Cheap Airlines: Compare Costs and Find the Most Affordable Airline to Fly

Finding the Cheapest Airline That Meets Your Needs

When it comes to air travel, most people want to get the best value for their money. We’ve all been in the position of searching for the cheapest possible airline ticket. However, the lowest price isn’t always the best option. In this article, I’ll breakdown the top factors to consider and provide tips to help you find an affordable airline that still meets your needs.

Compare Multiple Airlines

The first step is to shop around and get quotes from all the major carriers serving your route. Sites like Expedia and Kayak make it easy to search multiple airlines at once to see who has the lowest fare. However, don’t just focus on the base ticket price – you’ll also want to factor in any checked bag fees or other potential extras each airline charges.

Consider Budget Airlines

Many budget carriers, like Spirit Airlines or Frontier, often have very low initial ticket costs. However, from my experience, the cheap base fare can end up costly once all the add-on fees are totaled. You may have to pay extra just to pick your seat assignment or carry on a personal item. It’s important to map out your entire trip costs with each airline to get an accurate comparison.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

In addition to add-on fees from budget carriers, all airlines are notorious for tacking on extra charges that aren’t always obvious upfront. Make sure to carefully review the baggage allowance, cancellation/change policies, and other terms with each airline. A seemingly cheaper option could end up more pricey if you have to pay fees for services like checking a bag that the other carriers include.

Consider Reward Programs

Most major airlines have generous frequent flyer programs that let you earn miles you can redeem for free flights. While the upfront cost may be higher, you could end up saving more in the long run if you can accumulate rewards. It’s worth evaluating if one airline’s mile earning structure could be more beneficial depending on your average travel needs and plans.

Flexibility is Key

Err on the side of flexibility, especially for budget. Opt for refundable or partially refundable tickets if possible in case plans change. Nonrefundable rates are usually the absolute cheapest, but you’ll lose your entire payment if the trip is canceled or rescheduled. An airline with reasonably priced change/cancel policies provides valuable protection if life throws you a curveball.

Consider On-Time Performance

All airlines experience delays, but some consistently arrive earlier than others. Search FAA on-time stats or your preferred airline’s websites to see how they compare historically. Being late can disrupt plans and cost you more in missed connections or additional hotel nights. A slightly higher fare may be worth it for an airline with strong on-time reliability.

Check Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Ensure the airline has a solid track record for customer service as issues arise every flight. Search review sites like Skytrax to get an idea of an airline’s performance according to real passenger reviews. Poor service ratings, constant complaints on social media, or a history of IT or operational meltdowns are red flags, even if the fare is lower.

Consider Your Airport

If flying out of a small regional airport, choices may be limited to one or two carriers. Larger hubs have more options. Also research how each airline operates out of your local airport – some consistently have longer check-in/security lines. Flew Spirit there before and it was kinda a nightmare. Not worth saving $50 for 3 extra hours in line!

Check If The Route Is Codeshared

1. Search routes on airline websites to see if they are marketed or codeshared.
2. Codesharing means one airline sells seats on another carrier’s plane but consolidates schedules/booking.
3. This allows you to reach destinations an airline doesn’t fly directly through their network.
4. But be aware that if your flight gets canceled or delayed, the operating airline is responsible for bumping or rebooking passengers, not the marketing carrier.

Confirm Airport Lounge Access

If you value relaxation during long layovers, check each airline’s lounge access policies. Some include access for all passengers, while others require elite status or paid memberships. Free food/drinks, WiFi, and spacious seating can make a huge difference on those long travel days. Access may justify paying a little extra for the right airline.

Consider Elite Status Perks

If you fly frequently for work, certain airlines may offer better return for your miles thanks to perks like upgrades, priority check-in/security, free baggage/upgrades. Over time, waay better use of frequent flyer points makes up for paying marginally more per segment. Do the math to see which program could provide the best long term value based on your travel patterns.

Watch for Sales and Special Promotions

Setting flight alerts on Google Flights or travel sites is a good way to catch discounted rates. Airlines routinely offer sales and promo fares, so timing your search can yield significant savings. Subscribing to an airline’s email list keeps you in the loop on deals. However, promo seats are limited so book ASAP when you find a great price.

Consider Flying on Weekdays

Midday and midweek flights tend to be cheaper as people prefer weekends. Some routes see 30-50% lower fares from Tuesday-Thursday. So be flexible on your dates if saving money is the top priority. Just remember most sales/deals require Saturday night stays or have limited award/regular fares on weekends.

In the end, finding the right balance of affordability and meeting your priorities depends on your unique situation and travel needs. Do thorough research across multiple factors, not just the ticket cost alone. With some sleuthing, I’m confident you can land a very decent fare on a reliable airline to suit your budget. Safe travels!

Cheapest Airlines Comparison

Airline	Average Domestic Fare	Baggage Fees	Change/Cancel Fees	Seat Selection Fees
Spirit Airlines	$100	$60 for first checked bag	$100 per passenger to change a flight	$30-$50 to select a seat at booking
Frontier Airlines	$150	$60 for first checked bag	$100 per passenger to change a flight	$0-$59 to select a seat at booking
JetBlue	$175	First checked bag free	$100 per passenger to change a flight	$0-$40 to select a seat at booking

FAQ

1. Who is generally considered the cheapest major airline?

   Spirit Airlines is often thought to be the most inexpensive big airline. They basically charge very low base fares but then charge extra fees for like, everything else. You gotta pay extra if you want to pick your seat or bring a bag. But hey, at least the ticket is cheap, right?

   

2. What other airlines offer low fares?

   Frontier is another one known for their super affordable flights. Sometimes you can find really good deals on JetBlue too. I’ve also spotted some great prices on Southwest recently. So those are some other options to check if you’re looking to save some dough on your plane tickets.

3. How much can fees increase the total cost?

   Extra fees can really add up! A budget ticket might be like $50, but then fees for baggage, carry on, seating, etc. could bring the total to over $100. And that’s just unpleasantly surprising. But I guess at least the core fare is low, though then it’s kinda misleading. Maybe the airlines should just be upfront with the full cost, y’know?

4. Is it better to pay more for a full-service airline?

   While the ultra-low-cost carriers have the lowest base fares, you often get what you pay for. The bigger airlines tend to have better amenities like included snacks and beverages, entertainment options, and charging stations. You don’t have to pay extra just to bring a bag. And their customer service is generally less awful. So in the long run, it may not be much more to fly a “real” airline. Just sayin’.

5. How far in advance should I book a budget airline to get the best deal?

   Most experts agree that booking 6-8 weeks out is typically the sweet spot to grab the cheapest flights on an airline like Spirit. Any closer and prices will go up as seats fill. But booking super early has its risks – you’re on the hook if your dates change. At the same time, keep an eye out for last minute deals too. Sometimes you can score a great price only a couple weeks before departure. It’s kind of a gamble!

6. What hidden costs should I be aware of?

   In addition to checked and carry-on bag fees, don’t forget about things like seat assignments, ticket changes or cancellations, extras like premium cabins, curbside check in, and priority boarding. Then you gotta pay if you want to use a credit card to book. Read all the fine print! Hidden costs are how they getcha. Best to budget extra just in case of any unexpected charges.

   

7. Is flying a low-cost airline worth the hassle?

   It’s debatable if dealing with all the potential added costs and annoyances of a true budget airline is worth saving like, 30 bucks. I mean, your time and sanity have value too, right? Perhaps it makes more sense if you’re just touring around somewhere with only a carry-on – then you avoid a lot of the extra charges. But overall, it seems the “full service” airlines are a better choice if the price difference isn’t huge. Convenience has its own price for sure.