Low-cost air travel has grown exponentially in recent decades as airlines around the world develop more and more routes and methods to make airfare affordable for even the most budget-conscious traveler.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at the best low-cost airlines for 2024-2025. The list of the best low-cost airlines takes into account factors such as safety according to the latest AirlineRatings data and the availability of additional services such as a loyalty program, in-flight entertainment and the availability of a menu.
Low-cost airline rating
10. "Victory"
Our rating is opened by Aeroflot's subsidiary, which some travelers criticize like crazy, while others defend it: "You need to read the terms and conditions carefully, and there won't be any problems."
Russia's first low-cost airline, as Pobeda calls itself, flies to hundreds of destinations in Russia and Europe. During promotions, you can buy a ticket for 1,000 rubles, but Pobeda does not end up in the red, since it charges for literally everything - from choosing a seat and (or) a chair with increased legroom to transporting sports equipment and a pet.
9. WestJet
The low-cost carrier is Canada's second-largest after Air Canada, with 109 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as long-haul flights to Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
WestJet offers its passengers extensive in-flight entertainment options such as live TV and Wi-Fi, as well as a fairly extensive in-flight dining service.
8. Norwegian
One of the best low-cost airlines in Europe, it is the 8th largest European airline, the largest in Scandinavia and the sixth largest low-cost airline in the world.
Low-cost carrier Norwegian has won numerous industry awards for its service and passenger quality, and has placed orders for more than 100 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to expand its fleet.
Norwegian has one of the most extensive flight maps among low-cost carriers, serving 150 destinations in 35 countries on 4 continents.
This low-cost airline, unlike most of its competitors, gives customers free access to Wi-Fi and has its own loyalty program. In other words, the more you fly with Norwegian, the more points you earn. These points can be used not only to buy other plane tickets, but also to book hotels and rent cars.
7. Wizz Air
This is a low-cost airline from Budapest, founded in 2003. In addition to flights between all major destinations and countries in Europe, including Iceland, it has expanded its routes to include scheduled flights to destinations such as Kazakhstan, the UAE, and many places in the Middle East and Central Asia.
6. JetBlue
JetBlue is the sixth largest airline in the United States, combining affordable domestic and international routes with quality customer service and a comfortable experience that doesn't leave you feeling like you're on a crowded flying shuttle.
The company has passed the rigorous International Air Transport Association (IOSA) Operational Safety Audit and has an excellent safety record.
With low prices and in-flight amenities like free snacks, JetBlue TV entertainment, and ample legroom, JetBlue has become a serious competitor to both major airlines and low-cost carriers.
5. Ryanair
One of the world's leading low-cost carriers, it is so popular with travellers that it carried more passengers in 2016 than any other European airline.
How does RyanAir do it? The low-cost carrier has a fleet of more than 400 Boeing 737 aircraft that serve destinations in 32 European countries, as well as Morocco and Israel.
There are a few important things to remember: Ryanair flights often depart to a different airport than the main destination. For example, if you fly to Paris with Ryanair, you may arrive at Paris-Vatry Airport, which is actually 150 km from the city centre!
In other words, if you are flying with Ryanair or any other low-cost airline, make sure you know exactly which airport you will be landing at. And calculate the cost of transport to get to the city centre if the airport is far away.
4. Air Arabia
The UAE's leading low-cost carrier flies to 170 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The airline has a loyalty program called AirRewards, which allows regular customers to use accumulated points to pay for air tickets, meals and baggage. In addition, on the website of this low-cost airline, you can pre-select your preferred dishes from the Sky Café menu.
3. AirAsia
AirAsia, based in Malaysia, is Asia's largest low-cost airline. It flies to 400 destinations in 25 countries. In many of these countries, the company has its own network of budget hotels.
AirAsia offers a Santan menu with the option to purchase food, drinks and duty free items on board. However, pre-purchase of Santan meals is available at a lower price than on board and with additional choice.
The airline maintains low fares and has some of the most efficient performance and operating costs in the industry. At the same time, AirAsia has repeatedly received awards for its service and overall performance. Skytrax has consistently named AirAsia the world's best low-cost airline for 11 years, including its most recent award in 2019.
2. Vueling
It is a Spanish low-cost airline founded in 2004 and headquartered in Barcelona.
From the start, Vueling has become known for offering cheap and convenient flights to certain destinations, especially between Barcelona and Ibiza.
The low-cost carrier now also operates regular weekly flights between many major European cities such as Paris, Brussels and Lisbon.
While Vueling is not one of the oldest or most popular budget airlines, it is among the most respected and best low-cost options in Europe.
1. EasyJet
EasyJet's orange livery has become synonymous with affordability and convenience in air travel in recent years, with the UK-based airline serving destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide.
EasyJet's advertising slogan is "making flying as affordable as a pair of jeans," and it's not just about designer jeans. A flight from Paris to London, for example, costs less than $40.
EasyJet also operates easyJetHotels, a service that connects flight bookers with hotels at their destination, helping them quickly book an affordable and convenient holiday package online.
Another benefit of the low-cost airline is that EasyJet passengers are more likely to fly into the main airport of their destination city, which has helped make the airline very popular with business travellers.
Frequent EasyJet travellers are advised to book their tickets with Flexifares, which allows them to rebook their tickets for another day without any extra charges or penalties.
Low-cost airlines: what they save on and why you should read the fine print
A low-cost airline is an airline that offers the lowest prices for flights at the expense of most passenger services. This may include no meals on board, minimal luggage, or no amenities on board.
Most low-cost airlines operate a single type of aircraft, so the flight and maintenance crews are trained to work with only one aircraft model. This reduces maintenance costs.
In addition, low-cost airlines only operate flights at certain (often inconvenient) times, or they fly in and out of secondary rather than primary airports that are some distance from the desired city.
On the low-cost airlines themselves, many features are cut or removed entirely. For example, on Ryanair and Pobeda flights, seats do not recline, and most carriers have strict rules regarding carry-on baggage allowances, requiring payment for in-flight food and drinks – if there is a menu at all.
One thing you should definitely remember before buying a cheap flight is to read the fine print. Low-cost airlines often have hidden costs for things that are free on regular airlines. For example, check-in at the airport is a paid service. And if you have a lot of luggage, a low-cost airline is not the best option because the cost of carrying your luggage may be higher than the cost of the flight itself.
What does all this mean? Essentially, you’re giving up some of the conveniences of traditional airlines in exchange for prices that make air travel more affordable than ever. The rise of low-cost carriers has changed the concept of flying for countless people who no longer view air travel as a luxury.
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