Budget airlines have revolutionized travel in the United States, letting you cross the country for less than the cost of a nice dinner out. But here’s the catch: the cheapest advertised fare is rarely the cheapest actual trip. Between bag fees, seat selection charges, and add-on costs, that $29 fare can balloon to $120 before you’ve even boarded.
This guide ranks the 12 cheapest airlines in the USA for 2026 — not just by advertised fares, but by realistic all-in prices for a typical budget traveler. We’ve compared base fares, bag fees, seat fees, and route networks to show you which carrier actually saves you money, and on which routes.
How We Ranked the Cheapest Airlines
Our rankings consider the full picture, not just headline fares. We looked at average base fares on domestic routes, checked baggage fees, carry-on fees (where applicable), seat assignment costs, the size and convenience of each route network, and on-time performance. An airline that advertises $39 fares but charges $75 for a checked bag loses to one with $59 fares and a $35 bag fee.
We also factored in hidden-value perks: some budget carriers include a free personal item, offer low-cost bundles, or fly into convenient primary airports instead of distant secondary ones. These details matter when you’re comparing the true cost of getting from A to B.
1. Spirit Airlines
Spirit remains the undisputed king of rock-bottom base fares in 2026. You’ll routinely find one-way fares between $25 and $60 on competitive routes. The catch is the fee menu: carry-on bags cost $50–$65 when purchased online ($79 at the gate), checked bags run $55–$75, and seat assignments are $10–$50.
Best for: travelers flying with just a personal item who don’t care where they sit. If you can pack light, nobody beats Spirit’s all-in prices on major routes.
2. Frontier Airlines
Frontier matches Spirit on base fares, typically $30–$65 one-way, and often undercuts it on western US routes. Bag fees are similar: $50–$65 for carry-ons, $55–$75 for checked bags. Frontier’s stretch seating option gives budget travelers a rare comfort upgrade at a reasonable price.
Best for: Denver-based travelers and anyone flying mountain-west routes, where Frontier’s network is strongest.
3. Allegiant Air
Allegiant specializes in direct flights from small and mid-size cities to leisure destinations — think Des Moines to Las Vegas, or Asheville to Orlando. Base fares of $35–$70 are common. Bag fees run $35–$50 for checked bags, which is gentler than the ultra-low-cost giants.
Best for: travelers in smaller cities who want nonstop leisure flights without connecting through a hub.
4. Southwest Airlines
Southwest isn’t the cheapest on base fare — expect $60–$130 one-way — but it includes two free checked bags, no change fees, and no seat assignment fees. For travelers checking luggage, Southwest frequently wins on all-in price. The open seating policy means no paying extra for your seat.
Best for: anyone checking bags. Two free checked bags (worth $120+ on competitors) often makes Southwest the true cheapest option.
5. JetBlue Airways
JetBlue’s Blue Basic fares start around $55–$110 one-way. While pricier than ultra-low-cost carriers, you get more legroom than any competitor, free Wi-Fi, and free snacks. Bag fees are $35–$45 for the first checked bag on basic fares.
Best for: travelers who want budget prices without budget misery — the best comfort-per-dollar in the industry.
6. Sun Country Airlines
This Minneapolis-based carrier offers fares of $45–$95 one-way with a surprisingly pleasant experience. Checked bags are $35–$50, and the airline has expanded well beyond its Minnesota roots to serve leisure routes nationwide.
Best for: Midwest travelers heading to warm-weather destinations.
7. Breeze Airways
Breeze flies point-to-point routes that bigger airlines ignore, with fares from $40–$90 one-way. The “Nice,” “Nicer,” and “Nicest” fare bundles let you pay only for what you need. Checked bags on the base fare run $35–$45.
Best for: underserved city pairs — Breeze often has the only nonstop flight on its routes.
8. Avelo Airlines
Avelo focuses on small airports with rock-bottom fares of $35–$80 one-way. Fewer crowds, cheaper parking, and faster boarding at small airports add hidden savings. Bag fees are $35–$50.
Best for: travelers near the small airports Avelo serves — the whole trip gets cheaper, not just the ticket.
9. Alaska Airlines
Alaska’s fares ($70–$140 one-way) put it in the mid-range, but its $35 first-checked-bag fee, excellent on-time record, and generous loyalty program make it a value standout on west coast routes. Companion fare deals can halve the cost for couples.
Best for: West Coast travelers who fly often enough to benefit from the loyalty program.
10. Hawaiian Airlines
For island travel, Hawaiian’s inter-island fares of $50–$90 are unbeatable, and mainland-to-Hawaii routes from $120–$250 one-way compete well. The first checked bag is $30–$40, and you get a genuinely pleasant flying experience.
Best for: anyone flying to, from, or within Hawaii — no competitor touches these routes on price.
11. American Airlines (Basic Economy)
American’s basic economy fares ($70–$140 one-way) rarely beat budget carriers on price, but its massive network means more schedule options. Watch out: basic economy includes no free checked bags ($35+) and no changes.
Best for: travelers who need schedule flexibility and specific timing that budget carriers can’t offer.
12. Delta Air Lines (Basic Economy)
Delta rounds out the list with basic economy fares of $75–$150. You’re paying for reliability — Delta consistently leads in on-time performance — not for low prices. First checked bag is $35.
Best for: travelers who prioritize reliability and are willing to pay a small premium for it.
Bag Fees: The Real Price Comparison
Here’s where the rankings get real. Let’s compare a hypothetical $200 round trip with one checked bag:
- Spirit: $80 base + $120 bags = $200 all-in
- Frontier: $85 base + $120 bags = $205 all-in
- Allegiant: $95 base + $80 bags = $175 all-in
- Southwest: $180 base + $0 bags = $180 all-in
- JetBlue: $160 base + $80 bags = $240 all-in
Notice how Southwest — with the highest base fare — lands in the middle on all-in price? That’s why smart budget travelers always calculate the total trip cost before booking.
7 Tips to Actually Fly for Less
1. Pack in a personal item. Every ultra-low-cost carrier allows a free personal item (usually 18″ x 14″ x 8″). Master the art of packing light and Spirit’s $29 fares stay $29.
2. Buy bags online, early. Bag fees are always cheapest when purchased during booking — gate prices can be double.
3. Skip seat selection. Random seat assignment is free. The odds of getting separated from a companion on a half-full flight are lower than you think.
4. Fly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are routinely 20–30% cheaper than weekend flights on every carrier.
5. Use fare alerts. Set up price tracking on your routes and book when fares dip — budget carrier prices swing wildly.
6. Consider the bundle. Frontier’s and Spirit’s bundles (bags + seats) often cost less than buying each add-on separately.
7. Check Southwest first if checking bags. Two free checked bags make Southwest the default winner for luggage-heavy trips.
Which Cheap Airline Should You Book?
For the absolute lowest fare with no bags: Spirit or Frontier. For one checked bag: Allegiant, Southwest, or Breeze depending on the route. For comfort on a budget: JetBlue. For small-city nonstops: Allegiant or Avelo.
The cheapest airline is always the one with the lowest all-in price for your specific trip — bags, seats, and all. Run the numbers with our comparison above, and you’ll never overpay for a domestic flight again. For more ways to cut your travel costs, check our guide to cheap hotels across the USA and start planning a trip where both the flight and the stay fit your budget.
Not in a hurry? For some routes, the cheapest cruises in 2026 beat flying on per-night cost.
