Best Budget Airlines for Cheap International Travel

Traveling internationally on a budget might sound daunting, but as I discovered, a new wave of budget airlines is making globe-trotting more accessible than ever. From impromptu weekend hops to Latin America to long-haul treks across the Atlantic and Pacific, I’ve learned firsthand how to fly far for less.

In this travelogue, I’ll share my experiences and tips with some of the best budget airlines for cheap international travel from North America.

Budget Airlines to Europe

It all started with a spontaneous decision to visit Europe last summer. Eyeing the steep fares on traditional airlines, I stumbled upon Norse Atlantic Airways, a Norwegian upstart offering transatlantic flights at jaw-droppingly low prices.

I managed to snag a one-way ticket from New York to London for just $139 during a flash sale – less than the cost of a fancy dinner in Manhattan! Norse operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and while the base “Economy Light” fare includes only a seat and a personal item (no checked bags or meals), the trade-off was worth it for the price.

I packed light to avoid baggage fees and brought my own snacks onboard. The seat pitch was around 31", standard for long-haul economy, and the mood lighting and quiet Dreamliner cabin made the overnight flight pleasant enough. Norse doesn’t have seat-back screens (keeping things lightweight), but I streamed movies on my tablet with their in-flight Wi-Fi.

The lack of frills was noticeable – no free meal or blanket – yet arriving in Europe without breaking the bank felt like a triumph. One caveat: budget airlines like Norse can be less forgiving if plans change. My ticket was non-refundable and changes cost a fee, so I had to be sure of my dates.

Reliability has been reasonably good, though these airlines have smaller fleets, so a mechanical issue could mean delays. Still, Norse’s punctuality on my trip was on point, and with fares regularly under $200 one-way in 2025 off-peak, it’s a game-changer for transatlantic travel.

Another airline that played a role in my European budget saga is PLAY Airlines from Iceland. True to its name, my experience felt like “play” and plug: I pieced together an itinerary from Boston to Berlin with a stopover in Reykjavik. PLAY’s fares were ultra-low (around $130 from Boston to Iceland, and a similar amount onward to Germany), but they follow the classic low-cost formula – pay extra for anything beyond a small personal bag.

The layover in Iceland was actually a bonus adventure; I took advantage of it to dip into the Blue Lagoon en route. The Airbus A321neo planes were new but bare-bones: tight seating and food for purchase only. Despite some minor delays, the flights were smooth.

Important update for 2025: PLAY has announced it will discontinue all U.S. flights by late 2025 due to financial struggles. Their business model of shuttling Americans to Europe via Iceland proved unsustainable (much like the defunct WOW Air before it), so if you want to try PLAY, do so soon.

The airline plans to pivot to other strategies after pulling out of North America. It’s a reminder that the transatlantic low-cost arena is tough – airlines come and go – so always have a backup plan in case of sudden schedule changes.

On another trip, I flew French Bee from San Francisco to Paris. This France-based budget carrier offered an intriguing mix of low fares and a modern twist. The draw for me was an A350 aircraft (efficient and quieter) and a fare of about $350 one-way to Paris Orly – a steal for a 11-hour flight.

French Bee didn’t disappoint on price: I booked a “Basic” fare, then added a checked bag and a meal for an extra fee, tailoring my experience. Economy legroom was about 31 inches – similar to mainstream carriers – so I didn’t feel any more cramped than on, say, Air France.

What did feel different were the fees: checked bags ran $70-$100 if added at booking (and more if added at the airport), and even carry-on beyond a personal item cost extra. I witnessed a few fellow passengers learn this the hard way at check-in.

French Bee’s in-flight service was friendly but minimalistic – you get a headset and water, but meals and snacks require purchase unless you’ve bought a bundle. The upside? The airline’s cost structure lets it offer fares hundreds less than legacy carriers.

A couple seated near me said they paid around $500 round-trip from New York to Paris by flying French Bee from Newark – they couldn’t believe how much they saved. The key is to keep your expectations in check: you’re buying transport, not luxury.

Bring your own entertainment (there were power outlets and device holders, but no seat screens in basic economy) and perhaps a neck pillow for comfort. I arrived in Paris with money to spare for croissants, which felt like a win.

No story of budget transatlantic travel is complete without JetBlue, an airline that blurs the line between low-cost and full-service. I’ve long loved JetBlue for domestic flights, and in 2023 I finally tried their much-hyped London service.

My fare from New York to London Heathrow was about $500 round-trip – roughly 60% cheaper than legacy competitors’ fares at the time. JetBlue’s promise is “low fares without sacrificing service,” and I found that to be true. Even on a bargain ticket, I got free Wi-Fi, seat-back entertainment, complimentary snacks, and a roomy 32-inch legroom seat – unheard of in basic economy these days.

The catch: JetBlue’s cheapest “Blue Basic” fares now have some restrictions similar to ultra-low-cost carriers (like no full-sized carry-on bag allowed overhead unless you pay for a higher fare).

I chose a standard Blue fare to bring a carry-on for free. JetBlue’s transatlantic A321LR plane was single-aisle but felt cozy, and the Mint premium cabin up front gave me aspirational upgrade dreams as I walked by the lie-flat seats.

The flight itself was delightfully uneventful – which is what you want – and on arrival I actually felt too pampered for a budget adventure! JetBlue is expanding in Europe in 2024-2025 (adding routes like New York and Boston to Paris, and even a planned Boston-Dublin seasonal flight), so they’re becoming a key player for North Americans seeking affordable, quality trips to Europe.

Their strategy is literally to undercut the big guys while keeping amenities high, and from my experience, it’s working. If you value a comfortable seat and free snacks but still want a great price, JetBlue is the sweet spot.

I also learned about Level, a Spanish low-cost long-haul airline, through a fellow traveler’s tale. Though I haven’t flown it personally yet, it’s worth noting: Level (owned by the same group as British Airways and Iberia) flies from multiple U.S. cities to Barcelona, often with eye-popping deals.

My hostel bunkmate in Barcelona told me he paid under $350 for a nonstop Level flight from Boston, and I verified similar fares online (a recent search showed some one-way fares under $200 from the East Coast to Spain).

Level charges for extras like checked bags and meals, of course, but reviews indicate their A330 planes have decent comfort and seat-back screens. They’re a solid option if Spain or connecting onward in Europe is your goal.

Before moving on, here’s a quick comparison of top transatlantic budget carriers that North Americans are using to hop the pond:

Table: Comparing key transatlantic budget airlines (prices in USD; policies as of 2025). Always check each airline’s site for the latest fees and schedules.

In sum, crossing the Atlantic has never been cheaper if you’re flexible and informed. The 2025 trend is that international fares to Europe are down compared to last year thanks to increased competition and capacity. I’ve found great deals even in peak season by using these carriers.

The trade-off is you must play by the budget airline rules: travel light, bring your own entertainment/food, and be ready to pay for any add-on comfort. But the reward is huge – more money to spend at your destination. Whether it’s strolling the streets of Paris or visiting family in Italy, flying there for the price of a domestic ticket is now a reality.

Cheap Flights to Latin America

My thirst for adventure (and savings) next led me south. Living in Florida, I often hop down to the Caribbean and Central America, and budget airlines are the secret sauce. I still recall one Friday night, scrolling through deals for a spontaneous beach getaway.

I found a round-trip flight from Fort Lauderdale to San José, Costa Rica for under $200 on Spirit Airlines – I was convinced it was a typo. It wasn’t. By Saturday morning I was en route to pura vida, wedged into seat 25B on a bright yellow Spirit A320, knees grazing the seatback in front of me (Spirit’s seats have a tight 28" pitch and don’t recline to maximize capacity).

Yet I couldn’t complain: the fare was insanely low. Of course, Spirit made up some revenue by charging me $35 for a carry-on bag (I’ve since learned to avoid that fee by fitting everything into a “personal item” backpack). On the flight, even water and soda cost a few dollars, so I sipped my own water bottle and granola bar.

The experience was spartan – essentially a flying bus – but it got me there on time. What struck me was that many fellow passengers were Spirit regulars, swapping tips on how to game the system (one tip: buy Spirit tickets at the airport counter to save the online booking fee, saving ~$20). 2025 update: Spirit has had a bumpy ride lately.

A planned merger with JetBlue fell through due to antitrust issues, and Spirit even filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2024 to reorganize. That sounds scary, but flights are still operating normally as the airline restructures. In fact, I flew Spirit to Colombia in March 2025 and noticed no difference – same low fares and, yes, same baggage fees.

The bankruptcy means Spirit might slim down its routes or make changes, but for now it remains a cornerstone of budget travel to Latin American hotspots. Just be mentally prepared for delays or hiccups: budget carriers have tight schedules and any weather or mechanical issue can cause a cascade of delays.

I experienced a 3-hour delay leaving Costa Rica due to a crew timing out, illustrating that reliability can sometimes be an issue. Still, when you can fly from the U.S. to Central America for the cost of a fancy dinner, many find it worth it.

Another airline that’s become a major player for cheap international hops is Frontier. Frontier, like Spirit, is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) known for rock-bottom base fares and à la carte everything.

I once flew Frontier from Las Vegas to El Salvador (with a stop in Houston) because the fare was an unbelievable $130 one-way. The catch? By the time I added a checked bag (approximately $45) and paid $17 for a preferred seat (so I could sit with my friend), the price crept up.

Frontier is infamous for tacking on fees – they even eliminated their customer service call center in 2022 to cut costs, meaning if you need help, it’s via chat or social media only.

I learned this the hard way when trying to change a return date. Onboard, Frontier’s seats were very similar to Spirit’s: slim, no recline, no free snacks. However, Frontier has been expanding routes from the U.S. to Mexican beach destinations and beyond. I took a Frontier flight from Miami to Cancun that felt like a party plane – lots of college students heading on spring break, drawn by $79 fares.

We landed slightly late, but no one seemed to mind given how much they saved. One cool thing Frontier has introduced is the “GoWild!” all-you-can-fly pass, which I haven’t personally purchased but met a traveler who did.

He was essentially flying standby around the country (and to a few international spots like Puerto Rico) for a fixed fee. It’s an interesting innovation for flexible adventurers, though availability can be limited.

Frontier, like Spirit, demands that you follow the rules strictly: check in online, print or download your boarding pass (or pay to have it printed at the airport), and ensure your bag is within the paid allowance to avoid hefty gate fees. If you do that, you can truly fly for unbelievable prices.

A quick anecdote: during my El Salvador trip, a fellow passenger shared that he paid only $59 for his one-way ticket – less than the taxi to the airport – by booking during a Frontier flash sale. That’s the kind of deal that makes the no-frills ride feel more than worth it.

While Spirit and Frontier dominate U.S. budget flights southbound, JetBlue and Southwest also deserve mention as traveler favorites, especially for the Caribbean. I have a soft spot for Southwest Airlines – it’s technically a low-cost carrier, though not as ultra-cheap as Spirit/Frontier. What you get with Southwest, however, is tremendous value for the price.

I flew Southwest from Orlando to San Juan, Puerto Rico for about $250 round-trip on relatively short notice. That fare wasn’t dramatically lower than other airlines, but Southwest includes two checked bags free, which is a huge money-saver if you’re hauling dive gear or, in my case, several bottles of Puerto Rican rum on the return!

They also don’t charge change fees – I actually moved my flight a day earlier without paying a dime extra (just any fare difference). The in-flight experience on Southwest is convivial: open seating means no assigned seats (a quirk that first-timers might find odd), so boarding is a bit of a sport to get a good spot.

But the legroom was decent, the flight attendants were cracking jokes and passing out free snacks, and the whole plane had a friendly vibe. Southwest’s route map includes Mexico and lots of Caribbean destinations – I’ve taken them to Cancun and Jamaica as well. Their fares are often competitive, especially when you factor in the luggage savings and the lack of surprise fees.

Punctuality can sometimes suffer (Southwest had a notorious network meltdown in late 2022, though they’ve invested in improvements since), but my flights have mostly been on schedule.

For travelers who want a straightforward experience – and maybe aren’t willing to tolerate Spirit-level austerity – Southwest is a top pick. Just remember there’s no business class or assigned seating; it’s first-come, first-served on board, so check in exactly 24 hours ahead or invest in EarlyBird check-in to board earlier.

Meanwhile, JetBlue’s Caribbean and Latin America flights blend budget and comfort similarly to their transatlantic service. I often fly JetBlue to visit family in the Dominican Republic. The fares from New York to Santo Domingo can be as low as $300 round-trip in off-season, and you get a free carry-on, free snacks, and great legroom as mentioned.

JetBlue also operates many flights to Mexico, Colombia, and beyond, making it a popular choice for North Americans heading south. One thing I love is that JetBlue still offers free Wi-Fi gate-to-gate on most planes – a nice perk if you want to stay connected or do a little last-minute research on your destination.

The main downside is that JetBlue’s cheapest “Blue Basic” fares now have some restrictions (no changes and boarding last), but I’ve found even their regular economy fares to be reasonable and the experience far superior to the ULCCs.

On a recent JetBlue flight to Cancun, I paid about $20 extra for an “Even More Space” seat, which gave me lavish legroom – I could stretch fully and was one of the first off the plane. That felt like flying first class compared to my Spirit escapades, yet I still paid under $350 total for the trip.

We shouldn’t forget our neighbors to the north: Canadian budget airlines also play a role for international travel. For example, WestJet (Canada’s budget-friendly answer to Air Canada) has long-haul flights from Canadian cities to Europe at lower fares.

A friend of mine from Vancouver snagged a WestJet flight to London for around CAD $600 (~USD $450) round-trip, significantly undercutting Air Canada’s price. WestJet offers a pleasant experience with affordable upgrades, though they recently absorbed their ULCC subsidiary Swoop, which means Canadians might see some changes in fare structures.

Air Transat, another Canadian carrier, specializes in leisure routes and often has great deals from Canada to European destinations and the Caribbean. If you’re a U.S. traveler near the border (or don’t mind connecting in Canada), sometimes flying via Montreal or Toronto on Air Transat or WestJet can save money on Europe trips.

I once purposely crossed into Canada to fly Montreal to Paris on Air Transat, saving a few hundred dollars versus flying out of NYC – plus I got to visit Montreal. The flight was basic but comfortable, and Air Transat included a meal and checked bag in their base price, so it was a nice hybrid of low-cost and full-service.

Latin America has its own homegrown budget airlines that North Americans are tapping into more and more. Take Volaris and Viva Aerobus in Mexico – these two ultra-low-cost carriers have exploded in popularity for travel between the U.S. and Mexico. I used Volaris for a trip from Los Angeles to Guadalajara; the one-way fare was only $99 (before any extras).

Volaris charged for everything beyond a personal item, similar to Spirit, but the process was smooth. The plane was a packed Airbus A320neo with cheerful purple lighting and families laden with shopping bags (likely taking full advantage of the two-carry-on allowance that Volaris sells as an upgrade).

One savvy move some travelers make is flying Volaris or Viva from border airports – for instance, Tijuana instead of San Diego – because the fares can be dramatically cheaper within Mexico.

There’s even a cross-border pedestrian bridge (CBX) that lets U.S. travelers easily depart from Tijuana’s airport. Friends of mine have used it to catch $50 Volaris flights to Cabo that would have cost triple from LAX. Viva Aerobus is similar – bright green planes, rock-bottom fares from cities like Houston or Miami to Mexico. Both airlines have been growing rapidly (Viva’s traffic rose over 20% year-on-year in 2024), indicating strong demand.

I’ve found that for Mexican domestic hops (say, Mexico City to Cancún), these airlines are a godsend, and for U.S. to Mexico flights they often beat the competition on price by a wide margin. Just watch the weight of your bags; Volaris, for example, has strict weight limits and high fees if you exceed them.

A quick price check for an upcoming trip shows deals like $83 one-way from Las Vegas to Mexico City on Volaris – incredible value if you pack light and book smart.

Looking a bit further south, countries like Colombia, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic are seeing their own low-cost carriers emerge, sometimes creating new cheap options for North Americans.

For instance, Colombia’s Viva Air (not to be confused with Viva Aerobus) was active until 2023 connecting Miami with cities in Colombia at ultra-low fares, and although they ceased operations, Avianca (a more traditional carrier) responded by offering “basic” fare classes that are very low and compete in price.

I flew Avianca from Miami to Bogotá for only $220 round-trip by choosing their minimal “Lite” fare – no checked bag, no seat selection included, but a full-service airline otherwise (they even served a hot meal for free!).

It showed me that even mainline airlines are adapting to the budget trend, unbundling fares to offer competitive prices. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic’s new low-cost airline Arajet started operations in 2022 and just began routes to the U.S. in 2025 after securing approval.

Arajet’s entry is exciting: they plan flights from Santo Domingo to Miami, New York, and even San Juan, PR, offering Dominican diaspora and vacationers a cheaper way to fly. Arajet uses Boeing 737 MAX planes and is pitching itself as a pan-Americas budget airline.

Early announcements touted fares like $55 one-way (presumably promotional) which, if true, will be a game-changer. I haven’t flown them yet, but they’re on my radar for my next Caribbean trip.

To wrap up this region, here’s a snapshot of some popular budget airlines for Latin America/Caribbean travel and their features:

Table: Leading budget carriers for Latin America travel from North America (fares in USD). Policies subject to change; always review specifics before booking.

Using these airlines, I’ve managed trips to tropical beaches, rainforest adventures, and family reunions without busting my budget. The secret is careful planning and a bit of savvy: I set fare alerts, pounce on sales (e.g. Spirit’s frequent “$50 off” promos or Frontier’s penny fare promotions), and always read the fine print.

One helpful tip: if you’re traveling with just a backpack, you can save a ton on fees and truly take advantage of these fares. Another tip is to consider alternate airports – flying into a border city or a smaller airport (like Oakland instead of SFO, or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami) can sometimes yield better deals on these carriers.

2025 has seen some mixed pricing trends in this region. According to travel reports, fares to the Caribbean and Mexico actually rose about 10% vs. last year, likely because demand is red-hot and there’s a limit to how many flights airlines can add.

I did notice my usual winter flight to Cancun was slightly pricier than in 2024. However, by using budget airlines, I still paid far less than the average traveler. And as more players (like Arajet) enter the market, we might see renewed price competition.

In short, for Latin American adventures, the budget airlines have you covered – from ultra-low-cost specialists like Spirit/Frontier in the U.S. and Volaris/Viva in Mexico, to hybrid-value airlines like Southwest and JetBlue that offer more comfort while still keeping prices moderate.

With a bit of strategy (and willingness to sacrifice some legroom), you can sip margaritas on a Cancun beach or explore Mayan ruins or dance the night away in Santo Domingo, all without maxing out your credit card on airfare.

Affordable Routes to Asia and Beyond

Heading west across the Pacific, the options for budget flights are fewer – but they do exist and are growing. My journey to Asia on a budget felt like uncovering a well-kept secret.

In 2022, I learned about ZIPAIR Tokyo, a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines. As a huge Japan fan, I was determined to make it there without the usual $1,000+ airfare. In early 2023, I finally flew ZIPAIR from Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita, paying roughly $330 one-way during a promotional period.

Stepping onto the plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in a sleek monochrome livery, I was struck by how un-airline-like it felt – minimalist branding, trendy music playing during boarding, and young cabin crew sporting casual uniforms. The seating was 3-3-3 in economy (slightly tighter width than JAL’s regular 787s, but standard for most airlines).

I had pre-purchased a meal (a Japanese curry rice, about $10) and a checked bag for ~$50, still keeping my total well below a typical fare. The coolest part? ZIPAIR provides free Wi-Fi to all passengers, a perk even many full-service airlines don’t match. There were no seat-back screens, so I used my phone to stream some of their provided entertainment.

The lights dimmed, I stretched out (I’m short, so the 32" pitch felt okay to me, taller folks might disagree), and next stop: Tokyo! We landed right on time. The overall experience reminded me of a long-haul version of JetBlue – comfortable for the price, with thoughtful touches like USB ports – but absolutely no extras without paying. The “ZIPAIR model” is basically to give you a modern plane ride for cheap and monetize any frills. I didn’t mind at all.

In fact, I appreciated that they offered a lie-flat business seat option (“Zip Full-Flat”) at a fraction of what other airlines charge – one day, maybe I’ll splurge on that for a ~$1000 one-way treat, which is still half of a typical business class ticket.

A fellow passenger I chatted with was a digital nomad who regularly uses ZIPAIR to bounce between California and Asia, precisely because it’s affordable and tech-friendly. As of 2025, ZIPAIR has expanded: they now serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San José, Honolulu, Vancouver, and soon Houston from Tokyo.

They even launched a route to Bangkok and Singapore, effectively making it possible to fly from North America to Southeast Asia on a low-cost carrier (with a self-transfer in Tokyo). If your goal is Asia on a budget, ZIPAIR is the one to watch.

Do note that, being JAL-owned, their safety and reliability have been excellent so far, but they are subject to Japan’s travel trends (during COVID they paused growth, then ramped up when tourism reopened). In 2025, they’re even updating their branding (retiring the contentious “Z” logo) and adding more 787s to their fleet, so things look promising.

Another rising star in transpacific budget travel is Air Premia of South Korea. I tried Air Premia in late 2024 on their Seoul (Incheon) to Los Angeles route. Air Premia labels itself a “hybrid” carrier – somewhere between low-cost and full-service.

I was immediately impressed by their cabin layout: their Boeing 787-9 had only two classes – economy and a “premium economy” (called Premia 42) – and no cramped business class. I opted for the economy, which still boasted a 33-34" seat pitch and reclining seats with ample legroom for a long flight.

The round-trip fare I paid was about $800, booking relatively last-minute – a steal compared to Korean Air or Asiana on that route at the time. In 2025, Air Premia’s fares are typically in the $900–$1000 range round-trip, or around $450 each way from the U.S. East Coast (they launched Seoul–Newark flights with promo fares of $475 one-way).

What’s the catch? Air Premia includes one checked bag and meals even in economy, so it doesn’t feel as nickel-and-dime as other low-cost carriers. The trade-off is they only have a few planes, so they fly just a few routes with limited frequencies. My LAX-ICN flight was only 3x weekly, for instance. But oh, what a pleasant flight it was!

The meal was a tasty bibimbap, the in-flight entertainment screen was loaded with movies, and I had enough room to actually sleep. It felt like flying a legacy airline, except my wallet was much happier. For anyone looking to visit Korea (or connect onwards in Asia), Air Premia is a fantastic new option.

They did cancel a planned Honolulu route, focusing on long-hauls to LA and Newark for now. Reliability was good in my experience; however, since they’re young, it’s wise to have travel insurance or backup options just in case of schedule shifts.

If you’re really adventurous with planning, you can also piece together budget flights to Asia by way of Oceania. A friend of mine recently flew from California to Australia on a deal, then used AirAsia X (a Malaysian long-haul LCC) from Sydney to Bangkok to continue their journey inexpensively.

While AirAsia X doesn’t currently fly to North America, they have been known to service Honolulu in the past, and with Asia-Pacific travel ramping up, who knows if they’ll try again.

There’s also talk of VietJet Air (Vietnam’s ultra-low-cost carrier) considering flights to the U.S. in the future, and Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ budget arm) has done Europe–Asia long-hauls and could eye longer routes someday. None of these are concrete for 2025, but it’s worth monitoring.

One strategy some backpackers use is to leverage Hawaii as a midway point. For example, a cheap flight on Southwest or Alaska Airlines to Honolulu, then catch a budget airline onward to Asia.

ZIPAIR flies Honolulu to Tokyo, and Jetstar (Australian LCC) has flights from Hawaii to Oceania. You could effectively DIY your own connecting itinerary. It requires careful timing and usually an overnight stay to buffer any delays, but it can save a bundle.

I once met a traveler who flew from Las Vegas to Osaka by going LAS to HNL on Allegiant (cheap), then HNL to Osaka on AirAsia X. He claimed the total cost was under $400 vs. $1000+ direct. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it shows the creativity possible with budget carriers.

Even for destinations in the Middle East or Africa, sometimes a combination of budget airlines can work. For instance, flying Norse Atlantic to London and then catching a Wizz Air or Ryanair flight to the Middle East, or using Egypt’s Air Cairo or flydubai from connecting points.

These aren’t straightforward from North America (since you’d have to self-transfer), but seasoned budget travelers employ such tactics to reach pretty much anywhere affordably. I haven’t personally done a multi-segment budget trek beyond Asia, but it’s on my list – perhaps a circumnavigation of the globe using only low-cost airlines!

To summarize this section, the Pacific still has a gap compared to the Atlantic in terms of low-cost options, but it’s improving. Here’s a brief look at the budget carriers touching the U.S. and Canada for transpacific travel:

• ZIPAIR Tokyo – Routes: Tokyo–Los Angeles/San Francisco/San Jose/Honolulu/Vancouver (and new Houston route in 2025). Fares: often $300–$500 one-way. Pros: Free Wi-Fi, modern 787s, very cheap lie-flat upgrades. Cons: Everything else (bags, meals, seat selection) costs extra; limited flight frequencies.
• Air Premia – Routes: Seoul–Los Angeles/Newark. Fares: about $800–$1000 round-trip (premium economy seats available for more). Pros: Spacious seating for economy, meals and one bag included, high comfort for price. Cons: Small network and frequency; new airline still building reputation.
• Philippine Airlines Basic Economy – Not a budget airline per se, but PAL often has sales from West Coast to Manila under $700 round-trip, with a more stripped-down service. Pros: Nonstop options to Southeast Asia; includes meals and two bags even on cheapest fare. Cons: Older planes on some routes, and if you want to connect onward in Asia, might need separate tickets.
• Connecting via Third Countries: You can sometimes find great deals like Turkish Airlines U.S. to Istanbul to Asia for less (Turkish isn’t low-cost but priced lower), or use Gulf carriers via the Middle East. These aren’t “budget airlines” but can be budget-friendly options. For example, I flew to India on Saudia for a fare much lower than any U.S. or Indian carrier – the catch was a long layover in Jeddah (which I didn’t mind for the savings).

The overall pricing trend for 2025 on long-haul routes is cautiously optimistic for travelers: increased competition and capacity are helping bring fares down. In fact, data shows many international airfares (including to Asia) dropped in price in 2024 vs 2023 as airlines restored routes.

My ZIPAIR flight in 2023 was cheap, and I’ve seen similar or even better deals in 2024/2025 as Japan fully reopened and travel normalized. The key for Pacific travel is to plan ahead – I find booking 3-4 months out is ideal for the best low-cost fares, since last-minute on these routes can still be pricey due to demand.

Tips for Booking and Flying Budget Airlines

Traveling on budget airlines has taught me valuable lessons that apply no matter the destination:

• Book Early, but Watch for Sales: Budget airlines often release schedules in blocks and do promotions (e.g., seasonal sales or promo codes). I mark my calendar for when sales end – as noted, I scored that Norse $129 fare during a limited 3-day sale. On the flip side, last-minute deals are rare in the budget world (since their base price is already low), so earlier is usually better.
• Mind the Fees (and Hack Them): Always read the airline’s fee page before booking. Know the exact size limit for a personal item to avoid a $65 gate bag fee. Print your boarding pass at home if the airline charges at the airport. Many ULCCs charge for seat selection – if you don’t care where you sit, skip it and save money (just be prepared to be in a middle seat, possibly separated from your party). If traveling as a duo on Spirit/Frontier, a little trick: one of you can pay for a seat assignment and the other can take the adjacent middle seat for free if it stays open (risky, but I’ve seen people get lucky on less full flights).
• Travel Light: The difference between a carefree budget trip and a stressful one is often how much stuff you bring. A compact carry-on backpack that fits under the seat can save $50-$100 in fees each flight. I’ve done a week in Europe with just a convertible backpack and it was liberating. If you must bring luggage, pre-pay it during booking – it’s almost always cheaper than adding later. For example, Volaris and Spirit charge much more at the airport for the same bag.
• Bring Your Own Entertainment and Amenities: Assume no free meals, no free drinks (other than maybe water), and no seat-back screens. I download Netflix shows to my phone, carry a collapsible water bottle to fill after security, and even pack a lightweight travel blanket or jacket for chilly overnight flights (since many low-cost carriers don’t provide pillows or blankets). An eye mask and earplugs are gold when you can’t recline and just want to tune out.
• Plan for Contingencies: One drawback of budget airlines is that if something goes wrong (a cancellation or missed connection on separate tickets), you might be on your own. They don’t usually interline with other airlines to rebook you. I always buy travel insurance for international trips now – it covers me if I need to rebook due to a cancellation. Also, leave a cushion if you’re self-connecting (I had a 12-hour gap between my Norse flight landing in Oslo and my separate flight on to Italy; if Norse was late, I had wiggle room). It saved my bacon when a storm caused a delay – I still made my next flight.
• Use Tech to Your Advantage: Budget airlines often don’t show up in Google Flights or big OTAs, so check their websites directly. Sign up for email newsletters from airlines like Norse, Spirit, JetBlue etc. – yes, you’ll get spam, but you’ll also be first to know about flash sales or new routes. Some of my best deals came from a promo code in an airline email. Also follow them on social media; I’ve seen Frontier tweet promo codes for followers.
• Be Realistic and Positive: Finally, go in with the right mindset. You get what you pay for, as the saying goes. I treat a budget flight as simply transportation – if it’s on time and safe, it’s successful. Anything else (like a friendly crew or an empty seat next to me) is a bonus. Instead of comparing the experience to a luxury carrier, I compare it to the price I paid. That $99 Spirit flight may have been cramped and snack-less, but it got me to a Caribbean island for ninety-nine bucks. That perspective turns frustration into gratitude and makes the little inconveniences easier to swallow.

Final Thoughts

In this journey through budget airline travel, I’ve hopped continents and regions with a sense of adventure and fiscal prudence. As of 2025, North American travelers are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to affordable international flights.

Long-haul low-cost carriers like Norse Atlantic, ZIPAIR, French Bee, and Air Premia are opening doors to Europe and Asia at unprecedented prices (often hundreds less than traditional airlines).

Closer to home, airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Volaris continue to democratize travel to Latin America and the Caribbean, allowing quick getaways that don’t break the bank.

The competition and growth in this sector have even pushed legacy airlines to offer better deals or “basic” fares to keep up, which benefits all of us travelers.

In the end, traveling on budget airlines has taught me that the destination matters more than the journey’s frills. With a bit of research, flexibility, and an open mind, you too can jet off internationally for less than you ever imagined. Safe (and affordable) travels!