In a globalised society with so many people separated by vast oceans, the price of international flights determines how and when we visit new cultures, stay in touch with family and friends, and grow our business ventures overseas.

Spirit Airlines Airbus aircraft at FLL shutterstock_1769559506
Photo: YES Market Media | Shutterstock

The landscape of low-cost airlines opening opportunities for globetrotters continues to change as the airline industry evolves. Whether you’re a cost-conscious backpacker hoping to save those hard-earned pennies or a family in the midst of planning your next overseas adventure, the right airline can make a world of difference in 2025 with how far your travel budget stretches.

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This article cuts through the clutter of the cutthroat budget airline market, tracking down the most affordable for international flights. Whether it’s looking at the major players in the field and regional differences, hidden costs, or tips for getting the best deals, we hope to equip readers with the tools they need to make better travel decisions.

Budget airlines’ expanding role in international travel

Budget airlines AKA low-cost carriers (LCCs) have transformed the aviation industry
. Traditionally domestic or short-haul, many LCCs now operate internationally with a pricing structure tantamount to disruption for traditional airlines. In the mid-2000s, Ryanair and AirAsia were among the pioneers who began to chip away at the market share of full-service carriers by offering “bare bones” tickets that let passengers pay only for the services they wanted.

A Thai AirAsia X Airbus A330-300 (registration HS-XTE), leaving the gate.

Photo: James Chutimeth | Shutterstock

The reality of 2025 is fiercer competition, with new entrants and cost-cutting by legacy carriers. Ultimately, this gives many travelers significant savings, offering competitive prices in an environment where low-cost international airfare is no longer a unique selling proposition but an expectation.

This has also pressured traditional carriers to establish low-cost divisions or sister airlines to compete, like Lufthansa’s Eurowings or Singapore Airlines’ Scoot.

Its reverberations are felt throughout the industry, leading to innovations in fleet management, ticketing systems, and ancillary revenue streams. Budget airlines have raised the bar on what constitutes profitability in aviation while also providing travelers with more options than ever before.

Who are the key players?

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Photo: frank333 | Shutterstock

Ryanair

Ryanair has been Europe’s top low-cost airline for years, with fares starting next to nothing in more than 40 countries
has been Europe’s top low-cost airline for years, with fares starting next to nothing in more than 40 countries. Renowned for its “no-frills” business model, the airline prides itself on efficiency, flying to secondary airports to lower expenses.

Ryanair remains the leading low-cost carrier, with recent expansions into the North African and some Middle Eastern markets. Cheapoair explains that Ryanair is one of the most affordable options for travelers from Europe and neighboring regions.

Grounded Wizz Air aircraft in Wales shutterstock_1974302321

Photo: GarethWilley | Shutterstock

Wizz Air mainly focuses on Central and Eastern Europe (Even though they have bases across Europe), where it has gained a reputation for flying to lesser-known destinations at low prices. It has also grown its Middle Eastern hubs, competing on fares on routes that traditional airlines often leave unserved. According to Skyscanner, Wizz Air’s focus on younger fleets and direct sales channels means it can keep its ticket prices low.

AirAsia X A330-300 Landing

Photo: Alphonsusjimos | Shutterstock

AirAsia is the name on everyone’s lips for low-cost travel across Asia, linking hubs including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore to regional and long-haul destinations and Nairobi in Kenya! Now, the airline can appeal to a broader swath of potential travelers without sacrificing its traditional cheap image by introducing premium economy seats. As per Travel Daily News, AirAsia is one of the most affordable airlines for international travel in the Asia-Pacific region.

Jetstar Airbus A321neo Taxiing In Okinawa

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Jetstar Airways: Rounding out the bottom is Jetstar, which operates out of Australia and has made a name for itself with low-cost travel within the Asia-Pacific. Providing straightforward pricing and  readability of regular purchases, Jetstar has staked a claim in the hearts and minds of budget Australians who fancy a trip without breaking the loss of drafts.

Norse Atlantic Boeing 787 Landing In Oslo

Photo: Photofex_AUT | Shutterstock

Norse: With low-cost long-haul flights among the lowest transatlantic fares, Norwegian serves North America and parts of Asia from Europe. Its efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, have enabled the carrier to keep operating costs low and passenger comfort high. These carriers are at the forefront of the budget airline industry, each applying various strategies to provide travelers with the least expensive means to get overseas.

What Defines a “Cheap” Flight?

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX departing Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport LAS shutterstock_2127841190

Photo: Bradley Caslin | Shutterstock

Many travelers only consider ticket prices when evaluating whether an airline is affordable. But there is more to it!

Timing and flexibility: Traveling at off-peak times and booking tickets in advance will usually lead to significant savings—low-cost carriers like AirAsia practice dynamic pricing, where early bookers are given lower fares.

Airport Choice: Most low-cost carriers use secondary airports because of landing fees. Although this strategy helps decrease costs, customers may travel farther, adding to ground transport costs.

  • Ryanair use Beauvues instead of Charles De Gaulle in Paris
  • EasyJet uses Malpensa instead of Linate in Milan
  • Spirit uses Newark instead of JFK in New York

Ancillary Revenue: Budget carrier revenue is generated from add-ons, so travelers can adjust their experience. Although this model allows for low base fares, passengers must assess whether the price of these extras fits within their total budget. Understanding these components is the first step to determining which airline is the best deal.

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Regional Highlights: Where can you score the cheapest flights?

Europe

easyJet Airbus A320 Orange Livery Landing In Malta

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

Europe is home to companies like Ryanair (The OG is low fares in Europe) and Wizz Air, a bastion of cheap travel. These airlines offer fares from as little as $20, particularly for routes within the Schengen Area. Other carriers such as easyJet and Volotea also offer low-price solutions, notably to Mediterranean and Canary Islands holiday destinations.

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Asia-Pacific

AirAsia reigns, with connections covering Southeast Asia, Australia, and more. Scoot and Jetstar respond to travelers’ demand for budget air tickets, offering flight options for international travel across the region.

North America

Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo landing at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport LAS shutterstock_2549442873

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are some of the lower-cost options for international routes to Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. JetBlue and Southwest also offer competitive pricing on such short-haul international flights.

Middle Eastflydubai 737max on ground

Budget carriers such as Flydubai and

WizzAir in AUH are rising stars in their respective markets
. Their entry into the market has opened new possibilities for international, affordable flying.

Tips that will help you find the best deals

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Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

A proactive strategy is needed to get the best international flights:

Use Fare Comparison Tools: Use sites such as Skyscanner and Cheapoair that compile fares from various airlines, so travelers will get the best deals.

  • Keep an eye on airline sales: Sign up for newsletters and social media accounts to be among the first to know about promotions and discounts.
  • Book in advance: Many budget airlines can provide their best prices several months before the plane leaves.
  • Be Flexible: Avoid peak seasons and, if possible, fly mid-week to maximize low demand.
  • Check other nearby airports: Flying into smaller airports or being willing to do a layover can sometimes save you significant amounts.
  • Travel within a carry-on bag: Checking a bag, even on a single-leg flight, can lead to fees, and eliminating the need for checked bags will significantly reduce the total cost.

By implementing these strategies together, travelers can significantly increase their savings and book international flights at more affordable prices.

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Which airline is top of the plot?

Aer Lingus and Ryanair aircraft at Dublin Airport DUB shutterstock_2505357619

Photo: Tupungato | Shutterstock

  • Ryanair and Wizz Air provide unrivaled value for European travelers by offering many routes at ultra-low base fares.
  • AirAsia still reigns supreme in Asia-Pacific budget travel with its low-cost fares to prime destinations.
  • Norse is a formidable competitor among long-haul travelers seeking budget transatlantic flights.
  • Regional players such as Jetstar in Australia and flydubai in the Middle East also deliver quality offerings in their respective regions.

Ultimately, the “cheapest” airline will depend on your destination, travel dates, and your ability to sacrifice some comforts like seating, timing and that extra bag of pretzels. However, with the insights that we discussed in this article, you can effectively navigate the minefield of budget aviation and get the most out of your travel budget.

Related

Which Low Cost Carrier Has The Best Frequent Flyer Program?

Budget airlines worldwide offer a range of loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. Some programs are paid subscriptions that come with discounts or perks, while airlines have frequent flyer programs that resemble those offered by legacy carriers. Allegiant Air’s Allways rewards program was recently named the best in the US by USA Today, while Free Spirit and FRONTIER Miles have also undergone significant changes in recent months. 

In Europe, carriers like easyJet and Wizz Air offer paid subscription memberships that provide discounts. Meanwhile, other low-cost carriers have adopted those of their parent airline groups. Transavia, for instance, uses the Flying Blue loyalty program of Air France and KLM. Many airlines use homegrown programs. AirAsia offers a robust loyalty program, and IndiGo recently announced it is improving its frequent flyer offering and rebranding its BlueChip.

Low-cost carriers and ULCCs have also found innovative ways to provide additional services for

Abundant and affordable choice at your fingertips

The ever-growing number of low-cost carriers has opened the world of air travel to millions of travelers around the globe. Competition among low-cost carriers is at an all-time high in 2025, offering travelers plenty of budget-friendly opportunities. Whether traveling through Europe, crossing Asia, or the Atlantic, you have a budget airline.

easyJet aircraft at MXP shutterstock_1737403730
 

Photo: Simone Previdi | Shutterstock

An old saying goes: where there is a will, there is a way. With knowledge of pricing nuances, market research, and wise booking strategies, you, too, can purchase a ticket that takes you around the world without emptying the bank.

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