class train tickets on popular routes like Delhi to Mumbai or Bangalore.

Their enormous fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft is one of the youngest in the world, with an average age under 4 years. The all-economy cabins feature surprisingly comfortable seats with decent legroom compared to other budget carriers. While meals aren’t included, their “6E Tiffin” pre-order food service offers authentic regional Indian cuisine at reasonable prices.

The real game-changer with IndiGO? Punctuality that’s practically unheard of in Indian transportation. While trains and other airlines regularly run hours behind schedule, IndiGO consistently maintains 85%+ on-time performance. Their fares start incredibly low, often under $30 for domestic flights with transparent pricing that prevents sticker shock at checkout. 

For backpackers covering vast distances across the subcontinent or business travelers on tight schedules, IndiGO has made the massive geography of India navigable without spending days on trains or blowing your budget on legacy carriers.

• Read next: Top Experiences in Asia

7. 🇮🇪 Ryanair

• 🏠 Base: Dublin Airport (DUB)
• ✈️ Best For: Ultra-cheap travel across Europe with an extensive route network
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with priority boarding options
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Small personal item included; all other bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: None
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly midweek to smaller secondary airports for the absolute lowest fares

Ryanair revolutionized European air travel with a business model so ruthlessly efficient they sometimes offer flights cheaper than a sandwich. Their CEO once famously proposed charging passengers to use the bathroom, and while that never happened, it speaks to their commitment to rock-bottom prices.

Based in Dublin with over 80 bases spread across Europe, Ryanair connects more than 200 destinations from Morocco to Finland. Their route network is unmatched in breadth, often serving smaller airports outside major cities that traditional carriers ignore. This approach slashes their operating costs and translates to fares that regularly start at €9.99 one-way during sales.

Their massive fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft features densely packed cabins with non-reclining seats and minimal amenities. Yes, it’s basic, but when you’re paying less for your flight than for the train to the airport, the value proposition becomes clear. The boarding process can be chaotic unless you pay for priority, and everything from water to printing your boarding pass at the airport incurs a fee.

The sheer scale of Ryanair’s route map has transformed weekend travel for millions of Europeans. City breaks that once required significant planning and expense are now impulse purchases. Their pricing algorithm rewards early booking and flexibility, with midweek flights to less popular destinations offering the best deals. Despite their no-frills approach and occasionally strict enforcement of baggage rules, Ryanair’s safety record is excellent, and their on-time performance regularly beats full-service carriers. Just remember to factor in transportation from those secondary airports to city centers when calculating the true cost of your ultra-cheap ticket.

• Read next: Best Day Trips From Dublin

8. 🇬🇧 EasyJet

• 🏠 Base: London Luton Airport (LTN)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travel throughout Europe with flights to primary airports
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with extra legroom seats available
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Flight Club membership by invitation only
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Flexi” fares for included seat selection, priority boarding, and a checked bag

EasyJet struck the perfect balance between budget prices and convenience when they launched in 1995, becoming the first low-cost carrier to target major city airports instead of distant secondary fields. They’ve now carried over 1 billion passengers, many of whom might never have flown otherwise.

Operating from key bases across the UK, France, Italy, and Switzerland, EasyJet connects over 150 airports across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Unlike most budget airlines, they primarily serve major airports, meaning you’ll land closer to city centers without lengthy transfers from remote locations. Their fares regularly undercut legacy carriers by 40-50%, with sale prices starting around £20 one-way.

Their all-Airbus A320 family fleet features distinctive orange and white livery that’s become a symbol of affordable travel. The cabins offer slightly more generous legroom than competitors like Ryanair, and their newer aircraft include slimline seats with device holders and USB ports. While there’s no free food, their “Bistro & Boutique” service offers decent options including local specialties on many routes.

The standout feature of EasyJet is accessibility. Their user-friendly mobile app makes booking and check-in simple, and their “Hands Free” service lets you check your carry-on bag at a fraction of the usual checked baggage price. For travelers exploring Europe on a budget, EasyJet’s combination of affordable fares to primary airports opens up weekend city breaks and impromptu getaways with minimal planning. Their generous change policies have also improved post-pandemic, with their “Protection Promise” allowing fee-free changes up to 2 hours before departure.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to London
• You may also like: Best Airbnbs in Scotland

9. 🇦🇺 Jetstar Airways

• 🏠 Base: Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travel within Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and Business Class (on select international routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: No free baggage allowance; all bags must be purchased
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Connected to Qantas Frequent Flyer program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Join their “Club Jetstar” membership ($49.99 AUD annually) for exclusive fares and first access to sales

Jetstar was created by Qantas in 2003 as a low-cost alternative, and they’ve made exploring the vastness of Australia and the Pacific region actually affordable. Before they launched, a flight from Sydney to Melbourne could cost as much as a week’s salary for many Australians.

Operating from bases in Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast, Jetstar connects major cities across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Their extensive domestic network makes it possible to hop from the beaches of Queensland to the vineyards of South Australia to the wilderness of Tasmania without emptying your bank account. Their international routes focus on popular vacation spots like Bali, Tokyo, and Honolulu.

Their fleet mixes Airbus A320s for shorter routes and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights. The Dreamliner even offers a business class option with lie-flat beds at prices often 50% lower than full-service carriers. Their standard economy experience is basic but efficient, with entertainment rentable on tablets or streamable to your own device on longer flights.

The biggest advantage of Jetstar is their connection to parent company Qantas. You can earn and use Qantas points on Jetstar flights, and their interline agreements mean smoother connections than most budget carriers. Their “Friday Frenzy” sales have become legendary in Australia, with domestic fares sometimes dropping below $30 AUD. For budget travelers exploring Oceania and Southeast Asia, Jetstar’s combination of low fares, decent reliability, and extensive network makes them the backbone of affordable travel across a region where distances are vast and alternative transportation options limited.

• Read next: Coolest Airbnbs in New Zealand
• You may also like: Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Hawaii

10. 🇦🇺 Bonza

• 🏠 Base: Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) and Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travel to regional Australian destinations overlooked by major carriers
• 💺 Cabin Options: All-economy with mixed seating configurations
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: None
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Download their app as it’s the only way to book directly with the airline

Bonza burst onto the Australian aviation scene in 2023 with a totally unique approach: instead of competing on major routes, they focused exclusively on underserved regional destinations that previously required expensive connections through major hubs.

Based out of Sunshine Coast and Melbourne, Bonza primarily connects smaller cities and regional areas across Australia that previously had limited or no direct flights. Their route network targets leisure travelers heading to coastal getaways and regional centers, with 80% of their routes having no direct competition from other airlines. This strategy has made weekend trips between places like Bundaberg and Mildura possible without the time and expense of connecting through Sydney or Brisbane.

Their fleet consists entirely of fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with 186 all-economy seats. The onboard experience is refreshingly casual with purple-uniformed “Legends” (flight attendants) serving a menu of exclusively Australian food and drinks. Their seats come in three tiers: “Sit,” “Stretch,” and “Splash” (standard, extra legroom, and extra features), all priced well below what regional flights traditionally cost in Australia.

The biggest innovation Bonza brings is their app-only booking model. They’ve completely eliminated traditional distribution channels, which keeps costs down but means you can only book directly through their mobile app. Their fares typically start around $50-$70 AUD for direct regional flights that might have cost $300+ with connecting service on other carriers. For travelers exploring beyond Australia’s major cities, Bonza has made off-the-beaten-path destinations financially accessible for the first time.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the cheapest airlines to fly with in the world

When we’re talking about the cheapest airlines to fly with in the world, I understand that things can seem overwhelming. If you’re in a different area of the world and want to fly somewhere else regionally, you might feel more like a fish out of water than a knowledgeable traveler. That’s okay! I love helping fellow travelers who need a tip here and there. Here are some frequently asked questions about the cheapest airlines in the world.

How can I save even more money on the cheapest airlines to fly with?

I love the idea of travel cost savings building up to make your final bill as small as it can be. So that’s why I want to recommend another money hack to save you money on these already cheap flights. My hack is Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). It’s a website that lets you sign up to receive free email alerts with crazy-cheap flight offers. The tickets are so cheap because they come from mistake fares and other discounted routes that are then passed along to you. You can get the free version of the service, or pay $49 a year for the premium. That one sends you more emails, and much sooner than with the free one. That way, you can get on those deals before anyone else!

What is the world’s largest low-cost airline?

The largest budget airline in the world is the U.S.-based Southwest Airlines. The carrier started flying in 1971, and in that time, it has expanded to multiple hubs around the country. With its low-cost ticket options, service-first values, and efficient operations, Southwest has become synonymous with being low-cost and reliable. If you’re looking for one of the best budget carriers out there, fly Southwest!

What month is the cheapest to fly abroad?

The cheapest month to fly abroad can vary depending on the destination and other factors, but typically the months of January, February, and September tend to have lower prices due to being outside of peak travel seasons. However, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and check for deals to find the best possible option for your specific travel plans.

Which country has the cheapest airlines to fly with?

Malaysia is typically the country pointed to as the one where you can get the cheapest flights in the world. Many budget carriers operate out of Malaysia, including MYAirline, AirAsia, and Cebu Pacific. I have seen flights in Malaysia costing just a few U.S. dollars. If you find yourself in the region and want a super-cheap flight, look for those Malaysian flights!