Kayak and Sky Scanner are both excellent sites for finding cheap flights. They are so effective because they display results from all the search engines; Orbitz, Expedia, ect.
They offer you the option of choosing flexible dates and airports, which helps reduce your search time. And on Sky Scanner, you can even run away to “Everywhere” if you type that into the destination box.
Everything is designed to help you find the cheapest flight and often times you can.
However, there are times when the absolute cheapest fare can be bought directly from an airlines website. This is especially true among budget airlines and when they offer promotional deals.
But with so many airlines to chose from it is difficult to know which ones to search through.
Below are 3 budget airlines that I highly recommend.
They consistently have the lowest fares due to low operating costs and government subsidies. They are the best budget airlines around the world and I love flying cheap with them.
Norwegian Air – Europe, North America, Asia
Norwegian Air is a new comer to the budget airline scene. Although their service was once limited to Norway and Scandinavia, it has since expanded to include North America and even Asia. It is now possible to find one way flights from NYC to Europe or Europe to Thailand for the cheapest possible fares, between 250$ and 400$ depending on the season.
Not only are the flights cheap but unlike most budget airlines, they have on board WIFI and allow you to carry on 2 bags free of charge. They also have excellent customer service.
In many ways Norwegian Air is becoming a more comfortable and sometimes cheaper alternative to the infamous Ryan Air.
Operated by nice Vikings
Air Asia- Greater Asia, India, Australia
Air Asia isn’t only the cheapest way to fly around greater Asia but it is also the most comfortable and stylish. I recently flew from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for just 40$ with a coconut in hand.
With Air Asia’s recent expansion, you can fly from South East Asia to Japan or even Australia for around 300$ depending on the season. And if your flying within South East Asia, most flights range from between just 10 and 100 dollars. Make sure you book well in advance and check their promotional deals often.
Additionally, be sure to purchase an on board coconut and a slice of pizza online. You will never feel more “pimp”!
Coconuts for 2.50$ each!!
Spirit Airlines – North, Central, South America
If you’re looking to fly from North America to Central or South America, Spirit is the way to go. Their prices are so cheap you almost feel bad for the airline. I recently flew from NYC to El Salvador for just 140$.
However their service is limited in South America, covering only Colombia and Peru. So if you your looking to get around Greater South America, small domestic airlines are the way to go.
When booking with Spirit, if you think your bag won’t fit under the seat, be sure to purchase an overhead compartment space online rather than at the airport. With most buget airlines, extra bags purchased at the airport will cost you double.
Get your Salsa on in South America!
Conclusion
There is no better feeling than finding that ultra low flight and these airlines will assuredly help you do that. They are the reason I am able to fly so much and not be broke. They are my favorite budget airlines and ones that I hope to fly for many years to come. For info on finding cheap flights in general, check out How To FInd Cheap Flights.
If you have a budget airline that you love, definitely recommend it to me and comment below.
If you ever want flights within Europe, I really recommend Ryanair. I got from Glasgow to Athens for $25 :)
Nice! That’s a great price.
Air Asia are awesome!
Another good one is Air Berlin although lately they’ve been trying to move away from the budget market. They’re somewhere in between budget and full service these days.
Air Asia is awesome. I always buy a on flight 3 dollar coconut, makes me feel like a baller. Yea, I remember when Berlin used to be cheap, not so much anymore though.
Michael O’Leary is talking about Ryanair Atlantic yet again. Rumours it’ll be a reality by 2016. Ten pound/dollar flights from Europe to the US! It’ll be uncomfortable! Actually Norwegian are currently doing London-Los Angeles for £60 booked waaay in advance!
Hey Adrian, thanks for letting me know! That would be crazy if they offered a transatlantic that cheap! I bet you would have to pay extra if you wanted to sit inside the plane though ;)
Hi- I’m trying to fly (roundtrip) from Boston to Indiana. I’m not running away, just visiting friends. Are there any cheap air companies that fly in North America? Another hassle- it’ll be on a weekend, and I’m traveling with two unaccompanied minors. That’s less important though. The only prices I’ve found are upwards of $400, with a few just a couple dollars below.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hey, check out the flight center.com, they often have some deals. Other then that, Jet Blue or Spirit might have something with a few connections. Good luck!