Ready to explore the world without burning through your savings? With the rise of budget international airlines, globe-trotting has never been more accessible. These carriers offer cheap long haul flights, making them perfect for savvy travelers who want more adventure for less money. In this guide, we’ll unveil the top 10 low-cost international airlines from the USA, highlight their routes, and share insider tips to fly smarter.
Traveling internationally used to be reserved for those with deep pockets. Today, however, low-cost carrier airlines are rewriting the rules. Thanks to a growing list of low-cost airlines USA travelers can now fly to Europe, Asia, and beyond for a fraction of the usual price.
What Are Budget International Airlines?
Budget international airlines are carriers that operate long-haul or cross-border routes with a focus on low prices. They often cut costs by offering:
- No-frills service (pay for bags, food, seats)
- High-efficiency fleet usage
- Direct online booking without agents
Though comfort may take a backseat, the savings are often worth it.
Benefits of Low-Cost International Airlines
- Affordable fares – Often half or less than major carriers
- Wider access – Smaller airports = less congestion
- Flexible options – Great for spontaneous travelers
Limitations to Be Aware Of
- Hidden fees – Checked luggage, meals, and seat selection add up
- Fewer amenities – No in-flight entertainment or lounge access
- Limited route flexibility – Fewer frequencies or destinations
Comparison Table: Top 10 Budget International Airlines at a Glance
| Airline | Origin | Destinations from USA | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norse Atlantic Airways | Norway | NYC, LA to Europe | Modern fleet, roomy seats |
| PLAY Airlines | Iceland | East Coast to Europe | Stopover options in Iceland |
| French Bee | France | San Francisco to Paris | Great long-haul pricing |
| AirAsia X | Malaysia | Via connecting cities | Ultra-cheap Asian routes |
| Zipair Tokyo | Japan | West Coast to Tokyo | Stylish cabins, low fares |
| LEVEL | Spain | NYC to Barcelona | European low-cost option |
| Scoot | Singapore | LAX via partner hubs | Asia-Pacific connections |
| Flair Airlines | Canada | US border cities to Canada | Cheap cross-border flying |
| WestJet | Canada | International via hubs | Budget with premium option |
| Jetstar Airways | Australia | Asian connections | Oceania on a budget |
💡 Quick Tip for Booking Budget Flights – Always check baggage rules and add only what you need. Sometimes the “bare bones” fare isn’t the cheapest once extras are included.
Also read – Top 10 Airlines Frequent Flyer Programs
1. Norse Atlantic Airways (USA to Europe)
Norse Atlantic Airways is one of the newest names in transatlantic budget travel. With routes from New York, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale to major European cities like Oslo, London, and Paris, Norse is winning over American flyers looking for cheap and reliable options.
Why Choose Norse?
- Affordable direct flights to Europe
- Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul comfort
- A-la-carte pricing keeps costs low
2. PLAY Airlines (Iceland-based)
Iceland’s PLAY Airlines offers super-affordable flights from Boston, New York, and Washington D.C. to Europe—with a stopover in Reykjavík.
- Great option for dual-destination trips
- Fun branding and straightforward fees
- Smaller aircraft but efficient service
3. French Bee (US to France & Beyond)
French Bee is a low-cost French airline flying from San Francisco, Miami, and Newark to Paris and French territories. It’s perfect for budget-friendly trips to France or a tropical getaway in Tahiti.
- Amazing deals on Paris routes
- Premium economy upgrades available
- Option to connect with other low-cost carriers
4. AirAsia X (USA to Asia via partners)
AirAsia X is Asia’s most recognized budget airline. While it doesn’t fly directly from the USA anymore, it partners with airlines like Hawaiian or Alaska Airlines to offer connecting low-cost routes to Asia.
- Competitive pricing to Southeast Asia
- Pay-per-service model keeps prices low
- Ideal for adventurous travelers
5. Zipair Tokyo (Japan-based)
Japan’s Zipair Tokyo, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, offers an ultra-modern low-cost flying experience from the West Coast to Tokyo.
- Minimalist style meets affordability
- Strong safety record from its parent company
- Bookable via Google Flights
6. LEVEL (Spain-based)
LEVEL connects New York with Barcelona at wallet-friendly prices. It’s a solid pick for U.S. travelers seeking sunshine and tapas without the huge price tag.
- Competitive fares to Spain
- Modern Airbus fleet
- Add-ons available for comfort
7. Scoot Airlines (Singapore-based)
Singapore’s Scoot Airlines serves long-haul routes from the U.S. through connections with major Asian cities.
- Hub in Singapore with many destinations
- Budget-friendly layovers in SE Asia
- A great way to explore Asia economically
8. Flair Airlines (Canada with US connections)
Flair Airlines operates cross-border flights between the U.S. and Canada—perfect for connecting to international routes from Canadian hubs like Toronto or Vancouver.
- Ultra-cheap North American routes
- Good add-on deals
- Handy for cross-border travel
9. WestJet (Canada-based, international reach)
WestJet may not be “ultra-low-cost” but it often undercuts major airlines on routes to Europe and Mexico from border cities.
- Solid reputation
- Budget-style pricing with frequent deals
- International routes to the Caribbean and Europe
10. Jetstar Airways (Australia & Asia)
Jetstar Airways is an Australian airline that partners with major carriers to offer affordable trips to Asia and Oceania from the U.S.
- Great for Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia
- Flexible booking options
- Part of the Qantas group
Also read – Top Airlines that allow large Dogs in cabin
Tips for Finding the Best Low-Cost International Airlines from USA
Navigating the world of low-cost international airlines from USA requires strategy. Here’s how to make the most of your travel budget:
How to Book for Maximum Savings
- Book early – Prices rise closer to departure
- Use incognito mode – Avoid dynamic pricing
- Compare airports – Flying from a nearby city may save money
- Subscribe to deals – Sign up for airline newsletters and deal websites
Understanding the Fine Print
- Baggage – Budget fares often include only a personal item
- Meals – Many airlines charge for food and drinks
- Seating – Seat selection is extra; opt for random to save more
- Check-in – Some carriers charge for airport check-in, so do it online
Conclusion: Travel Far, Spend Less
Thanks to these budget international airlines, seeing the world no longer requires a sky-high budget. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Paris, exploring temples in Tokyo, or soaking up sun in Singapore, there’s a low-cost carrier ready to take you there for less. With a little research and some travel-savvy tricks, you can take off on your next adventure—without emptying your wallet.
So pack smart, plan ahead, and enjoy the journey!
FAQs About Budget International Airlines
Here are some commonly asked questions about budget international airlines, crafted for quick answers and featured snippet optimization:
Are budget international airlines safe?
Yes, budget airlines must meet the same strict aviation safety standards as full-service airlines. They are regulated by aviation authorities in their home countries and internationally.
Which budget airlines fly internationally from the USA?
- Norse Atlantic Airways
- PLAY Airlines
- French Bee
- LEVEL
- Zipair Tokyo
- Flair Airlines
- WestJet
- Jetstar (via partners)
- Scoot (via connections)
- AirAsia X (via connections)
These low-cost international airlines from USA offer direct and connecting routes across Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
How can I find cheap long haul flights?
Use flight aggregators like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Momondo. Set fare alerts, book early, and be flexible with dates and departure airports.
Do budget airlines offer refunds?
Most budget airlines offer limited or no refunds on base fares. Some allow date changes for a fee. It’s wise to purchase travel insurance or flexible fare upgrades if you need refund options.
What are the best budget airlines to Europe?
- Norse Atlantic Airways
- PLAY Airlines
- French Bee
- LEVEL
- WestJet (via Canadian hubs)
Each offers affordable transatlantic flights with varying levels of service and comfort.
Can I bring luggage on low-cost flights?
Yes, but expect to pay extra. Most budget airlines charge separately for carry-on and checked baggage. Always check the baggage policy before booking to avoid surprise fees.
Hello, my name is Amjad Ansh and I am an SEO executive. I specialize in helping businesses improve their online visibility and drive more traffic to their websites through search engine optimization techniques.