When planning international travel on a budget, choosing the right airline can make a big difference. While budget airlines don’t offer the frills of full-service carriers, they can be a smart choice if you pack light, book early, and know what to expect. Here are some of the best budget airlines for international travel that are known for affordability, decent service, and wide route networks.
Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has gained popularity for offering budget long-haul flights to destinations in Europe, Australia, and across Asia. It’s especially convenient if you're flying in or out of Singapore, and it’s known for newer aircraft and decent service for the price.
Norwegian Air Shuttle is well-known in Europe and the U.S. for its low-cost transatlantic flights. Although it reduced operations during the pandemic, its affordable fares between Europe and North America are still a draw when available. The airline offers a clean and modern fleet with various fare options to match your budget.
Jetstar Airways, based in Australia, is a great option for flights across the Asia-Pacific region. It’s often used for connections between Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Southeast Asia. If you’re flying to or from Oceania, Jetstar is a strong contender for saving money.
LEVEL, based in Spain, is another good low-cost option for flights between Europe and North or South America. Though it's lesser-known, LEVEL sometimes offers incredibly low fares from major cities like Barcelona to places like Buenos Aires or New York.
ZIPAIR, a relatively new Japanese carrier, offers competitive fares between Tokyo and cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, and Bangkok. It blends affordability with a more modern travel experience, often with free in-flight Wi-Fi and sleek interiors.
Each of these airlines charges extra for things like checked bags, meals, and seat selection, so the key to saving is to travel light and plan ahead. Despite the added fees, these budget carriers can open the world to travelers who want to explore more for less.
Here are some more budget airlines that are popular for international travel and known for offering competitive fares across various regions:
Wizz Air is a Hungary-based airline that serves destinations across Europe and into parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. It’s particularly useful for travelers looking to explore Eastern Europe on a tight budget. Wizz Air frequently offers ultra-low fares, especially if you're flexible with travel dates and locations.
Viva Aerobus and Volaris are two leading low-cost airlines based in Mexico. They are excellent options for budget travel between Mexico, the United States, and some Central American countries. Their expanding route networks and frequent promotions make them appealing to North American travelers seeking affordable alternatives.
Ryanair, one of Europe’s most recognizable low-cost airlines, connects dozens of countries across the continent. While service is very no-frills and fees can add up, it’s hard to beat the base fares, which are often cheaper than the price of a meal. It's a go-to airline for quick hops around Europe.
easyJet is another major low-cost carrier in Europe. It offers a slightly more polished experience compared to Ryanair while still maintaining low fares. It serves a large number of destinations, making it convenient for travelers exploring Western and Southern Europe.
Peach Aviation is a Japanese budget airline ideal for short-haul international trips around East Asia. It offers flights to cities in South Korea, Taiwan, China, and more from its base in Osaka. It’s a reliable and affordable option for exploring Northeast Asia.
Cebu Pacific is a popular low-cost airline based in the Philippines. It’s great for both domestic and international travel around Southeast Asia, and it also offers long-haul flights to Australia and the Middle East at very competitive rates.
Flydubai, based in the UAE, is a budget-friendly airline that connects the Middle East to South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. While it's not as luxurious as Emirates, it benefits from Dubai's strategic location and offers solid connectivity at a fraction of the cost.
PLAY Airlines, based in Iceland, is a newer entrant on the low-cost transatlantic scene. It offers cheap flights between North America and Europe with a stopover in Reykjavik. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking to cross the Atlantic on a deal.
Each of these airlines can be a great way to travel internationally without overspending, especially if you're flexible and willing to trade off on comfort or extras. Always review the fine print to avoid unexpected fees and get the best value from your trip.
Here are even more budget airlines from around the world that offer international routes and are worth considering for affordable travel:
Spirit Airlines, based in the United States, is known for ultra-low fares to Latin America and the Caribbean. While the base ticket is very cheap, everything else—like bags, seat selection, and snacks—comes with extra charges. It’s a good option if you’re traveling light and prioritizing price over comfort.
Frontier Airlines is another U.S.-based carrier with a growing number of international routes, including destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Similar to Spirit, it’s best for travelers who can pack minimally and don’t mind skipping perks.
Sun Country Airlines, also based in the U.S., offers seasonal low-cost flights to destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It strikes a slightly better balance between affordability and service compared to the ultra-low-cost competitors.
Air Canada Rouge is the budget arm of Air Canada, designed for vacation travelers. It offers cheaper international flights primarily to leisure destinations in Europe, the U.S., and the Caribbean. Though not as cheap as others, it often includes more amenities in the fare.
Transavia, owned by the Air France-KLM group, is a well-regarded low-cost carrier based in the Netherlands and France. It connects Western Europe with North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. It’s especially convenient if you’re flying out of Paris or Amsterdam.
Jeju Air, a South Korean budget airline, is excellent for regional international travel across East Asia. It connects South Korea with Japan, China, the Philippines, and other nearby countries, making it ideal for affordable hops within the region.
T’way Air, another South Korean carrier, offers cheap international flights to countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Mongolia. It’s growing in popularity among travelers looking for low fares in East Asia.
VietJet Air, based in Vietnam, is known for rock-bottom prices on both domestic and international routes. It connects Vietnam to other Southeast Asian nations, as well as to destinations in South Korea, Japan, and Australia. It’s a solid pick for travelers exploring the region on a budget.
Air Arabia, based in the UAE, is the Middle East’s largest low-cost carrier. It connects the Gulf region with destinations in South Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. It’s a reliable option for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore multiple continents.
Nok Air and Thai Lion Air, based in Thailand, also offer cheap regional flights within Asia. They’re particularly useful for travelers hopping between Thailand and its neighboring countries.
Each of these airlines serves specific regions, so your choice will depend on where you’re traveling from and to. Booking early, traveling off-peak, and avoiding extras can help you get the best deals no matter which one you choose.
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