What Is the Best Low‑Cost Airline in the USA?

When it comes to budget travel in the U.S., there are several low-cost carriers (LCCs) and ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) competing for your dollar. Which airline is “best” depends on how you value price, comfort, fees, and route network. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders — and who might be the right choice for you.

Top Low‑Cost Airlines in the U.S.

• Frontier Airlines — Known for very low base fares, Frontier is often ranked as the cheapest airline per mile in the U.S. according to cost‑per‑mile studies. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Spirit Airlines — Offers a “Bare Fare” model where everything else (bags, seats, etc.) is extra. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Allegiant Air — Focuses on point-to-point routes, especially for leisure travelers. According to Skytrax, Allegiant was named the best low-cost airline in North America for 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Southwest Airlines — While not a ULCC, Southwest is often considered a budget-friendly airline thanks to its flexible policies (though recent changes mean bag fees now apply). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• JetBlue Airways — A “hybrid” low-cost carrier: fares can be low, but you also get perks like more legroom, free Wi-Fi, and live TV. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Sun Country Airlines — Another ULCC, often overlooked but growing, especially on leisure routes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

What Makes an Airline the “Best”?

Here are some of the factors to think about when choosing a low-cost airline:

• Base Fare vs Fees: ULCCs like Frontier and Spirit may have rock‑bottom base fares, but add-ons (baggage, seat selection, etc.) can significantly raise the total cost. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Route Network: Some low-cost airlines fly mostly to leisure or smaller airports. For example, Allegiant connects underserved cities and vacation spots. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Passenger Experience: If you want a more comfortable flight (legroom, in‑flight entertainment), JetBlue might be worth slightly higher fares. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Fee Transparency: Budget carriers are often criticized for hidden fees, so always check the final price, including extras. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Reliability & Service: Lower-cost doesn’t always mean lower quality, but ULCCs may have fewer amenities and more restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Which One’s Best for You?

– **If you just want the absolute lowest fare:** Frontier and Spirit are hard to beat — great when you’re traveling light and don’t need extras. – **If you fly to smaller or vacation-focused cities:** Allegiant often offers the best value. – **If you want more comfort but still want to save:** JetBlue gives you budget-friendly prices + more legroom and perks. – **If you value flexibility and checked bags:** Southwest used to dominate here — but recent baggage policy changes mean you should compare carefully. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} – **If you’re planning a leisure trip and don’t mind limited schedules:** Sun Country could be a solid option for seasonal travel.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” low-cost airline in the U.S. — it depends on how you travel. If your main goal is paying as little as possible, Frontier or Spirit could give you great value. If you want a balance of cost and comfort, JetBlue or Southwest might be better. And for vacation routes, Allegiant is a true contender. When booking, always compare final costs (base fare + fees), check route coverage, and consider how often you travel — that way, you can pick the airline that’s truly best for you.

Happy (budget) flying!