The 12 Cheapest Airlines for International Flights in 2026

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I’ve spent the last 8 years chasing cheap international flights for a living. I’ve been to 73 countries, I travel 3–6 months per year (usually about 4.5 months abroad), and I’ve logged 430+ flights since I started travel blogging. At this point, airports feel more familiar than grocery stores.

That experience is exactly why this list exists. I’m not guessing. I’m not scraping prices once and calling it research. These are airlines I’ve personally flown, tracked, and booked repeatedly across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.

For this guide to the 12 cheapest international airlines in 2026, I focused on what actually matters when you’re paying out of pocket. Not just the lowest headline fare, but the real cost once bags, seats, and route flexibility are factored in. I also looked at how often these airlines run true deals, not one-off sales that disappear instantly.

How I Chose the Cheapest International Airlines for 2026

I didn’t build this list by sorting prices once and calling it a day. I based it on years of booking patterns, repeat routes, and what actually shows up in my inbox when real deals drop.

Here’s what I looked at when narrowing this down to the 12 airlines that consistently deliver the lowest international fares.

• True international pricing
  I focused on airlines that regularly offer sub-$600 long-haul flights or ultra-cheap regional international routes, not just one lucky sale per year.
• Real-world total cost
  I factored in baggage fees, seat selection, and basic add-ons so these airlines stay cheap after checkout, not just on the search results page.
• Route relevance
  These airlines fly routes people actually want in 2026: U.S. to Europe, Latin America, Asia, and major intercontinental hubs.
• Consistency over hype
  I prioritized airlines that show up again and again with good pricing, not ones that spike once and disappear.
• Flyability
  Yes, these are budget-friendly, but I avoided airlines where the experience makes the savings not worth it. If I wouldn’t fly them again, they didn’t make the list.

This is the same framework I use when booking my own long-term trips. If an airline made this list, it’s because I’d trust it for my next international flight. If you want to cross oceans in 2026 without blowing your budget, this is the playbook I wish I had years ago.

My #1 Tip to Find Cheap International Flights

If you’re trying to score cheap international flights in 2026, this is the biggest cheat code I know: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).

Here’s how it works. You sign up, choose your home airport (like Boston) and the places you want to go, and Going monitors prices for you. When fares drop way below normal, they send you an alert so you can book before it disappears. I love when they send me those random price drops and limited-time sales. You do not need to sit on Google Flights every night like it’s your second job. I’ve saved thousands over the years using Going. One of my favorite recent finds was a $305 roundtrip Boston to Paris in May, which is basically unheard of at normal prices.

The free version is a solid start if you want to test it out. But if you take a couple international trips a year, Premium is usually the move, because you get more deals and better alerts. In my experience, one good deal easily covers the annual cost.

And if you fly premium economy, business, or first class, Elite is the one. Elite is how people land those wild long-haul upgrades for prices that normally never exist. I’ve personally saved around $7,500 the past 3 years on business class deals through Elite. I recommend starting with the free version and then trying the 14-day free trial of premium/elite before making your decision. And if you like it, use my code JON25 to save 25%!

Best Cheap International Airlines in 2026 (At a Glance)

Before you start comparing random fares, here’s the fastest way to match the right airline to the right type of trip.

Airline	Best for	Key detail (don’t miss this)
LEVEL	Cheap nonstop US ↔ Europe (Barcelona/Paris)	Works best when your city matches their limited, seasonal routes.
Qantas	Best-value flights to Australia/NZ (when sales hit)	Not a “budget” airline, but sales can beat a lot of competitors.
Norse Atlantic	Low-cost Dreamliner flights across the Atlantic	Book bundles up front if you need bags, or the deal disappears fast.
Eurowings	Europe trips with fewer low-cost headaches	“SMART” style bundles can beat basic + add-ons elsewhere.
French bee	Cheap nonstop US ↔ Paris (Orly) + select islands	Price it as “fare + checked bag” vs bundle. Bundle often wins.
Norwegian	Intra-Europe flights (Scandinavia/UK ↔ sun routes)	Small underseat bag is standard. Bigger bags depend on fare type.
Scoot	Asia + Australia on a budget	Everything is add-on pricing, so plan your total cost early.
easyJet	City-hopping across Europe (often major airports)	Great value, but bags can double the fare if you add them late.
Ryanair	Rock-bottom Europe flights	Follow bag rules and online check-in, or fees get brutal.
Wizz Air	Eastern/Central Europe deals	Cheap base fares, but tight baggage rules. Pack like a pro.
Southwest	Mexico/Caribbean/Central America from the US	Two free checked bags can make it the cheapest “all-in” option.
AirAsia	Southeast Asia multi-country hopping	Pre-buy bags and seats. Last-minute add-ons crush value.

Now that you know which airlines actually win by trip type, let’s break down each one so you can book it the smart way and avoid the hidden-cost traps.

1. 🇪🇸 LEVEL

• 🏠 Base: Barcelona El Prat (BCN), with additional operations in Paris Orly (ORY)
• ✈️ Best For: Cheap transatlantic flights to Europe if you’re flexible with routes and dates
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and Premium Economy
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra unless bundled
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Avios (via Iberia Plus / British Airways Executive Club)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: LEVEL is best used as a point-to-point airline. Don’t rely on tight connections unless the whole itinerary is booked on one ticket.

LEVEL is one of those airlines that quietly drops very real transatlantic deals, but only if you understand how it works. It’s backed by IAG (the same parent company as Iberia and British Airways), which gives it more stability than most long-haul budget airlines.

Their network is intentionally small. In 2026, LEVEL mainly flies between the U.S. and Barcelona or Paris, with routes from cities like New York (JFK), Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco depending on season. When demand softens, fares can dip into the $400–$550 roundtrip range, which is excellent for nonstop flights to Western Europe.

All long-haul flights are operated on Airbus A330s, which feel solid and modern enough for overnight crossings. Economy is no-frills but fine if you pack light. Where LEVEL really stands out is Premium Economy. The seat pitch, recline, and service level often rival legacy premium economy, but pricing can be dramatically lower when sales hit.

The catch: LEVEL is route-dependent and seasonal. If they fly your city pair, it’s a fantastic deal. If they don’t, there’s no workaround. This isn’t an airline you build trips around. It’s one you jump on when the route fits your plans.

Another underrated perk is Avios earning. If you already collect points with British Airways or Iberia, flying LEVEL can quietly boost your balance while paying budget-level cash fares.

2. 🇦🇺 Qantas

• 🏠 Base: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
• ✈️ Best For: Affordable long-haul flights to Australia and New Zealand with premium service
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (select routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item, carry-on, and one checked bag included in most international fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer with Oneworld alliance benefits
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their “Points Planes” with dedicated reward seat inventory that can save you thousands on Australia trips

Qantas holds the record for the world’s longest continuously operating airline, yet manages to offer surprisingly competitive fares to the Southern Hemisphere despite covering such vast distances.

The iconic Aussie carrier can get you from LA, Dallas, or New York straight to Sydney or Melbourne without breaking the bank. Don’t let the fancy reputation fool you, their international sales regularly drop fares to around $799 roundtrip from the West Coast, which is pretty sweet considering you’re flying literally halfway around the planet.

Their Boeing 787s and massive A380s feel way nicer than what you’d expect at these prices. The economy seats give you decent legroom, and they’ve even introduced these cool sleeping pods you can rent by the hour on super long flights. The food is actually good (not just “good for airplane food”), and they pour Australian wines even if you’re sitting in the cheap seats.

The real money-saver with Qantas is all the stuff that comes included that budget airlines would charge extra for. Their January and August sales are the perfect time to book, with prices sometimes dropping 30-40%. If you’ve got points, their “Points Planes” can get you to Australia using miles when other airlines show zero availability. Just book either super early (10+ months) or during flash sales for the best deals down under.

3. 🇳🇴 Norse Atlantic Airways

• 🏠 Base: Oslo (OSL), with major operations in London Gatwick (LGW), Paris (CDG), Berlin (BER), and Rome (FCO)
• ✈️ Best For: Cheap transatlantic flights between the U.S. and Europe when your dates line up
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and Premium (their version of premium economy)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra unless bundled
• 💳 Loyalty Program: No traditional mileage program (this is a pure cash-fare airline)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re checking a bag or want seat selection, book one of their bundles upfront. Adding bags later can erase the savings fast.

Norse Atlantic is one of the few airlines in 2026 still doing true low-cost long-haul flights across the Atlantic. They basically picked up where Norwegian’s long-haul operation left off, but with a tighter route map and a simpler business model.

They fly Boeing 787 Dreamliners only, which matters on 7–10 hour flights. Better cabin pressure, quieter engines, and larger windows make a noticeable difference compared to older planes. Even in regular economy, it feels more modern than what you’d expect at these prices.

Where Norse really shines is pricing. On the right routes, I regularly see $350–$500 roundtrip fares between the U.S. and Europe. Think cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, and Las Vegas paired with hubs like London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin. These aren’t unicorn fares either. They show up consistently when demand dips.

That said, this is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” airline. Routes are seasonal, frequencies can be limited, and schedules change more than legacy carriers. If your dates are flexible and you’re willing to plan around their network, Norse can save you hundreds. If you need daily flights and easy rebooking, you’ll want a backup plan.

Their Premium cabin is one of the best values in transatlantic flying right now. Wider seats, big recline, legroom you can actually stretch out in, and priority boarding, often priced just a few hundred more than economy on other airlines. I’d rather fly Norse Premium than squeeze into legacy economy on an overnight flight.

4. 🇩🇪 Eurowings

• 🏠 Base: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travel between North America and Europe with better service quality than ultra-low-cost carriers
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, BASIC Plus, SMART, BIZclass
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on included with SMART fares and higher
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Eurowings Boomerang Club and Miles & More integration
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their bundled “SMART” fares often cost less than buying a basic fare plus baggage on other budget carriers

Eurowings started as a tiny regional carrier with just two 18-seat planes and has evolved into a transatlantic budget powerhouse that often undercuts major carriers by over 40% while still including amenities others charge extra for.

Flying from East Coast cities plus Vegas and Miami to their German hubs, Eurowings can get you all over Europe for a fraction of what their parent company charges. They’re especially great for reaching those random European cities that usually cost a fortune to fly to.

Their Airbus A330s are surprisingly comfortable for a budget option. You get your own screen with movies, USB charging for your phone, and unlike those ultra-budget carriers, they’ll feed you a hot meal and keep you hydrated without pulling out your credit card.

What’s really refreshing about Eurowings is their straightforward pricing. Their “SMART” package bundles all the stuff you actually need (meal, seat pick, bags) for about $80-120 more than their basic fare, which usually works out cheaper than adding each thing separately on other airlines. When they run their “Sunshine Sales,” you can snag roundtrips to Europe starting around $499 from the East Coast. 

If you want to fly to Europe without feeling like livestock but also without emptying your bank account, Eurowings hits that perfect middle ground.

5. 🇫🇷 French bee

• 🏠 Base: Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
• ✈️ Best For: Cheap nonstop flights between the US and Paris, plus surprisingly affordable routes to bucket-list islands
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy + Premium (more legroom, better comfort)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Carry-on is included, checked bags are usually an add-on you buy in advance
• 💳 Loyalty Program: No traditional points program like the big legacy airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Price it both ways: “basic fare + bags” vs “bundle.” With French bee, the bundle often wins if you are not traveling ultralight.

French bee is one of those airlines I look for when I want Europe pricing that feels like a throwback. It’s built for travelers who care more about the deal than the fluff.

Route-wise, think Paris Orly as the hub, with major gateways like New York (Newark), San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, and Montreal. It also runs leisure routes like Papeete (Tahiti), Punta Cana, and Réunion (Saint-Denis).

The big “don’t mess this up” thing with French bee is total cost. Carry-on is included, but checked bags and upgrades can swing the final price fast, so I always lock in luggage early if I need it.

• Read my guide: Flying French Bee Review

6. 🇳🇴 Norwegian Air

• 🏠 Base: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
• ✈️ Best For: Cheap intra-Europe flights, especially Scandinavia ↔ popular Europe sun routes
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (fare bundles like LowFare, LowFare+, Flex)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Small underseat bag is standard; bigger cabin bags and checked bags depend on the fare bundle you pick
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Norwegian Reward (CashPoints)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re bringing more than a tiny backpack, LowFare+ often wins because it bundles a checked bag and saves you from paying add-ons separately

Norwegian Air operates one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world with an average age of just 3.8 years, bringing that fresh new plane feeling to budget travel while consuming less fuel and creating a more comfortable cabin environment. It’s no longer a transatlantic flight option from the US, but it’s still great on short-haul routes around Europe.

Most of the time, you’ll see Norwegian flying routes tied to big traveler demand: Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Croatia, and other “easy getaway” countries, especially from Scandinavia and the UK.

Their Boeing 787 Dreamliners make a huge difference on longer flights. You get less jet lag thanks to better cabin pressure, windows that are 30% larger than standard, and decent legroom even in regular economy.

Their Premium cabin gives you a near-business experience (extra legroom, meals, priority everything) for about the same price as other airlines’ regular economy. Their Norwegian Reward program lets you earn CashPoints on every flight that can be applied to any future booking with no blackout dates. For budget travelers who still want some comfort, Norwegian delivers affordability without the usual low-cost carrier compromises.

7. 🇸🇬 Scoot

• 🏠 Base: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• ✈️ Best For: Ultra-cheap flights to Asia and Australia with vibrant service
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and ScootPlus (premium economy)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: No free baggage allowance; all bags must be purchased
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Integration with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “FlyBagEat” bundles save about 35% versus adding bags and meals separately after booking

Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget offspring, maintains the world’s highest customer satisfaction rating among low-cost carriers despite charging fares that sometimes dip below $300 roundtrip between Asia and Australia, making them a favorite among savvy backpackers.

Operating out of Singapore with a growing presence at Berlin, Scoot connects budget travelers to over 60 destinations across Asia, Australia, and even Europe. Their expansion into long-haul routes has created affordable options for reaching bucket-list destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok from the US via one-stop itineraries.

Their fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s comes in their signature yellow livery with quirky cabin crew uniforms and a playful vibe throughout the experience. While everything costs extra, their pricing remains transparent, with clearly marked bundles that actually save money compared to a la carte additions.

The genius of Scoot is how they’ve made ultra-long-haul budget travel not just bearable but actually fun. Their “ScootPlus” premium economy offers a substantial upgrade without the premium price, featuring extra legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced meals. Their famous flash sales, often appearing on Tuesday mornings Singapore time, can drop fares to almost unbelievably low levels. 

For travelers with more time than money who want to explore Asia and Australia, Scoot delivers bare-bones prices without the bare-knuckles experience of some other budget carriers.

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly to in Asia

Again, if you want to find the cheapest international flights, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for finding discounted economy flights, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals. This will save you tons of money on flights to Asia.

8. 🇬🇧 easyJet

• 🏠 Base: London Luton Airport (LTN)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travel across Europe with service to primary airports
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with extra legroom and front seats available
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: One small personal item (45x36x20cm) included; larger bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: easyJet Plus membership ($249/year) for perks
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Hands Free” service lets you check your cabin bag at drop-off for about $8, much cheaper than their standard checked bag fees

easyJet was the first airline to completely eliminate paper tickets back in 1998, saving enough paper annually to cover the distance from London to New York and back 39 times while dramatically cutting costs passed on to budget travelers.

The bright orange pioneer connects over 150 airports across Europe and North Africa, focusing on major city airports rather than remote fields 50 miles from nowhere. They cover all the European hotspots from London, Paris, and Barcelona to Athens, Mykonos, and Marrakech with roundtrip fares often hovering around $80-120 during sales.

Their all-Airbus A320 family fleet offers standard 29-inch seat pitch, slightly more generous than some ultra-budget rivals. You won’t get free snacks, but their “Bistro” menu is reasonably priced with options like fresh sandwiches for about $7 and decent coffee for $3.50.

What makes easyJet stand out is their balance of price and convenience. While other budget airlines serve remote airports, easyJet flies to major city airports, saving you time and transfer costs. Their mobile app works surprisingly well, with a price predictor tool that tells you if fares are likely to rise or fall. Their unique “Hands Free” service lets you check your cabin bag at the counter for way less than standard baggage fees, perfect for avoiding the cabin crush. For exploring Europe without the extreme nickel-and-diming of other budget carriers, easyJet delivers solid value with locations you actually want to visit.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe

9. 🇮🇪 Ryanair

• 🏠 Base: Dublin Airport (DUB)
• ✈️ Best For: Rock-bottom fares across Europe for ultra-budget travelers
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with priority boarding option that includes extra bags
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: One small personal item (40x20x25cm) included; all larger bags require priority boarding ($22-35)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: No traditional program; paid “Ryanair Plus” subscription available
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Always pay for everything during initial booking, as airport additions can cost 3-4 times more (airport printed boarding pass: $25)

Ryanair flies more international passengers than any other airline on Earth, with over 150 million travelers annually choosing their famously cramped seats and strict rules in exchange for fares that sometimes cost less than the airport coffee.

The Irish ultra-budget giant connects more than 225 airports across 37 countries, primarily serving secondary and regional airports. Their massive route network can get you virtually anywhere in Europe, from major cities to tiny vacation spots you’ve barely heard of, with roundtrip fares regularly available for $30-50 during sales.

Their all-Boeing 737 fleet features their trademark bright yellow interiors with slim, non-reclining seats set at 30-inch pitch. Everything costs extra, from selecting a seat ($8-20) to a bottle of water ($3.50), but the base fare is often so cheap it still works out less expensive than legacy carriers even after adding essentials.

The key to flying Ryanair without losing your mind is understanding their rules. Their “Regular” fare ($22-35 extra roundtrip) includes priority boarding and two bags, usually cheaper than buying a cabin bag separately. Always check in online and download your boarding pass, as airport printing costs a painful $25. Despite their reputation for nickel-and-diming, Ryanair’s massive network and absurdly low base fares make European city-hopping possible on almost any budget. Just read all the fine print, follow their strict size limits, and you can explore Europe for less than your monthly coffee budget.

• Read next: Best Day Trips From Dublin
• You may also like: The Most Affordable Ryanair Flight Routes

10. 🇭🇺 Wizz Air

• 🏠 Base: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
• ✈️ Best For: Ultra-low-cost travel across Eastern and Central Europe
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with WIZZ Priority option for extra benefits
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Small personal item (40x30x20cm) included; all other bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: WIZZ Discount Club membership ($25/year)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Join their “Fare Lock” program to hold attractive prices for 48 hours while finalizing travel plans

Wizz Air introduced the first “pay-per-use” toilet concept on their planes back in 2010… before quickly canceling it after massive passenger backlash. Thankfully, bathroom visits are now free, unlike almost everything else on this rapidly growing Hungarian budget carrier.

These purple planes have completely transformed travel to Eastern Europe. Think of cities like Budapest, Warsaw, Belgrade, and Bucharest that used to cost a fortune to visit. Now Wizz can get you there for less than a fancy dinner, with roundtrips often hovering around $60-90 during their frequent sales.

Fair warning: their cabins definitely prioritize efficiency over comfort. The 28-inch legroom will have tall travelers doing origami with their limbs, and the buy-on-board prices are surprisingly steep. We’re talking $4 for water. But that’s all part of the ultra-budget game.

The real genius of Wizz is making previously overlooked destinations accessible to weekend travelers. Their Discount Club membership is a no-brainer if you’ll fly more than once, saving about $11 per flight plus discounted bags. For travelers keen to explore beyond the overcrowded tourist hotspots of Western Europe, Wizz opens up a whole region of incredible architecture, thermal spas, and cities where your spending money goes twice as far as in Paris or Rome. Just pack light and bring your own snacks!

• Read next: Budget Airlines for Cheap Flights to Europe

11. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
• ✈️ Best For: Affordable international travel to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean with generous policies
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with open seating system
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item, carry-on, and two checked bags included free with all fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards points program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Wanna Get Away” fares exactly 21 days in advance when they typically offer the lowest pricing

Southwest began with a cocktail napkin. Literally. The airline’s entire route structure was first sketched out on a napkin in a San Antonio bar in 1967, and over 50 years later they’re still doing things differently from every other carrier, including offering international flights without the typical nickel-and-diming.

This Texas-born rebel connects beach lovers to paradises across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Their expansion has turned previously expensive getaways to Cancun, Aruba, and Costa Rica into affordable weekend possibilities, with roundtrips typically ranging from $350-450 from many US cities.

Forget the cattle-call boarding reputation. Yes, there are no assigned seats, but their system actually works efficiently, and you’ll settle into a comfortable 32-inch pitch seat (compare that to the sardine tins on ultra-budget carriers). Their free checked bag policy is a genuine standout. We’re talking two checked bags included on all international flights represents potential savings of $140 roundtrip compared to other airlines.

Southwest maintains a refreshingly straightforward approach in today’s complicated airline landscape. No change fees, no hidden charges, and no complex fare restrictions make booking less stressful. Their “Wanna Get Away” fares include everything most travelers need for international trips without upselling at every turn. The money saved on bag fees alone could cover several nice meals at your destination.

• Read next: Cheapest Airlines in the US

12. 🇲🇾 AirAsia

• 🏠 Base: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
• ✈️ Best For: Ultra-affordable travel throughout Southeast Asia, India, and Australia
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with Hot Seats and Quiet Zone options
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Small personal item included; all checked bags must be pre-purchased
• 💳 Loyalty Program: AirAsia BIG rewards program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their “Value Pack” bundles meal, seat selection, and 20kg baggage at about 40% less than adding each separately

AirAsia has won “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” for an unprecedented 14 consecutive years, transforming budget travel across Asia by making flights cheaper than many train or bus journeys while maintaining surprisingly good customer satisfaction ratings.

These red planes have completely revolutionized how people explore Southeast Asia. Hopping between countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia used to mean expensive flights or long, grueling bus journeys. Now you can fly between most major Asian cities for about $70-120 roundtrip, sometimes even less during their crazy flash sales.

Sure, the standard seats are cozy (translation: tight), but their “Hot Seats” give you extra legroom for about $15-25 per flight, way cheaper than premium seats on other airlines. Their “Quiet Zone” is pure genius too. A literal kid-free cabin section that costs just a few bucks more. And unlike most budget carriers, their food is actually tasty.

What makes AirAsia truly special is how they’ve connected so many smaller cities that were previously a pain to reach. Their app makes booking simple, with all costs shown upfront instead of surprising you at checkout. For anyone dreaming of exploring multiple countries in Asia without a trust fund, AirAsia is basically the reason it’s possible. They’ve taken the term “budget travel” and removed the part where you have to suffer.

FAQs about the cheapest international airlines

Here are some of the most popular questions I’ve received so far in 2026 as it relates to affordable airlines abroad.

Are budget international airlines actually cheaper in 2026?

Yes, but only if you know what you’re comparing. The base fare is usually cheaper, but once you add bags, seat selection, and meals, the gap can shrink fast. I always compare the total price, not just the headline fare. On short and mid-haul international routes, budget airlines still win most of the time.

That said, if you really want to know how to book international flights cheap, the best way to do it is to use Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights). This service allows you to enter in your point of departure and desired destination and instantly get cheap international flights sent your email for free! For a small fee of $49 a year, you can upgrade to a premium membership, which comes with bonus features and even better discounts.

Which international airlines are cheapest right now in 2026?

In 2026, I’m consistently seeing the lowest base fares from airlines like Norse Atlantic, LEVEL, French bee, Zipair, Scoot, and AirAsia (depending on region and route). Legacy airlines can still be cheap during sales, but these low-cost carriers often set the floor price.

Are cheap international airlines safe?

Yes. All airlines operating international routes must meet strict safety regulations. Cheap doesn’t mean unsafe. The main difference is comfort and inclusions, not safety standards. I’ve flown several low-cost long-haul airlines and never felt less safe than on a legacy carrier.

Do cheap international airlines include bags in 2026?

Usually no. Most budget airlines charge separately for carry-ons and checked bags. Some now include a small personal item only. I always factor bag fees into my decision because once you add luggage, a traditional airline can sometimes be the better deal.

Is it worth flying a cheap airline for long-haul flights?

It depends on your priorities. For flights under 8 hours, I’m totally fine with budget airlines. For ultra-long flights, I look at seat pitch, upgrade options, and timing. Sometimes paying $100–$200 more for comfort is worth it, especially overnight.

Is it better to book directly with the airline or through a third-party site?

I always book directly with the airline. Prices are usually the same, and it makes changes or cancellations way easier. Third-party sites can be fine for research, but booking direct saves headaches if anything goes wrong.

Do cheap airlines charge for food on international flights?

Yes, almost always. Meals are usually paid onboard or pre-ordered. I don’t mind this because it keeps fares low. I either bring my own snacks or pre-order a meal if the flight is long.