Best and cheapest airlines 2025: Score Big

Why Finding the Best and Cheapest Airlines Matters More Than Ever

Best and cheapest airlines are not always the same thing—and knowing the difference can save you hundreds of dollars in 2025. The cheapest ticket might come with hidden fees that push the total cost higher than a “pricier” fare that includes bags and flexibility. The best airlines balance low fares with reliability, comfort, and transparent pricing.

Quick Answer: Top Best and Cheapest Airlines in 2025

Cheapest US Airline: Frontier Airlines ($0.0985 per seat mile)
Best Value US Airline: Hawaiian Airlines (reliability + low cost)
Best Low-Cost Airline Worldwide: AirAsia (16 consecutive years)
Best Long-Haul Budget: Scoot
Best in North America: Allegiant Air
Best in Europe: Eurowings

What Makes an Airline “Best” or “Cheapest”?

The cheapest airlines have the lowest revenue per seat mile and bare-bones fares. The best airlines offer strong customer service and reliability—even if the ticket costs a bit more. Smart travelers look at the total trip cost (base fare + bags + seats) instead of just the advertised price.

Flights are a major trip expense, so finding the right balance between cost and value is essential. According to industry data, US airlines’ average costs per seat mile range from $0.0985 (Frontier) to $0.1761 (Delta). Understanding these numbers helps you spot real deals.

I’m Ramy Saber, founder of GoTravelHunt. I’ve spent years helping travelers steer airfare to find the best and cheapest airlines. Through GoTravelHunt, we provide curated guides and resources to help you score affordable flights without sacrificing quality.

Infographic showing key factors in choosing an airline: Price (base fare and total cost with fees), Reliability (on-time performance and customer service), Amenities (included bags, seat selection, WiFi, entertainment), and Route Network (destinations served and flight frequency) - best and cheapest airlines infographic

Best and cheapest airlines terms explained:

Decoding “Cheapest”: How Airlines Are Really Priced

That $29 flight you spotted isn’t always the deal it appears to be. Airlines use creative pricing, and understanding their strategies is key to finding a real bargain. The best and cheapest airlines often hide true costs behind fees. Let’s pull back the curtain on how airline pricing works.

Understanding Airfare: Revenue Per Available Seat Mile (RASM)

To find genuinely affordable airlines, look at their Revenue Per Available Seat Mile (RASM). This metric shows how much revenue an airline generates for each seat flown one mile. Think of it as the airline’s “base cost DNA”—a lower RASM usually means lower fares.

For example, Frontier Airlines had a RASM of just $0.0985 in 2022-2023, while Delta’s was $0.1761. This metric cuts through marketing hype to show an airline’s underlying cost structure, giving you a better sense of what’s a good deal.

Ancillary Fees and the “Bare Fare” Concept

Many airlines, especially ultra-budget ones, use a “Bare Fare” model. You’re buying just the seat and space for a small personal item. Everything else costs extra: a carry-on bag, a checked bag, choosing your seat, or even printing your boarding pass at the airport.

For example, with Avelo Airlines, a carry-on starts at $25. Spirit Airlines pioneered this model, becoming the first to charge for carry-on bags back in 2010. The lesson is to always calculate the total trip cost before booking. That $29 fare can quickly become $129 once you add essentials.

Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Models

Not all budget airlines are the same. Knowing the difference between the two main categories can save you money and frustration.

Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), like Southwest and JetBlue, keep fares low but typically include some basic services. Southwest is famous for its two free checked bags and no change fees. JetBlue offers free snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more legroom.

Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) take cost-cutting to the extreme. Frontier and Spirit are classic examples. They strip everything to the bare minimum, fly to cheaper secondary airports (like Allegiant Air using Phoenix-Mesa Gateway instead of Phoenix Sky Harbor), and may even remove reclining seats to save on maintenance. The ULCC model is great if you travel light, but bag and seat fees can quickly erase savings.

Infographic comparing typical fee structures: showing base fare, then adding common ancillary fees like checked bags, carry-on bags, seat selection, and priority boarding for LCCs vs. ULCCs. - best and cheapest airlines infographic brainstorm-4-items

The True Cost: US Airline Affordability Ranked

Now that you understand the business models, let’s see which US airlines are most affordable. While GoTravelHunt specializes in European travel, understanding the US market is key for international flights from American airports.

price tag on airplane wing - best and cheapest airlines

Based on 2022-2023 data, here’s how major US airlines rank by average revenue per seat mile (cheapest to most expensive):

Frontier Airlines: $0.0985. Consistently the cheapest, but as a ULCC, expect add-on fees.
Spirit Airlines: $0.1110. Another ULCC with “Bare Fares” across the US and Latin America.
Hawaiian Airlines: $0.1236. A great value, offering affordable fares with better reliability.
Allegiant Air: $0.1294. A ULCC connecting smaller cities to vacation spots.
JetBlue Airways: $0.1324. A standout LCC with included amenities like free Wi-Fi.
Alaska Airlines: $0.1554. Offers competitive fares and great flash sales, especially on the West Coast.
United Airlines: $0.1650. Often the cheapest for international flights to Asia, Europe, and beyond.
American Airlines: $0.1730. A major carrier with an extensive global network.
Southwest Airlines: $0.1732. Higher per-mile cost, but includes two free checked bags and no change fees.
Delta Airlines: $0.1761. The most expensive per mile, but also one of the most reliable.

Use these rankings as a baseline, but individual flight prices vary. Always dig into the total cost for your specific trip.

Beyond the “Budget” Label: Finding Value in Unexpected Places

Sometimes the best and cheapest airlines aren’t the ones with the lowest advertised fares. Real value comes from a smart mix of reasonable prices, reliability, and included amenities.

Southwest Airlines’ higher per-mile cost is often offset by two free checked bags, making the total cost cheaper than a ULCC if you have luggage. JetBlue includes passenger-friendly perks like complimentary Wi-Fi and extra legroom. Hawaiian Airlines offers an excellent balance of low fares and solid reliability for pacific routes.

A pro tip that can save you money: always check the airline’s own website for exclusive deals. Many carriers offer special promotions or vacation packages that don’t appear on third-party sites. United even offers cruise packages directly.

At GoTravelHunt, our travel booking tools are designed to help you see the true value of each option—not just the base fare—so you can find the best fit for your journey.

The World’s Best and Cheapest Airlines: The 2025 Award Winners

Finding the best and cheapest airlines isn’t just about the lowest fare. The cheapest ticket can end up costing more in fees and stress. Understanding which airlines consistently deliver real value is what matters.

When we talk about the “best” budget airlines, we’re looking at carriers that keep fares low while treating passengers well. They’ve found the sweet spot between affordability and quality—exactly what we focus on at GoTravelHunt.

How Airlines Are Ranked Globally (Skytrax, Passenger Surveys, etc.)

Global airline rankings, such as the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards, are particularly valuable because they are based on surveys of millions of real passengers worldwide. These awards reflect genuine customer experiences with hundreds of airlines, not just industry opinions. When an airline wins, it means actual travelers have endorsed their service and value.

What Makes an Airline “Best” or “Cheapest” in 2025

Any airline can offer a temporary low fare, but the best and cheapest airlines maintain affordability year-round while delivering a decent experience. They’ve mastered keeping costs down without excessive nickel-and-diming.

The standout budget carriers in 2025 share key traits: consistent affordability, operational efficiency (on-time flights), helpful customer service, transparent fees, strong safety records, and smart route networks connecting desirable destinations.

top rated budget airline - best and cheapest airlines

Global Champions: The Top Low-Cost Carriers Worldwide

Some airlines have become legends in budget travel, consistently proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to fly well.

AirAsia is at the top, named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for an incredible 16 consecutive years. Their dominance shows a true commitment to value. For longer journeys, Scoot earned recognition as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline, proving that crossing continents can be both affordable and comfortable.

Volotea excels in Europe by connecting smaller cities that major carriers often ignore, making it invaluable for exploring off the beaten path. Flynas has emerged as the Middle East’s leading budget carrier, making air travel more accessible in the region. Transavia France, part of the Air France-KLM Group, combines low-cost efficiency with the reliability of a major airline family.

The World’s Top 5 Low-Cost Airlines for 2024 according to Skytrax included: 1. AirAsia, 2. Scoot, 3. Volotea, 4. Flynas, and 5. Transavia France.

Regional Standouts: The Best and Cheapest Airlines by Region

Sometimes the best option is a regional carrier that knows its territory and what local travelers need.

In North America, Allegiant Air won Best Low-Cost Airline in North America in 2024. They focus on connecting smaller US cities to vacation destinations, a niche bigger airlines often skip.

In Europe, where budget travel is fiercely competitive, Eurowings was named Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe for 2025. As a Paris-based company, we at GoTravelHunt see their solid value firsthand. Volotea also ranks highly for its strategy of connecting secondary cities. Other strong performers include Vueling Airlines (Spain), airBaltic (Eastern Europe), and Iberia Express. Even Ryanair, despite its strict policies, consistently ranks for its low base fares—just be sure to read the fine print.

In Asia, beyond AirAsia’s dominance, Scoot continues to expand its network. The Middle East sees Flynas leading the way, while South America and Africa are developing their own regional budget networks.

When planning your trip, especially within Europe, these regional champions often provide the best mix of price and convenience. At GoTravelHunt, we help you compare these options to find the perfect fit for your journey.

Scoring the Best International Flight Deals from the US

If you’re dreaming of exploring Europe from the US, you can find incredible deals that make your adventure surprisingly affordable with some smart planning.

world map with flight paths from US to top destinations - best and cheapest airlines

Major Carriers vs. Budget Options for International Travel

For international flights, you can choose between traditional major carriers (United, American, Delta) and budget options. Major carriers typically include bags, meals, and entertainment, and their total cost can be surprisingly competitive. For instance, United Airlines often ranks as one of the cheapest for flights from the US to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Checking United’s vacation packages can offer even better value.

Long-haul budget airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways, PLAY, and French Bee offer rock-bottom base fares for transatlantic flights, but charge extra for everything from bags to meals. Scoot is recognized as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline, primarily serving Asian routes. The best choice depends on your travel style: do you value comfort and convenience, or are you a minimalist packer focused solely on the lowest price?

At GoTravelHunt, we make it easy to compare these options side-by-side using our flight scanner cheap flights. We also specialize in travel packages for Paris, France and other European destinations, which often provide better overall value.

Example Deals to Popular Destinations

Flight prices are constantly shifting, but to give you a sense of what’s possible, here are some incredible deals we’ve spotted recently from the US to Europe.

We’ve seen New York to London for as low as $128, and New York to Paris for $144. From Miami to London, flights have dropped to $145, while Washington to Iceland hit $152. We’ve also tracked Orlando to London for $153 and Boston to Iceland for $154. Scandinavian routes have been attractive, with New York to Oslo at $160 and Miami to Norway at $173.

German destinations have offered fantastic value, with Miami to Berlin at $175 and New York to Berlin at $269. West Coast travelers saw Las Vegas to London at $177 and Los Angeles to Paris at $255. Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, and Rome have all seen sub-$250 fares from various US cities, including New York to Amsterdam ($194), Boston to Barcelona ($202), and New York to Athens ($210).

These examples show that with flexibility, European travel doesn’t have to drain your savings. Sometimes flying into a neighboring city and taking a train can save hundreds. Being flexible with your dates and airports can also make a huge difference, so checking for cheap flights in July or browsing cheap flights in July to anywhere can reveal hidden opportunities.

A word of advice: these deals disappear quickly. When an exceptional fare pops up, it often sells out within hours. If you spot a price that works for your budget, it’s usually best to book it. The best and cheapest airlines offer incredible value when you catch them at the right moment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Affordable Flights

When you’re hunting for the best and cheapest airlines, a few questions come up again and again. Let’s tackle the most important ones.

What is the difference between a low-cost and an ultra-low-cost airline?

Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) like Southwest and JetBlue balance low fares with some included amenities, like free bags (Southwest) or more legroom and free Wi-Fi (JetBlue). They strike a balance between affordability and comfort.

Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) like Frontier and Spirit offer a “Bare Fare” that covers only your seat on the plane. Everything else—including carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat selection—costs extra. ULCCs also tend to have less legroom (as little as 28 inches compared to the 30-32 inches on most traditional airlines).

Are budget airlines always the cheapest option?

No, not always. A ULCC’s low base fare can quickly become more expensive than a major carrier’s ticket once you add fees for bags and seat selection. Always calculate the total trip cost by adding the base fare and all necessary ancillary fees before booking. A $150 ticket on a major airline that includes a bag might be cheaper than a $49 ULCC fare plus $110 in fees for bags and a seat assignment.

What are the best and cheapest airlines for international travel?

For minimalist travelers, long-haul ULCCs like Norse Atlantic Airways and PLAY can offer the cheapest transatlantic fares. However, for most people, major carriers like United Airlines provide better overall value on international routes, with bags and meals included. In Asia, Scoot is the top long-haul LCC. Within Europe, look to Eurowings, Volotea, and Transavia France.

The smartest approach is to use GoTravelHunt’s flight scanner to compare all your options side by side. Don’t forget to check for bundled deals like jetblue vacation packages or American Airlines Vacations that can save you money on both flights and accommodations.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Flight Plan for Affordable Travel

Finding the best and cheapest airlines is about understanding total value, not just the ticket price. As we’ve covered, the cheapest fare can have hidden costs, while the best airlines balance affordability with reliability and the services you actually need.

The airlines leading the pack in 2025 prove that budget travel doesn’t have to mean poor quality. AirAsia continues its winning streak, Scoot makes long-haul budget travel comfortable, and Eurowings offers pleasant European travel. Meanwhile, carriers like Southwest and JetBlue remind us that paying a bit more upfront can save money when bags are included.

For international adventures—especially from the US to Europe—remember that flexibility is your superpower. Flying into a less popular airport or traveling on a weekday can mean the difference between a $700 ticket and a $200 one.

The biggest lesson? Always calculate the total trip cost. A $49 base fare isn’t so magical once you add fees for bags and seat selection, which can make it more expensive than a traditional carrier’s fare.

At GoTravelHunt, we’ve built our platform to cut through this confusion. Our flight scanner helps you compare real costs, not just advertised ones. Our guides break down the fine print, and our curated deals—from vacation packages to seasonal flight deals—are handpicked to deliver genuine value.

Whether you’re planning a dream trip to Paris or exploring Europe’s hidden gems, you now have the knowledge to fly smarter. You know which airlines deliver on their promises and how to spot real deals.

Your next adventure is waiting. And with the right approach, it’s more affordable than you think.

Ready to start planning? Explore more budget travel guides and find how we can help turn your travel dreams into reality—without emptying your bank account.