These 5 US Carriers Have The Country’s Lowest Passenger Revenue Per Seat Mile

Air travel has never been one of the most inexpensive ways to travel, but as the cost of almost everything has skyrocketed in the past couple of years, airlines have made the effort to keep some airfares as low as possible. While many may believe that US legacy carriers always charge the most, these airlines have come to realize the potential threat that budget carriers pose on the market. As a result, all three big carriers – American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines – have introduced new fare classes known as budget economy. The airfare undoubtedly saves travelers money as it is the cheapest ticket, but it comes with restrictions compared to a standard economy ticket.

The traditionally most affordable airlines, known as ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs), have dominated the market. As such, it is not surprising that these airlines have the lowest total passenger revenue per seat mile. What may be surprising, perhaps, is other airlines that refer to themselves as slight step above ULCCs – low-cost carriers (LCCs) – may not exactly make the list as one of the airlines with the cheapest fares. The findings could persuade travelers to think twice about which carrier to consider should they seek the lowest price.

Photo: Nashville International Airport

Airline compensation experts at AirAdvisor reviewed the passenger revenue of 10 US airlines throughout 2022 and 2023. Based on the data, three main takeaways helped develop its list of the cheapest carriers in 2024:

• US airlines generated over $2 trillion in passion revenue in 2022 and 2023
• The carriers had over one quadrillion seat miles available annually
• The average revenue per seat mile in both years ranged from $0.0985 to $0.1761

Trending Now

Flagship Flop: American Airlines Executive Explains Why It’s Removing Widebody Aircraft Between Miami & Los Angeles

The carrier reportedly “almost always loses money” when operating the Boeing 777 or 787 Dreamliner on domestic routes.

Here are the top 5 cheapest airlines in the US based on the lowest average passenger revenue per seat mile.

1

Frontier Airlines

$0.0985 average per seat mile

Denver-based Frontier Airlines tops the list as the number one cheapest airline in the country this year. As $0.0985 per seat mile is the lowest in the industry, it may be viewed as extremely shallow. However, the cost unquestionably adds up when calculating the number of actual miles the carrier’s aircraft fly on a given day.

Photo: nyker | Shutterstock

The findings clearly illustrate that Frontier is a ULCC. According to AirAdvisor, US airlines do not offer fares that are any cheaper than the number as a whole. Additionally, the carrier does not just fly domestically but also has several international routes to several countries and territories: Barbados, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten Island, and the US Virgin Islands.

Related

Which Benefits Come With Frontier Airlines Elite Status?

The program has valuable and guaranteed benefits for Frontier Airlines flyers.

2

Spirit Airlines

$0.1110 average per seat mile

Another ULCC, Spirit Airlines, comes in second at $0.1110. Similar to Frontier, the carrier offers international routes to the Caribbean and Latin America in addition to its extensive domestic route network. While it has the next-cheapest seat mile per dollar figure, Frontier still beats out the banana plane airline by more than $0.01. However, the number has decreased slightly from 2022 to 2023, by $0.0115, whereas its animal-tailed competitor’s figure fell by $0.0099 throughout the same period.

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

Spirit is famously known for its “Bare Fare,” which just charges travelers for their seat and one personal item. Additionally, Spirit has no frills, meaning it is easier for passengers to keep the overall cost of their flight at a minimum.

Related

5 Reasons To Choose Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit Loyalty Program

“Free Spirit” is the US low-cost carrier’s reward program; let’s examine together why you should consider signing up.

3

Hawaiian Airlines

$0.1236 average per seat mile

Taking third place is Hawaiian Airlines, which may be a shock for some. While the carrier, which is the largest operator of commercial flights to and from the 50th state, does not consider itself a LCC or ULCC, its dollar-per-seat mile figure suggests otherwise. According to AirAdvisor, Hawaiian’s average seat mile revenue was $0.1236 in both 2022 and 2023. While the number is a full cent above Spirit, the carrier recorded minute revenue improvements at $0.0035.

Photo: Philip B. Espinasse | Shutterstock

However, the airline can be an ideal choice for travel to paradise, Asia, and the South Pacific. Although Hawaiian has experienced competition from LCC Southwest Airlines, its average fares appear to have remained the lowest, leading the industry in the inter-island and transpacific markets.

Related

The Different Tiers Of Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles Program

HawaiianMiles elite status for frequent flyers brings additional mileage earning, upgrades, and other benefits – but only on Hawaiian Airlines.

4

Allegiant Air

$0.1294 average per seat mile

Allegiant Air, the third main ULCC, comes in fourth place. Similar to Hawaiian, the airline offered the same average seat mile revenue in 2022 and 2023, but the price slightly increased over the years. It recorded an average of $0.1294 per seat mile – a whole $0.03 more than Frontier’s figures. Many budget-seeking passengers, however, still turn to the airline for their travel needs as its route network is more focused on smaller, rural cities.

Photo: David S Swierczek | Shutterstock

As such, Allegiant does not fly to any international destinations, which could be a deal-breaker for some travelers. Additionally, the airline does not offer daily service on some routes, often to less-populated areas.

Related

How Does Allegiant Air’s Allways Rewards Program Work?

Allegiant Air’s new Allways Rewards is one of the simplest loyalty programs and is free to join.

5

JetBlue Airways

$0.1324 average seat per mile

Rounding out the top five is JetBlue Airways, with an average seat mile revenue of $0.1324. The airline does not classify itself as a ULCC but rather an LCC, meaning its position as fifth is appropriate. However, it does remain surprising that Hawaiian still ranks cheaper than JetBlue.

Photo: JetBlue Airways

Regardless, it is worth noting that JetBlue’s route network drastically differs from the four predecessors on the list. The airline is the only carrier among the top five that offers flights across the pond to Europe. JetBlue uniquely competes with airlines on both sides of the spectrum. It rivals the legacy carriers offering its luxurious premium Mint experience on select international and domestic routes but is also known for cheap fares and operating aircraft with single-class cabins.

Related

How Many JetBlue Points Get You A Free Flight?

The amount of TrueBlue points required for a free flight depends on various factors.

Here’s how other US carriers performed:

6. Alaska Airlines – $0.1554

7. United Airlines – $0.1650

8. American Airlines – $0.1730

9. Southwest Airlines – $0.1732

10. Delta Air Lines – $0.1761

The remaining airlines that comprise the top 10 are typical of each airline’s jurisdiction. However, Southwest ranking ninth, is strikingly out of place, as the carrier prides itself for its low fares, open seating, and its famous “bags fly free” amenity-turned slogan.

Read Next

Is Southwest Airlines Still A Low-Fare Carrier?

An executive of a European low-cost powerhouse has questioned the carrier’s primary strategy.