The Best Budget Airlines for International Travel
Let’s explore the top low-cost carriers connecting continents without breaking the bank.
1. AirAsia X
Hub: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Popular Routes: Malaysia to Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
Why Fly Here? AirAsia X is a pioneer in long-haul budget travel, offering modern planes with premium options like flatbed seats. Their “Low Fare” campaigns frequently feature round-trip flights from Asia to Australia for under $300.
Watch Out For: Meal and baggage fees add up quickly. Pre-book extras online for discounts.
2. Scoot
Hub: Singapore
Popular Routes: Singapore to Berlin, Athens, Sydney, and Tokyo.
Why Fly Here? Scoot’s “ScootPlus” offers extra legroom and meal bundles at a fraction of traditional business-class prices. Their cheeky branding and themed flights (like “ScootThrills” Halloween trips) add fun to frugal travel.
Watch Out For: Limited in-flight entertainment; download movies beforehand.
3. Eurowings
Hub: Cologne, Germany
Popular Routes: Germany to Thailand, the Caribbean, and South Africa.
Why Fly Here? Part of the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings blends budget pricing with legacy airline perks. Their “Best” fare includes checked luggage and seat selection.
Watch Out For: Fees for carry-on bags exceeding size limits.
4. Jetstar
Hub: Melbourne, Australia
Popular Routes: Australia to Bali, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
Why Fly Here? Jetstar’s “Price Beat Guarantee” promises to match competitors’ fares plus a 10% discount. They also partner with Qantas for seamless connections.
Watch Out For: Strict baggage weight limits—weigh your bags at home!
5. PLAY Airlines
Hub: Reykjavik, Iceland
Popular Routes: Iceland to New York, Boston, and London.
Why Fly Here? PLAY replaced WOW Air, offering no-frills transatlantic hops. Use Iceland as a stopover to explore its stunning landscapes.
Watch Out For: Minimal legroom; upgrade to “PLAY Plus” for comfort.
6. French Bee
Hub: Paris, France
Popular Routes: France to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Tahiti.
Why Fly Here? French Bee focuses on eco-conscious travel with newer, fuel-efficient planes. Their “Basic” fare is ultra-cheap, but even premium options remain affordable.
Watch Out For: Limited flight frequencies; book early for peak seasons.
7. Norse Atlantic Airways
Hub: Oslo, Norway
Popular Routes: Europe to New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Why Fly Here? Norse Atlantic revived Norwegian’s transatlantic model, offering budget-friendly long-haul flights. Their “Premium” cabin includes lounge access.
Watch Out For: No free meals; pre-order food to save.
8. Wizz Air
Hub: Budapest, Hungary
Popular Routes: Europe to the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Why Fly Here? Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi hub opens up Asia and the Middle East. Their “Wizz Discount Club” offers monthly deals for loyal travelers.
Watch Out For: Inflexible refund policies; consider travel insurance.
9. LEVEL
Hub: Barcelona, Spain
Popular Routes: Spain to New York, Buenos Aires, and Montreal.
Why Fly Here? Owned by IAG (British Airways’ parent company), LEVEL provides reliable service with options to upgrade to “Premium Economy.”
Watch Out For: Limited destinations; ideal for transatlantic travelers.
10. Vueling
Hub: Barcelona, Spain
Popular Routes: Spain to Morocco, Egypt, and Israel.
Why Fly Here? Vueling’s “Time to Fly” sales feature flights under $50. Their app makes managing bookings a breeze.
Watch Out For: Crowded flights during European holidays.
Tips for Booking Budget International Flights
- Book Early (But Not Too Early)
The sweet spot is 2–4 months in advance for international trips. Sign up for fare alerts to track price drops. - Embrace Flexibility
Use tools like Google Flights’ “Date Grid” to find the cheapest days to fly. Midweek flights are often cheaper. - Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into a smaller airport (e.g., Berlin Brandenburg instead of Frankfurt) can save hundreds. - Pack Light
Stick to a carry-on to avoid baggage fees. Invest in compact travel gear. - Check for Promotions
Follow airlines on social media for flash sales. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often have unbeatable deals.
FAQs About Budget International Travel
Q: Are budget airlines safe?
A: Yes! Budget carriers adhere to the same safety standards as legacy airlines. Check sites like AirlineRatings.com for safety scores.
Q: How do I avoid hidden fees?
A: Read the fine print before booking. Pre-pay for bags and meals online, where fees are lower than at the airport.
Q: What’s the best time to book?
A: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically when airlines release discounted fares.
Final Thoughts
Budget airlines have democratized international travel, but savvy planning is key. By choosing the right carrier, understanding fees, and staying flexible, you can explore the world without overspending. Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights with PLAY Airlines or island-hopping in Asia with AirAsia X, adventure awaits—on a budget.
Bon voyage! 🌍✈️
(Note: Always verify details directly with airlines, as policies and routes may change.)
