Flying in 2025 can be cheaper than you think if you know which airlines to trust. The budget market is crowded with offers that promise big savings, but not all deliver. Pick the wrong one and your “deal” could cost far more after baggage, seat, and service fees. Pick the right one and unlock the lowest cost per mile without sacrificing safety or reliability. We have ranked the top budget airlines worldwide so you can spot the real bargains.
Whether you are chasing the sun or visiting family, make sure you book with the carrier that keeps your wallet full and your journey smooth.
Every year, Skytrax runs the numbers and asks passengers for their say before naming the world’s best budget airlines. For 2025, the review looked at ticket prices, comfort levels, on-time records, and how easy it is to reach different destinations.
AirAsia kept its top spot, showing again why it’s a go-to for affordable flights across Asia. Scoot followed, earning praise for low-cost long-haul options. In India, IndiGo ranked as the best budget airline for its mix of punctual flights and wide domestic network.
Europe saw Wizz Air, Ryanair, Eurowings and Vueling making the cut with strong regional coverage and fair pricing. Rounding out the list were Volotea, Transavia, Iberia Express, Flynas, and EasyJet, each with its own loyal customer base and regional strengths.
For anyone planning 2025 travel on a budget, this list is a solid place to start.
Why pay more for the same seat? Ultra-low-cost carriers in 2025 are showing travelers how to fly for a fraction of what big-name airlines charge. Unlike regular low-cost carriers, ULCCs take a zero-excess approach. You get the seat, you choose any add-ons, and you keep the savings.
In 2025, the cheapest airlines in the United States are proving that the model works. Frontier Airlines tops the chart at $0.0985 per mile. Spirit Airlines follows at $0.1110 with its no-nonsense “bare fare. Allegiant continues to win over travelers looking for the cheapest vacation flights without sacrificing destination choice.
These prices can be 30 to 50 percent lower than those of legacy carriers. If you skip ULCCs this year, you are paying extra for nothing.
When it comes to the best budget airlines in Asia-Pacific 2025, AirAsia stays on top with network reach and affordability, while IndiGo dominates India’s skies with punctual and cost-effective service.
Europe’s front-runners are Ryanair as the cheapest European airline, Wizz Air with aggressive low fares in 2025, and Eurowings, which offers budget-friendly tickets with a balanced onboard experience.
In North America, Frontier Spirit and Allegiant are the names to know. From Frontier’s ultra-low base fares to Allegiant’s cheap vacation flights, these carriers leave legacy airlines struggling to match their pricing power.
If you knew you could pay nearly a fifth less for the same flight, would you still book with the usual airline? In many US markets, ultra-low-cost carriers average 18% cheaper than their legacy counterparts. The math is clear: Frontier at $0.0985 per mile, Spirit at $0.1110, and Allegiant with some of the most affordable vacation routes.
Even when lined up against standard low-cost carriers, the difference is enough to cover upgrades or another trip altogether. Choosing right at booking means more travel for the same budget.
That unbelievably low airfare you see? It is the base ticket, and everything else is optional. Ultra-low-cost carriers make it simple: baggage, seats, meals, and priority boarding are all up to you. The trick is deciding what you actually need.
A quarter of passengers skip every extra and walk away paying exactly the price they saw at booking. If you can travel smart and stay flexible, you could save far more than with any traditional airline. It is not just about getting a cheap ticket; it is about knowing how to keep it cheap.
Some travelers still think budget means risky. It’s not true, not in 2025. AirAsia, Ryanair, EasyJet, HK Express, etc., these aren’t small outfits. They run under the same aviation rules as the biggest names you know.
Same inspections. Same trained crews. Same safety checks before every take-off. What they skip is the extras you may not even use, like free meals, extra baggage, and frills that push up the ticket price. The safety concerns? That’s best tackled. If you’re worried your fare is “too cheap to be safe,” here’s the truth: you’re just paying for the seat and the flight. Nothing less. And for many passengers, that’s all that matters, getting there safely, and saving money while they do it.
The low-cost airline market is evolving fast. Here’s a look at the key players driving this shift and what it means for passengers looking for the best deals.
| Rank | Airline | Region / HQ | Business Model | Avg. Cost per Mile (USD) |
Network & Operations | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AirAsia | Malaysia / Asia-Pacific | LCC | ~$0.12* | 165+ destinations across SE Asia, some long-haul | 16 consecutive years ranked #1 LCC globally; extensive subsidiaries (Thai, Indo, Philippines) |
| 2 | Scoot | Singapore / Asia-Pacific | Long-haul LCC | ~$0.13* | 60+ destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe | Backed by Singapore Airlines; excellent service reputation |
| 3 | IndiGo | India / Asia-Pacific | LCC | ~$0.11–0.12* | 2,000+ daily flights, expanding to Europe | Largest Indian carrier (60%+ domestic share), very high OTP |
| 4 | Eurowings | Germany / Europe | LCC | ~$0.14* | 100+ destinations Europe, some long-haul | Lufthansa Group subsidiary; hybrid service model |
| 5 | Vueling Airlines | Spain / Europe | LCC | ~$0.13* | 130+ destinations mostly within Europe | Strong presence in Spain and Western Europe |
| 6 | Volotea | Spain / Europe | LCC | ~$0.14* | 100+ small to mid-size European cities | Point-to-point leisure focus |
| 7 | Transavia | Netherlands / Europe | LCC | ~$0.13* | Europe & Mediterranean holiday markets | Air France-KLM subsidiary, strong seasonal routes |
| 8 | Iberia Express | Spain / Europe | LCC | ~$0.13* | Domestic Spain, Europe, some Africa | Iberia subsidiary feeding long-haul network |
| 9 | Flynas | Saudi Arabia / Middle East | LCC | ~$0.12* | Saudi Arabia + 70+ destinations in MEA/Asia | Strong growth in religious tourism and leisure |
| 10 | easyJet | UK / Europe | LCC | ~$0.12–0.13* | 150+ destinations in Europe, North Africa | Extensive network, high-frequency routes |
| 11 | Frontier Airlines | USA / North America | ULCC | $0.10 | US domestic + Mexico/Central America | Cheapest per mile in the US; unbundled fares |
| 12 | Spirit Airlines | USA / North America | ULCC | $0.11 | US domestic + Latin America | "Bare Fare" model; low base price but high ancillaries |
| 13 | Allegiant Air | USA / North America | ULCC | ~$0.12* | Point-to-point to leisure destinations | Focus on small/mid-sized US cities for vacation routes |
| 14 | Ryanair | Ireland / Europe | ULCC | ~$0.10–0.11 | 240+ destinations across Europe/N. Africa | Largest European airline by passengers; extreme efficiency |
| 15 | Wizz Air | Hungary / Europe | ULCC | ~$0.10–0.11 | E. Europe focus, expanding to ME/Asia | Rapid growth, lowest operational cost in Europe |
Budget airlines fall into two camps. ULCCs like Frontier, Spirit, and Ryanair chase the absolute lowest fares, often under 11 cents a mile. LCCs such as AirAsia and easyJet keep prices sharp but offer more routes and fewer extra charges. IndiGo and Wizz Air are adding destinations at a pace, holding fares down as they grow. Europe feels the most crowded, but Asia-Pacific carriers often take home the awards for service.
Low-cost airlines are on a steady climb, with the market expected to grow from $221.3 billion to $430.5 billion by 2033. More families are booking flights they once thought were out of reach. Travel rules are easier to navigate. New aircraft are cheaper to operate, which helps keep fares down. This winning mix lets budget carriers open new routes and challenge premium airlines head-on.
What was once a small corner of industry is now shaping the way the world flies. Book early and you’ll enjoy lower fares and more choices. Wait, and you might pay twice for the same seat your neighbor grabbed for less.
The cheapest airlines 2025 list makes one thing clear. There is no single best choice for everyone. Look at the budget airline rankings 2025, match them to your route, and pick the right fit. And remember, even the best airline can disrupt your travel plans.
If that happens, use the Click2Refund flight compensation calculator to find out what you could claim. It is free, fast, and could put hundreds back in your pocket. Why wait until it is too late to check?
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1. What are the cheapest airlines in 2025?
The cheapest airlines in 2025 include ultra-low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Frontier, and Spirit, which offer fares often under 11 cents per mile. Low-cost leaders like AirAsia and IndiGo also deliver great value, balancing competitive pricing with wider route networks and better comfort.
2. How are the budget airline rankings 2025 decided?
The budget airline rankings 2025 are based on factors like cost per mile, service coverage, route network, customer satisfaction, and operational performance. This ensures both price-conscious travelers and those seeking better comfort get a clear view of their best options.
3. How does Click2Refund flight compensation work?
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