Budget International Airlines: Your Guide to Affordable Travel Abroad

Key takeaways

• Budget airlines focus on affordability. They offer low base fares but charge for extras like baggage, seat selection, and food. Passengers can save money by booking early and packing light.
• Some of the best budget airlines to fly internationally from the US to Europe include LEVEL and Play Airlines. Affordable airlines for Asia travel include AirAsia and Zipair, while Sky Airline and JetSmart work for South America travel.
• To maximize savings when booking a budget flight, book directly with the airline, factor in extra costs like baggage and seat selection, and be prepared for limited customer service and basic in-flight amenities.
• Going is known for sending flight deals to its members that it’d only send to its parents—and that goes for international budget airlines as well. Download the Going app and sign up for a Premium or Elite membership to receive international flight deals—even those occasional ones on budget international airlines—right to your phone. 

Prospective members of Going often ask us if the flight alerts we send members are for flights that are any good. Are the deals we’re telling them about on terrible airlines with exorbitant fees? Do these cheap flights have miserable routing with four stops and six-hour layovers? 

Nope. Never. In fact, we only send deals that meet specific criteria. Among the requirements: a humane schedule and availability on reputable airlines. Sometimes those airlines are the big name legacy carriers like American, Lufthansa, and Qantas, and sometimes they’re budget carriers—but they’re always airlines we’d recommend to our parents (and we actually like our parents). Sign up for a Premium or Elite membership today to receive international deals delivered right to your phone via the Going app!

It’s natural to be skeptical about some of these international budget airlines if you’ve never flown them before. If you’re searching for flights and getting rock-bottom prices, you might feel there must be a catch. Sometimes there are catches, usually in the form of extra fees, but not all budget airlines are created equal.

Here, we break down the best and worst of the budget international airlines that fly from the US and detail the fees they charge for "extras" like baggage, assigned seats, and meals. 

What are budget international airlines?

Budget international airlines are low-cost carriers that operate flights between countries while offering more affordable ticket prices compared to traditional full-service airlines. These airlines typically cut down on additional services to reduce costs, such as charging for checked luggage, meals, or seat selection, and may have fewer amenities on board. However, they often provide a no-frills experience with an emphasis on getting passengers from point A to point B economically.

Some well known budget airlines (international) around the world include: 

• Europe: LEVEL, Play 
• Asia: AirAsia, Zipair
• South America: Sky Airline, JetSmart

How budget airlines differ from traditional carriers

Budget airlines differ from traditional carriers in several key ways, primarily in their pricing models, onboard experience, and routing options.

• Pricing: Budget airlines offer low base fares with additional fees for services like baggage, seating, and meals, while traditional carriers include most services in the ticket price, resulting in higher overall costs.
• Services: Budget airlines provide minimal in-flight services (often no meals or entertainment), while traditional carriers offer more comfort, meals, drinks, and entertainment, especially on longer flights.
• Routing: Budget airlines focus on short-haul, regional routes and fly to secondary airports, while traditional carriers offer extensive international networks with flights from major airports and better connection options.

Other areas where budget airlines and traditional carriers differ include baggage allowances, comfort, flight schedules, customer service, and loyalty programs. 

Key features of low-cost international airlines

Low-cost international airlines offer lower base fares by cutting non-essential services, with additional fees for extras like baggage, seat selection, and meals. They typically operate point-to-point routes, often flying into secondary airports to save on costs. These airlines use a simplified fleet and focus on maximizing cabin density, leading to a more basic in-flight experience with fewer amenities. Customer service tends to be more limited, as well, with less flexibility on changes or cancellations, all aimed at keeping fares affordable.

Top budget airlines for international travel

When it comes to finding affordable international flights, budget airlines are often the go-to option for savvy travelers. Here are some of the top budget airlines that provide great value for money on international routes.

Best budget airlines for Europe

LEVEL Airlines

If you’re flying to Barcelona or Paris, LEVEL is a solid, low-cost option. A subsidiary of Iberia (Spain’s flagship carrier), LEVEL is a relatively new European carrier with flights from Boston, San Francisco, and New York to Barcelona, and from NYC to Paris. Since it’s a new airline it doesn’t offer as much flexibility when it comes to travel dates or airport locations, but prices are consistently cheap. The planes are also modern and come with free entertainment systems.

• Carry-on and personal items: Included
• Checked bag: Starting around $57
• Seat selection: Starting around $33
• Meals: Varies, typically $4–$15

Play Airlines

Play Airlines is a budget-friendly Icelandic airline that offers affordable flights primarily between Europe and North America. Founded in 2019, Play features a modern fleet and straightforward booking process, catering to travelers who seek a cost-effective way to travel without extra amenities. 

• Personal item: Free
• Carry-on: About $18–$25
• Checked bag: Starting at $35–$45
• Seat selection: From $5–$30 for standard seats
• Food and drink: Varies, typically $3–$15

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Affordable airlines for flights to Asia

AirAsia

AirAsia is one of the most popular budget airlines in Asia, offering affordable flights to a vast network of destinations across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and even Australia. Known for its no-frills service and competitive fares, AirAsia is an excellent option for travelers seeking cheap flights without the added luxuries of full-service carriers. 

• Personal item: Free
• Carry-on: $5–$20
• Checked bag: $10–$30
• Seat selection: $3–$15
• Food and drinks: Varies, typically $3–$10

Zipair

Zipair, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, is a budget carrier offering international flights from Japan to destinations in Asia, the US, and more. Known for its focus on value and service, Zipair provides a more streamlined, budget-friendly flying experience while maintaining a level of comfort that many low-cost carriers lack. 

• Personal item and carry-on: Free (check size restrictions, as they may be different from other carriers)
• Checked bag: $15–$40
• Seat selection: $10–$30
• Food and drink: Varies, typically $5–$12

Low-cost airlines for South America

Sky Airline

Sky Airline is a Chilean low-cost carrier that offers affordable flights to various destinations across South America, including Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. Known for its punctuality and excellent customer service, Sky Airline is a top choice for travelers who want to fly on a budget without sacrificing comfort. 

• Personal item: Free
• Carry-on: About $10–$20
• Checked bag: About $20–$40
• Seat selection: About $5–$15
• Food and drink: Varies, typically $5–$12

JetSmart

JetSmart is an Argentine low-cost airline for international travel that operates both domestic and international flights within South America, with a strong focus on expanding affordable travel options for budget-conscious passengers. JetSmart stands out for its no-frills approach, offering low-cost fares while maintaining a high level of safety and efficiency. 

• Personal item: Free
• Carry-on: About $8–$20
• Checked bag: About $15–$35
• Seat selection: About $5–$15
• Food and drink: Varies, typically $4–$10

JetSmart also offers "Smart Flex" for flexibility with changes to flights and added benefits like priority boarding.

Tips for booking with budget international airlines

Because budget airlines operate a bit differently than traditional carriers when it comes to pricing, routing, in-flight amenities, and more, there are also a few different flight hacks that can ensure you get the cheapest flight when booking with a low-cost carrier. 

Book early and watch for sales

Budget airlines typically offer the lowest fares when tickets are booked well in advance, so planning ahead can save you money. Additionally, be on the lookout for special promotions or flash sales that often occur, especially during off-peak seasons, for even cheaper tickets.

Factor in extra fees

While budget airlines offer low base fares, they often charge extra for items like checked baggage, seat selection, and food. Always check the airline’s fees before booking to get a full picture of the total cost of your trip and avoid surprise charges at the airport.

Prepare for basic services

Budget airlines often don’t provide in-flight meals, entertainment, or extra comforts, so it’s important to come prepared. Pack your own snacks, entertainment, and essentials like a neck pillow or blanket to make your flight more enjoyable, especially on longer journeys.

Be prepared for limited customer support

Budget airlines may offer fewer customer service options compared to full-service carriers, especially when it comes to flight changes or cancellations. It’s a good idea to review the airline's policies on rebooking and refunds before your trip and consider purchasing travel insurance—or looking into the travel insurance offered by your credit card—if you want extra peace of mind.

How to maximize savings on budget flights

Use flexible travel dates

Budget airlines often offer the lowest fares on specific days or times. If your travel dates are flexible, use fare comparison tools to find the cheapest days to fly, which can make a significant difference in ticket prices.

Book directly on the airline's website 

Many budget airlines reserve their best prices for those who book directly through their official websites, bypassing third-party booking fees. Additionally, booking directly may offer the ability to add services like baggage or seat selection at a lower cost.

Avoid extra costs by packing light

Many budget airlines charge high fees for checked luggage and large carry-ons. To save money, pack light and stick to the free carry-on baggage allowance, or purchase baggage options in advance, as they are usually cheaper when booked early.

Hidden fees to watch out for

Baggage fees

Budget airlines often offer low base fares but charge extra for checked baggage and even carry-on luggage beyond the allowed weight or size limits. Make sure to check the airline’s baggage policy and fees before booking to avoid surprises at the airport.

Seat selection fees

Many budget airlines charge for seat selection, including extra fees for more comfortable or premium seats (like those with extra legroom). If you don’t mind random seat assignments, you can avoid this charge, but if you prefer specific seating, it’s important to account for this cost.

Food and drink costs

Most international budget airlines don’t include meals or complimentary beverages on board. You’ll often have to pay for snacks and drinks, which can add up on longer flights. Bring your own snacks or be prepared for extra charges if you need refreshments during the flight.

Change and cancellation fees

Many budget airlines offer nonrefundable tickets or charge high fees for any changes or cancellations to your flight. Be sure to check the airline’s policies regarding flight changes and cancellations before booking, especially if your travel plans might change.

Why choose budget airlines for international trips

Budget airlines are an excellent choice for international travelers looking to save money on airfare. These carriers offer significantly lower ticket prices compared to traditional airlines by cutting out nonessential services and focusing on a streamlined flying experience. If you're flexible with your travel dates and don't mind forgoing extras, budget airlines can make international travel more affordable and accessible.

Balancing affordability and comfort

While budget airlines are known for offering lower fares, this often means fewer amenities and more basic services. To balance affordability and comfort, passengers can prepare by packing light, bringing their own snacks, and opting for add-ons like extra legroom or priority boarding only when necessary. By understanding the trade-offs and planning accordingly, you can make the most of both savings and comfort during your journey.

When budget airlines are the best choice

Budget airlines are often the best choice for short to medium-haul international trips where cost is the primary consideration. They are perfect for travelers who don’t mind the lack of frills and are willing to pay for additional services only as needed. Additionally, budget airlines can be a great option for those with flexible travel plans or last-minute trips, as they often offer great deals for spontaneous getaways.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, budget international airlines offer a viable and affordable option for travelers looking to save on airfare, provided they are prepared for additional fees and basic services. By understanding the trade-offs and planning ahead, passengers can enjoy low-cost flights with budget airlines while still getting to their destination comfortably. Whether for short or medium-haul trips, these carriers cater to savvy travelers who prioritize cost over luxury.

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