Vacationing in the USA? Here's what you need to know about the major low-cost airlines
Is it possible to travel lowcost in the United States? Anyone who loves to travel the world far and wide is always at the [...]
Southwest Airlines
JetBlue
American Airlines
It is possible to travel lowcost in the United States? Anyone who loves to travel the world far and wide is always looking for the best ways to save money. Following the advice of The Flight Club makes it easy to delve into the world of award miles through credit cards. This is also compounded by the need for extensive research regarding the cheapest airlines. Here, then, are the most cost-effective lowcost carriers in the United States.
Hawaiian Airlines
In this article:
Established in 1929, it is the tenth largest commercial airline in the United States and the flag carrier of the State of Hawaii. It is headquartered in Honolulu and sees its main hub at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Kakului, on the island of Maui.
Safety and reliability make it a particularly beloved brand. Suffice it to say that it is the oldest U.S. airline to have never suffered a fatal accident or lost an aircraft during its history. It tops the lists for punctuality in the United States, with minimal cancellations, overbooking, and general baggage handling problems.
There are two hubs for the carrier: Honolulu and Maui. Its fleet consists of a total of 61 aircraft, including Airbus A321 neo, Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 717-200. It is scheduled to deliver 10 Boeing 787-9s between 2022 and 2026.
It boasts a codeshare agreement With the following companies:
- Air China
- American Airlines
- China Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue
- Korean Air
- Philippine Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Australia
They are six countries covered and 28 destinations served:
- Asia
- American Samoa
- Australia
- French Polynesia
- Hawaii
- New Zealand
- United States
The cost for luggage on board varies depending on the destination. For flights between the islands of the archipelago it is necessary to pay $25 for the first suitcase and $35 for the second. Cost that rises to $30-40 in the case of travel to North America. No fee is charged, however, for international and first-class flights. Should there be three or more bags, the price is $50 for inter-island travel, $100 to North America, and $150 for international.
Frontier Airlines
The history behind the Frontier Airlines name is interesting. In 2003 the carrier underwent a real transformation. What was once Denver's local airline, where it still has its main hub, morphed into an ultra-low-cost carrier with a national reach.
Established in 1994, the company now boasts 2,400 flights a day, covering 51 states and reaching 115 total destinations. From the United States to El Salvador, from Mexico to Puerto Rico, from the Dominican Republic to Canada.
Its fleet consists of a total of 107 aircraft. From 2021 to 2026, however, many changes are planned. Airbus A319-100s will be retired and Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321 neo and Airbus A321 XLR will be delivered. The A321-200s and A320-200s, however, will remain in service.
As for the cost of luggage, the only ones that do not charge extra are those that find space under the seat. The expected price for pre-registered suitcases, online, ranges from $30 to $55 (35 pounds, 16 kg, approximately). At the gate, however, $60 is charged. For a second piece of luggage (maximum weight 50 pounds, about 22 kg), the price ranges from $45 to $55. Third luggage or more is allowed on board at a cost of $85 to $95.
Spirit Airlines
Founded in 1980, based in Miramar, Florida, Spirit Airlines was originally a charter tour operator known as Charter one. Its scheduled flights began in 1990. Today it lands in 26 states and covers a total of 59 destinations. There are about 400 aircraft departing daily, for a fleet that includes 159 aircraft. There are Airbus A319-100, A319neo, A320-200, A320neo, A321-200 and A321neo.
Here are the main destinations achieved:
- Caribbean
- Mexico
- Latin America
- Lauderdale
- Dallas
- Detroit
- Las Vegas
- Chicago
- Houston
- Atlantic City
Costs are definitely low, making it an ideal solution for those who, having arrived in the U.S., need to take one or more domestic flights to visit other states. The basic fare allows only one personal hatbox baggage to be carried on board. Each passenger does, however, have the option of customizing their ticket, adding options of various kinds, depending on their availability and needs.
Here are the hub exploited by the company:
- Atlantic City
- Chicago-O'Hare
- Dallas
- Detroit
- Fort Lauderdale
- Las Vegas
- Orlando
As for the luggage costs, there is a difference between online and airport check-in:
- Hand luggage: $41/55
- First checked baggage: $36 to $50
- Second checked baggage: $46/60
- Third, fourth or fifth checked baggage: $91/100
Low-cost airlines: the best known
Beyond the top 3 previously provided, there are lowcost carriers that boast a slightly higher fare rate but perfectly within the U.S. top 10. Reference goes to carriers generally better known outside U.S. borders.
JetBlue Airways
La JetBlue Airways is, to date, the sixth largest U.S. airline by passengers carried. There are 84 destinations covered and 12 countries served. Here are some dream destinations in addition to major U.S. cities:
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Barbados
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
The carrier's main hubs are located in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Orlando and San Juan. The fleet consists of as many as 270 vehicles, taking advantage of the following models: Airbus A220-300, A320-200, A321-200, A321 LR, A321neo, A321 XLR and Embraer 190.
JetBlue Airways boasts several codeshare agreements with Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Cape Air, Emirates, JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, Porter Airlines, Seaborne Airlines, Silver Airways, South African Airways, and Qatar Airways.
Here are the expected costs for luggage on board, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs:
- First bag: $35
- Second luggage: $45
- Third or more luggage: $150
Southwest
Southwest was founded in 1967 (the current name was given in 1971), boasts 3,400 flights a day, with 113 destinations and 43 states covered. Here are the main arrivals in the U.S., to better plan your travels:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- Puerto Rico
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
The carrier's fleet consists of as many as 734 aircraft, divided between Boeing 737-700s, which will be replaced by Boeing 737 Max 8s, 737-800s, and - coming in 2022 - 737 Max 7s. The main hubs in the country are as follows: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love, Denver, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix-Sky Harbor.
Here are the expected costs for luggage on board:
- First baggage: free
- Second baggage: free
- Third or more luggage: $75
Allegiant Air
Established in 1997 under the name WestJet Express, Allegiant Air is now the ninth largest airline in the United States. From small towns, well known for their tourist appeal, to destinations with great international appeal. The carrier's great merit is that it makes the most sought-after domestic travel much more convenient for U.S. citizens and foreigners alike. More than 120 destinations are covered, here are the main ones:
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- Phoenix
- Los Angeles
- St. Petersburg
- Punta Gorda
- Cincinnati
- Myrtle Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Bellingham
A total of 111 aircraft, divided between Airbus A319-100 and A320-200. The main hubs in the country are:
- Allentown
- Asheville
- Austin
- Bellingham
- Cincinnati
- Concord
- Des Moines
- Fort Walton Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Grand Rapids
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Nashville
- Orlando/Sanford
- Phoenix/Mesa
- Pittsburgh
- Punta Gorda
- Savannah
- Petersburg
I expected costs for luggage on board, varying depending on weight and booking online or at the airport:
- First bag: $18-50
- Second luggage: $18-50
- Third or more luggage: $75
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is one of America's large carriers. It averages 1,200 flights a day, with about 40 million passengers on board a year, routed to 118 destinations. Travel from the United States to Mexico, Canada to Costa Rica, and even Cuba. A very important reference point for tourists from all over the world.
Very popular is its Economy Class, which is decidedly "basic," with the option of carrying a hatbox suitcase and a personal bag. Charges for adding another bag are affordable, amounting to $25. A range of prices that has made this carrier's fortune, along with the list of major destinations:
- Albuquerque
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Boston
- Burbank
- Cancun
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Detroit
- Las Vegas
- Long Beach
- Palm Springs
- Philadelphia
- Portland
Here are the main hubs of the carrier: Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. The company boasts a total of 320 aircraft, divided between Airbus A320-200, which will say goodbye by 2023, Airbus A321 neo, Boeing 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900 ER and 737 Max 9 (replacing A320s).
I expected costs for luggage on board, with a maximum weight of 50 lbs:
- First bag: $30
- Second luggage: $40
- Third or more luggage: $100
