Best Cheap Airlines: Which US Budget Carriers Are Actually Worth It
Check current fares from LAX to Las Vegas for your dates
Check current fares from LAX to Las Vegas for your dates
Prices change often. Affiliate link – see disclosure above.
Six carriers showed up across the routes greenspicks checked: Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, American Airlines, Avelo, and Zipair. Each one occupies a different slot in the budget spectrum, and the “cheapest” option depends entirely on what you’re packing, where you’re flying, and how much friction you’ll tolerate. The carrier profiles below break that down.
How We Evaluated Budget Airlines (and What We Did Not Measure)
Our editorial team pulled fares via the Travelpayouts API on August 7, 2026 across 13 routes. Eleven of those routes returned data, producing 26 individual fare observations. All fares are one-way and priced in USD.
These are cached observations from different routes and different departure dates. They are not a controlled airline-vs-airline comparison. Frontier’s $28 fare from LAX to LAS and JetBlue’s $113 fare from JFK to MCO are on entirely different routes, so comparing them head to head would be misleading. We don’t do that here.
Equally important: this data does not include baggage fees, carry-on fees, checked-bag fees, seat selection fees, or any ancillary costs. We did not track monthly averages, seasonal trends, or booking-window patterns for this article. The fares below are base fares only. Your total trip cost will differ depending on what extras you add, and those extras vary widely by carrier. Each profile section notes the known tradeoffs without inventing dollar figures we don’t have.
Frontier Airlines: The Lowest Base Fares We Observed
Frontier is an ultra-low-cost carrier, and its pricing model reflects that. Base fares are stripped down to the minimum. Everything else (bags, seat assignments, changes) costs extra. If you travel with only a personal item and don’t care where you sit, Frontier’s base fares can be remarkably low.
greenspicks observed a $28 one-way nonstop Frontier fare from LAX to LAS departing October 12, 2026, with a flight time of 80 minutes. Two other LAX to LAS observations on nearby dates came in at $29 (October 26, 84 minutes) and $32 (October 24, 82 minutes). All three were nonstop.
On other routes, Frontier fares ran higher but still sat below $100. A nonstop from SNA to LAS was observed at $57 departing October 4, 2026 (71 minutes). ONT to LAS came in at $63 departing October 23, 2026 (68 minutes nonstop). A $68 one-way nonstop from ORD to FLL was observed departing October 2, 2026, with a flight time of 192 minutes. And LAX to PHX showed $88 departing November 1, 2026 (94 minutes nonstop).
A few caveats. The ORD to FLL and SNA to LAS routes had limited data (one and three fares respectively), so those prices shouldn’t be treated as typical. Every fare listed here is a base fare. The moment you add a carry-on bag or pick a seat, the total changes. Frontier suits you if you genuinely travel light and you’ve already checked the ancillary fee page before booking.
Frontier posted the lowest base fares in our observations, with LAX to LAS nonstops observed at $28 to $32. These are base fares only. Total cost depends on what you add.
JetBlue: Budget Comfort Without the ULCC Squeeze
JetBlue sits in a different category. It’s not an ultra-low-cost carrier, but it’s not a full legacy airline either. JetBlue is known for more legroom in standard economy and a stronger East Coast route network. You get a carry-on bag included with most fare classes, which already changes the math compared to ULCCs.
greenspicks observed a $113 one-way nonstop JetBlue fare from JFK to MCO departing October 11, 2026, with a flight time of 174 minutes. On the JFK to FLL route, two fares appeared: $121 departing November 4 (180 minutes nonstop) and $180 departing November 5 (186 minutes nonstop). Both JFK to MCO and JFK to FLL were limited-data routes, so these prices reflect individual snapshots rather than a reliable range.
JetBlue works well if you want a less stripped-down experience than a ULCC but aren’t ready to pay full legacy-carrier prices. The tradeoff: JetBlue’s hub coverage skews heavily toward the East Coast. If you’re flying out of a West Coast or Midwest airport, you may not find JetBlue on your route at all.
Southwest Airlines: What No Bag Fees and No Change Fees Are Worth
Southwest’s value proposition isn’t about having the lowest base fare. It’s about fee transparency. Southwest includes two free checked bags with every ticket and charges no change fees. If you’re someone who checks a bag (or two), that policy can shift the total-cost equation significantly compared to a ULCC where bags are priced separately.
greenspicks observed a $127 one-way nonstop Southwest fare from ONT to PHX departing January 4, 2027, with a flight time of 80 minutes. This is a single observation on a limited-data route, so it shouldn’t be read as a typical Southwest price.
The tradeoffs are real. Southwest doesn’t assign seats, so you board in a group order and pick from whatever’s open. International routes are limited. And base fares often run higher than what ULCCs advertise. But the total cost, once you factor in what other carriers charge for bags, may look different. Check each carrier’s fee page for your specific situation before assuming the lowest base fare wins. For a detailed breakdown of what each airline charges for luggage, see our airline baggage fees comparison.
American Airlines: When a Legacy Carrier Undercuts the Budget Brands
Legacy carriers aren’t always more expensive. On August 7, 2026, Travelpayouts returned a $93 one-way nonstop American Airlines fare from ORD to MIA departing October 15, 2026, with a flight time of 198 minutes. That’s a single observation on a limited-data route, so it’s not evidence that American regularly undercuts budget carriers. But it does show that legacy airlines surface competitive base fares on specific routes and dates.
American suits you if you value frequent-flyer programs, lounge access, or the ability to connect through a major hub network. Basic economy fares on legacy carriers can compete with budget airlines on high-traffic domestic routes, especially during sales. The catch: those low fares usually come with restrictions similar to what ULCCs impose (no seat selection, last to board, limited changes).
Avelo Airlines: A Regional ULCC Worth Watching
Avelo is a newer entrant operating from secondary airports like SNA (John Wayne/Orange County), BUR (Burbank), and HVN (New Haven). If you live near one of those airports, Avelo can offer nonstop routes that the larger carriers don’t serve directly.
greenspicks observed a $110 one-way nonstop Avelo fare from SNA to LAS departing January 10, 2027, with a flight time of 90 minutes. This is a single observation, so treat it as a data point rather than a benchmark.
The tradeoffs mirror its size. Avelo’s route network is limited, its fleet is smaller, and schedule flexibility is tighter than what you’d get from a major carrier. You won’t find daily departures on most routes. But if the route and timing align with your trip, Avelo is worth checking.
Zipair: The Long-Haul Budget Option From the West Coast
Zipair operates transpacific routes from LAX to NRT (Tokyo Narita) as a long-haul low-cost carrier. The model is similar to what ULCCs do domestically: low base fare, pay for everything else. Food is buy-on-board. Seats are configured for density. There are no connections through the airline’s own network from US airports.
greenspicks observed Zipair one-way nonstop fares from LAX to NRT ranging from $398 to $490 across 11 observations. The median was $462. Flight times ran 705 to 715 minutes (roughly 11 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours 55 minutes). This route had the most data points in our pull, making the range more directionally useful than the single-observation domestic fares above.
Zipair suits you if you’re flying to Japan from the West Coast and you can handle a stripped-down long-haul experience. The carrier’s US departure options are limited, so if you’re not near LAX, you’ll need to factor in the cost and time of getting there.
Across 11 observed one-way nonstop fares from LAX to NRT on Zipair, prices ranged from $398 to $490. That’s a meaningful price band for a transpacific flight, but the stripped-down experience isn’t for everyone.
Carrier Tradeoff Table: What Each Budget Airline Gives Up
The table below summarizes each carrier’s strengths, tradeoffs, and who it best suits. Observed fares are individual data points from different routes and dates, not an airline-by-airline price comparison. For a complete look at what each carrier charges for luggage, see our airline baggage fees comparison.
| Carrier | Strength | Tradeoff | Best For | Sample Observed Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | Ultra-low base fares on domestic routes | Bags, seats, and changes all cost extra | Personal-item-only travelers who want the lowest sticker price | $28, LAX to LAS, Oct 12 2026 |
| JetBlue | More legroom, carry-on included, East Coast network | Higher base fares than ULCCs, limited West Coast/Midwest presence | Travelers who want comfort without full legacy pricing | $113, JFK to MCO, Oct 11 2026 |
| Southwest | Two free checked bags, no change fees | No assigned seats, base fares often higher than ULCCs | Travelers who check bags or need flexible rebooking | $127, ONT to PHX, Jan 4 2027 |
| American Airlines | Hub connectivity, loyalty programs, occasional sale fares | Basic economy restrictions mirror ULCC tradeoffs | Frequent flyers or those connecting through major hubs | $93, ORD to MIA, Oct 15 2026 |
| Avelo | Nonstop routes from secondary airports | Small route network, limited schedule flexibility | Travelers near SNA, BUR, or HVN who want nonstops | $110, SNA to LAS, Jan 10 2027 |
| Zipair | Low base fares on transpacific routes | Limited US departures, buy-on-board food, no connections | West Coast travelers heading to Japan on a budget | $398, LAX to NRT, Jan 25 2027 |
Data source: Travelpayouts. Retrieved August 7, 2026. Observed fares are individual data points from different routes and dates. Prices change often. Verify before booking.
How to Pick the Right Cheap Airline for Your Trip
Choosing among budget airlines in the USA comes down to a five-step process. The lowest base fare doesn’t always win once you account for what you actually need on the flight.
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1
Identify which budget carriers fly from your departure airport
Not every carrier serves every airport. Check your departure airport’s website or a flight search tool to see which budget airlines operate routes from there. Secondary airports near your city may have carriers (like Avelo) that the main hub doesn’t.
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2
Search base fares across carriers for your route
Use a flight search aggregator to pull fares from multiple carriers at once. greenspicks observed fares via Travelpayouts for this article. You can search current fares on Aviasales or use other aggregators. For more options, see our guide to the best apps for booking flights.
Ready to search? search current fares on Aviasales – check current fares for your dates.
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3
Add your actual extras to each carrier’s base fare
Visit each carrier’s fee page directly. Figure out what you’ll pay for a carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, and any changes you might need. A $28 base fare with $60 in bag fees is a $88 fare. A $127 base fare with two free checked bags is still $127. Do the math for your specific trip.
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4
Compare total estimated cost, not just the base fare
Line up the total for each carrier side by side. The carrier with the lowest base fare may not have the lowest total once your extras are included. This is especially true if you’re checking bags. Our guide to how to find cheap one-way flights covers additional tactics for reducing that total.
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5
Book the carrier whose total cost and experience tradeoffs match your priorities
If saving every dollar matters and you travel with a personal item only, a ULCC will probably win. If you check bags and hate surprises, Southwest’s included-bag policy may save you more overall. If you want legroom and a carry-on, JetBlue is worth the premium. Pick the carrier that matches how you actually fly. For more platforms to compare, see our list of best domestic flight deal platforms.
Observed Fare Context: What greenspicks Pulled on August 7, 2026
The table below shows a curated selection of the fares Travelpayouts returned when our editorial team pulled data on August 7, 2026. These are individual cached observations from different routes and dates. They are not an airline-by-airline price ranking.
| Airline | Route | One-Way Fare | Nonstop | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | LAX to LAS | $28 | Yes | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Frontier | SNA to LAS | $57 | Yes | Oct 4, 2026 |
| Frontier | LAX to PHX | $88 | Yes | Nov 1, 2026 |
| American | ORD to MIA | $93 | Yes | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Avelo | SNA to LAS | $110 | Yes | Jan 10, 2027 |
| JetBlue | JFK to FLL | $121 | Yes | Nov 4, 2026 |
| Southwest | ONT to PHX | $127 | Yes | Jan 4, 2027 |
| Zipair | LAX to NRT | $398 | Yes | Jan 25, 2027 |
Data source: Travelpayouts. Retrieved August 7, 2026. Prices change often. Verify before booking.
Data Limitations and Methodology
How We Researched These Prices
Our editorial team reviews flight routes, nearby airport pairs, airline options, fare patterns, booking-source data, transport choices, and destination-specific travel context before publishing each guide. For this article, we used the Travelpayouts /aviasales/v3/prices_for_dates API to pull fare data on August 7, 2026. We searched 13 routes; 11 returned data, producing 26 individual one-way fare observations in USD. Departure dates in the observed fares range from October 2, 2026 through January 26, 2027.
Affiliate platforms (Travelpayouts) were used as booking references and data inputs, but recommendations are written to prioritize usefulness, price clarity, and reader decision-making.
What this data does NOT cover: baggage fees, carry-on fees, checked-bag fees, seat selection fees, parking costs, taxi or rideshare costs, train or subway fares, transfer costs, savings amounts, percentages, route mileage, airport distances, booking-window numbers, monthly averages, historical price trends, or any airline-vs-airline price ranking. The fares presented are individual cached observations, not a controlled comparison across carriers.
FAQ: Best Cheap Airlines in the US
What is the cheapest airline in the US?
Frontier had the lowest observed base fare in our data: $28 one-way nonstop from LAX to LAS, pulled via Travelpayouts on August 7, 2026. But “cheapest” depends on your extras. A ULCC base fare can climb once you add bags and seat selection. Total cost, not base fare, is what matters for your specific trip.
Is Frontier really cheap?
For base fares, yes. greenspicks observed Frontier one-way nonstop fares ranging from $28 (LAX to LAS) to $88 (LAX to PHX) across the routes we checked on August 7, 2026. Frontier does charge separately for carry-on bags, checked bags, seat assignments, and changes. If you travel with only a personal item, the base fare is close to your total. If you add extras, it won’t be.
Does Southwest charge bag fees?
Southwest is widely known for including two free checked bags with every ticket. This policy has been a core part of the airline’s brand for years. For travelers who check luggage, this can make Southwest’s total trip cost more competitive than its base fare alone suggests. Check Southwest’s website directly for the most current policy details.
Is JetBlue a budget airline?
JetBlue occupies a middle ground between ultra-low-cost carriers and full legacy airlines. It offers more legroom in standard economy and includes a carry-on bag with most fares. greenspicks observed a $113 one-way nonstop JetBlue fare from JFK to MCO on August 7, 2026. That’s higher than ULCC base fares but lower than most legacy carrier prices on comparable East Coast routes.
What is the cheapest way to fly domestically?
Compare base fares across multiple carriers for your specific route, then add your actual extras (bags, seats) to each carrier’s price. Check nearby airports, which sometimes have lower fares or different carrier options. Use a flight search aggregator to see multiple airlines at once. There’s no single cheapest carrier for every route.
Are budget airlines safe?
All US airlines operate under the same federal safety standards regardless of their pricing model. Budget versus legacy is a service and pricing distinction, not a safety distinction. The difference between a ULCC and a legacy carrier is the onboard experience, fee structure, and route network. Safety oversight applies equally.
What is a ULCC?
ULCC stands for ultra-low-cost carrier. These airlines offer the lowest possible base fares by charging separately for nearly everything beyond a seat and a personal item: carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, onboard food, and itinerary changes. Frontier and Avelo are examples of ULCCs that appeared in the fare data greenspicks pulled on August 7, 2026.
