Top 5 US Budget Airlines in 2024
This blog primarily discusses top US budget airlines. Much like conventional airlines (also called ‘full service airlines’), budget airlines (also called ‘low cost carriers’ or ‘LCC’ or ‘no-frills airlines’), also play a key role in the aviation landscape of major aviation markets like USA and Europe.
Budget airlines roughly represent 1/3rd of total global capacity of airlines. US budget airlines’ market is renowned for its affordability and diversity, with the airlines continuously adapting to meet the ever-growing demands of cost-conscious travelers. Several airlines stand out for their unique operational strategies and customer experiences.
Top US Budget Airlines in 2024
This article examines the top five US budget airlines for 2024, covering their history, major routes served, unique features, fleet details, key economic and passenger statistics and distinguishing factors.
These top US budget airlines namely Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and JetBlue; each bring something unique to the table. Be it Southwest’s customer service policies, Spirit’s no-frills pricing, or JetBlue’s premium economy experience, these budget carriers are redefining & reshaping affordable air travel in 2024.
1. Southwest Airlines
Background and History
Founded in 1967 and based at Texas, Southwest Airlines began operations as a regional airline and has since grown into one of the largest budget airlines in the world.
Insights and Distinguishing Features
With a mission to make air travel affordable and accessible, Southwest is known for its customer-centric approach, innovative business model, and “no-frills” philosophy, a point-to-point route structure, flexibility in travel plans (allowing passengers to change flights without incurring fees) and top of all, extensive domestic network.
One of the distinguishing factors of Southwest Airlines (contrary to other budget competitors) is allowance of free checked bags (with the slogan ‘Bags Fly Free’), allowing two checked bags at no extra cost, which is rare in the budget airline industry.
Southwest has focused on improving technology and operational efficiency, investing in digital booking tools and expanding self-service options.
Operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet, Southwest optimizes maintenance, spares procurement & storage and crew training costs, allowing for competitive pricing.
Based on a number of distinct parameters like destinations served, fleet size, passengers carried annually and number of employees etc., Southwest Airlines can be classified as the leader in US budget airlines.
Key Operational and Financial Statistics
Key operational and financial statistics of Southwest Airlines are tabulated below:
| Routes and Market Coverage | U.S. and some international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America |
| Destinations Served | 121 US and 10 Other |
| Fleet Details | 828 Aircraft (all Boeing 737) |
| Number of Daily Flights | Up To 4,000 (at peak) |
| Passengers Carried Annually | 137 Million |
| Number of Employees (2023) | 74,800 |
| Annual Revenue and Net Income/(Loss) (2023) | US$ 26.1 Billion and US$ 465 Million respectively |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Rapid Rewards |
2. Spirit Airlines
Background and History
Spirit Airlines, founded in 1983 and based at Miami, Florida operates on an “ultra-low-cost” model, meaning fares cover only basic transportation, with additional fees for everything else. This model has enabled Spirit to offer some of the lowest base fares in the U.S. market.
Insights and Distinguishing Features
Spirit Airlines operates on an unbundled fare structure, allowing passengers to pay only for the services they choose while additional fees can add up quickly for services like seat selection and baggage. This makes Spirit Airlines ideal for travelers, looking to customize their travel experience.
In recent past, Spirit has strengthened its brand by focusing customer satisfaction and modernization of its fleet to offer quieter, more fuel-efficient planes.
Key Operational and Financial Statistics
Key operational and financial statistics of Spirit Airlines are listed below:
| Routes and Market Coverage | U.S., Latin America, South America and the Caribbean |
| Destinations Served | 83 US and 8 Other |
| Fleet Details | 205 aircraft (all Airbus 320 family) |
| Number of Daily Flights | |
| Passengers Carried Annually | 44.1 Million |
| Number of Employees (2023) | 12,798 |
| Annual Revenue and Net Income/(Loss) (2023) | US$ 5.362 Billion and (US$ 447 Million) respectively |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Free Spirit |
3. Frontier Airlines
Background and History
Frontier Airlines was established in 1994 and operates from its primary hub in Denver, Colorado. Known for its ultra-low-cost model and eco-friendly initiatives, Frontier has positioned itself as the go-to option for budget-conscious, environmentally aware travelers.
Insights and Distinguishing Features
The airlines has had emphasis on eco-friendliness through their ‘Green Team’ campaign. It strongly emphasizes on environmental responsibility, offering carbon offset options for passengers (offering incentives to reduce the environmental impact of travel) and uses highly fuel-efficient and lower noise-pollution aircraft.
It offers competitive fares, alongside a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Frontier Airlines provide various fare options, allowing customers to choose the services of their choice and tailor their travel experience.
However, it charges for additional services like seat selection and baggage fees. Their extensive route network is ideal for budget-conscious adventurers.
Key Operational and Financial Statistics
Key operational and financial figures of Frontier Airlines are summarized below:
| Routes and Market Coverage | US, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America |
| Destinations Served | 120 |
| Fleet Details | 150 aircraft (all Airbus 320 family) |
| Number of Daily Flights | |
| Passengers Carried Annually | 30.2 Million |
| Number of Employees (2023) | 6,550 |
| Annual Revenue and Net Income/(Loss) (2023) | US$ 3.589 Billion and (US$ 11 Million) respectively |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Frontier Miles |
4. Allegiant Air
Background and History
Founded in 1997 and based at Las Vegas Nevada, Allegiant Air specializing connects small and mid-sized US cities with popular tourist destinations.
Known for focusing underserved routes, Allegiant has built up a unique market position in the budget airline landscape.
Insights and Distinguishing Features
The airline primarily focuses on serving leisure travel (rather than business routes) from small and medium-sized cities (connecting travelers from secondary airports) using an ultra-low-cost business model with minimal inclusions in fares and a greater number of add-on fees.
It has point-to-point service model. Their unique routes and affordable pricing cater well to families seeking cost-effective solutions.
Since it uses Airbus A320 family fleet, it enables it offering efficient operations on its shorter, high-demand routes.
Allegiant Air has been expanding its leisure-focused offerings that now include bundled packages that combine flights with hotel stays and car rentals, appealing to families and tourists looking for convenience.
Key Operational and Financial Statistics
Key operational and financial stats of Allegiant Airlines are jotted below:
| Routes and Market Coverage | US |
| Destinations Served | 120 |
| Fleet Details | 127 aircraft (almost all from Airbus 320 family) |
| Number of Daily Flights | |
| Passengers Carried Annually | 15 Million |
| Number of Employees (2023) | 4,500 |
| Annual Revenue and Net Income/(Loss) (2023) | |
| Frequent Flyer Program |
5. JetBlue Airways
Background and History
JetBlue, founded in 1998, is headquartered in New York and is famous for offering a premium customer experience at affordable prices. It also maintains corporate offices in Utah and Florida.
Insights and Distinguishing Features
Although slightly expensive than other budget carriers, JetBlue stands out with its focus on customer experience and comfort.
Offering complimentary snacks, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi on most flights, JetBlue strikes a balance between affordability and quality service that many travelers appreciate.
Its reputation for superior customer service and in-flight amenities makes it a hybrid between traditional and budget airlines.
However, contrary to the norms of budget carriers, JetBlue’s offers more than one class of cabin.
JetBlue is increasingly focusing on premium budget travel, introducing Mint class, a premium product that appeals to both budget and business travelers looking for added comfort.
Key Operational and Financial Statistics
Key operational and financial stats of JetBlue Airways are jotted below:
| Routes and Market Coverage | US (East Coast and West Coast), Latin America, and the Caribbean |
| Destinations Served | 114 |
| Fleet Details | 286 aircraft (from Airbus A220 and A320 families and Embraer) |
| Number of Daily Flights | Over 1,000 |
| Passengers Carried Annually | 23.4 Million |
| Number of Employees (2023) | 24,000+ |
| Annual Revenue and Net Income/(Loss) (2023) | US$ 9.615 Billion and US$ (310) Million respectively |
| Frequent Flyer Program | True Blue |
