When it comes to traveling, finding affordable flights is always a top priority. Luckily, the United States is home to several budget airlines and travel platforms like CheapOAir that offer great deals and discounts to help you fly for less. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, here are the best 7 cheap airlines in the USA, along with resources like CheapOAir, that can help you save money on your next flight.
Southwest Airlines:
Southwest is known for its low fares, though checked bags stopped being free in 2025 and now cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second. With a vast network of destinations, Southwest offers affordable flights to popular cities across the country.
JetBlue Airways:
JetBlue is a favorite among budget travelers, offering comfortable seats, free in-flight entertainment, and complimentary snacks and beverages. They also have a loyalty program that allows you to earn points for future flights.
Frontier Airlines:
Frontier offers low base fares and charges for extras. However, they often have promotions and discounts that can make their flights incredibly affordable.
Allegiant Air:
Allegiant focuses on serving smaller airports and offers non-stop flights to popular vacation destinations. Their fares are often lower than other airlines, making them a great option for leisure travelers.
Sun Country Airlines:
Sun Country is a budget airline that provides affordable flights to both domestic and international destinations. They offer a range of fare options, including basic economy and first class, allowing you to choose what suits your needs and budget.
Alaska Airlines:
While not always considered a budget airline, Alaska Airlines offers competitive fares, especially for flights along the West Coast. They also have a generous loyalty program called Alaska Mileage Plus that can help you earn free flights.
Hawaiian Airlines:
If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is your best bet for affordable flights. They offer great deals on inter-island travel, as well as flights to and from the mainland.
When booking with any of these airlines or using platforms like CheapOAir, it's important to read the fine print and understand any additional fees or restrictions. While they may offer lower fares, they often have strict baggage policies and charge for extras that other airlines include for free. However, with a little planning and flexibility, you can take advantage of these budget airlines and travel platforms to fly for less, allowing you to save money for your travel adventures.
Updated 2026-09-16: Southwest checked-bag fees brought in line with southwest.com as cited in our cheapest US airlines guide ($45 first bag, $55 second, since 2025); southwest.com itself could not be re-read (404 on every baggage page tried, 2026-09-15 and 2026-09-16). Duplicate Sun Country and Allegiant sections were removed, so the list now covers eight carriers.
Updated October 2, 2026: Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026, announcing an orderly wind-down and canceling all flights. We removed the Spirit entry from this list, so it now covers seven carriers rather than eight, and updated the headline count to match.
