9 CHEAP International Airlines That Will Save You Money in 2025

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After spending way too much money on flights last year, I finally cracked the code on finding genuinely cheap international tickets. Trust me, you don’t need to drain your savings to explore the world in 2025. I’ve tested dozens of airlines across every continent (except Antarctica, still working on that one), and I’m here to share which budget carriers actually deliver on their promises.

While your seat might not recline and you’ll probably want to pack your own snacks, these airlines will get you where you need to go without breaking the bank. From my recent $200 round trip to Paris on PLAY to shockingly affordable flights across Asia on Scoot, these are the best airlines for budget travelers that won’t leave you stranded or stressed. No fancy stuff, just real talk about which low-cost carriers deserve your money this year.

#1 tip for booking cheap international flights

Looking for the cheapest international flights in 2025? This is a game-changer: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).

Here’s the deal: Sign up for free email alerts, set your departure and destination, and boom – you’ll get alerts for insanely cheap flights. Mistake fares? Deep discounts? They’ve got it all.

I save thousands of dollars per year using Going. Recently, I even found a $305 roundtrip fare from Boston to Paris in May. Such a steal!

Want even more deals? Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing (for reference: I save $200-300 on average per flight). This is especially a good idea if you’re planning to travel abroad, as international flights right now are pricey without these discounts.

And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version, which saved me $1,500 on a business class flight last year. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings.

Best Cheap Airlines in 2025

Looking for cheap airlines in 2025? Fly with Qantas for affordable long-haul options, choose Eurowings for budget-friendly European travel, book with Norwegian Air for low-cost transatlantic flights, and travel with Scoot for economical routes across Asia and beyond. Whether you’re flying locally or internationally, these airlines offer great value for budget-conscious travelers.

1. 🇦🇺 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.

2. 🇩🇪 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.

3. 🇳🇴 Norwegian Air

• 🏠 Base: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
• ✈️ Best For: Affordable transatlantic flights with better amenities than typical budget carriers
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and Premium
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; all other bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Norwegian Reward with CashPoints
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “LowFare+” option, which includes seat selection, meals, and a checked bag for less than adding these 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.

These Scandinavians have totally changed the game for cheap flights to Europe. From cities like New York, Boston, and LA, Norwegian gets you across the pond for prices that make legacy carriers nervous. 

Their Boeing 787 Dreamliners make a huge difference on long 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. The free basic WiFi lets you stay connected over the Atlantic without paying, though you’ll need to upgrade for streaming.

The real win with Norwegian is their straightforward pricing model.  Base fares can start around $500 roundtrip during sales, and 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 on those long transatlantic flights, Norwegian delivers affordability without the usual low-cost carrier compromises.

4. 🇸🇬 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.

5. 🇬🇧 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

6. 🇮🇪 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

7. 🇭🇺 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

8. 🇺🇸 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

9. 🇲🇾 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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the cheapest international airlines

Looking to find cheap international flights in the world for your next vacation. If you really want to ensure a fun and affordable trip, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about cheap international flight tickets:

How can I get the best prices for international flights?

The best way to book international flights is to comparison shop. The carriers outlined in this post offer cheap international flight deals that you won’t find anywhere else. If more than one has a route to the vacation spot you’re eyeing, investigate to see who has the better deal.

Also, I recommend booking your flight as early as possible. As the departure date grows closer, the supply of seats will get lower, meaning that ticket prices will increase. Save yourself a lot of money (and a headache) by booking when customer competition (and airfare) is at its lowest.

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.

To save 20% off a premium account, use my discount code Jon20 today!

When are international flights the cheapest?

The affordability of airfare is contingent on a number of factors, including where you’re leaving from, whether you’re flying non-stop or making connections, and the current cost of jet fuel. One of the biggest factors affecting ticket prices, though, is the time of year.

In general, the best time of year to score discounts for international flights is in the winter. Specifically, the months of January and February are considered to be outside the “peak season,” meaning that fewer people are traveling, which drives ticket prices down. Another good time of year for bargain hunters is September. It’s just far enough away from the busy summer months and the holiday season to ensure low prices.

What airlines have the most international flights?

When it comes to US carriers, no airline offers more international flights than United Airlines, which currently services 137 international routes. American Airlines comes in second with 134 international routes. However, United and American both tend to charge higher prices than the cheap international airlines listed elsewhere in this post. Keep that in mind when comparison shopping.

Outside the U.S., the carriers with the most international flights are Turkish Airlines (with 250 routes), Ryanair (215 routes), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (207 routes), British Airways (200 routes), Air France (191 routes), and Wizz Air (176 routes).

What documentation do you need to fly internationally?

Different countries have different documentation requirements. As such, if you’re going to fly internationally, it’s essential to have a valid and up-to-date passport. You should also make sure to carry a valid national ID and/or driver’s license. Before leaving the country, be mindful of checking the expiration dates of these documents. The last thing you need is for your passport to become invalid in the middle of a trip.

Many countries today also require health documentation, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The most common health documents required for international travel are vaccination certificates that show you are protected against contracting potentially infectious illnesses. This is particularly important when traveling by airplane, where many people may spend hours together in a small, contained space.

If you have travel and/or medical insurance, I recommend bringing documentation of that with you as well. Even if it’s not required, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What’s the best way to stay safe when flying internationally?

It’s a dangerous business, going out your front door. When you’re far from home, anything can happen. That’s why it helps to be prepared. In addition to getting yourself vaccinated and carrying documentation with you, I recommend getting a check-up from your doctor before you leave. If you have any medications you take regularly, don’t forget to bring them with you. Keep them stored somewhere safe, where you’re unlikely to lose track of them.

The same goes for any other valuables, including passports, IDs, house and car keys, jewelry, electronics, cash, and credit cards. You might want to invest in a travel wallet or portable safe. Check out my blog about the Best Travel Gear in 2024 for some helpful recommendations.

Another thing everyone should do when traveling internationally is to research the customs and norms of the country they’re visiting. Always be mindful that certain phrases and gestures that are benign in the U.S. are considered offensive elsewhere. Think of it like this: a foreign country isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s also the home for the people who live there. Be respectful when visiting someone else’s home, just as you want them to be respectful when visiting yours.