Considering saving on airfare by flying with budget carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, or Spirit Airlines? Below are practical tips to help you find cheap plane tickets and get the best flight deals.
Recently my husband, Wes, needed to make a few last-minute trips to visit family. At first I searched the usual carriers—American, Delta, Southwest—but last-minute fares were very expensive. Then I checked the low-cost carriers (Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit) and found dramatically lower prices.
I discovered an extremely affordable direct flight on Allegiant, while the pricier options involved multiple stops and would have taken all day. I admit I was skeptical because the price seemed too good to be true, and several people warned me off budget carriers. Still, many others encouraged me to try them. We booked the Allegiant flights and everything went smoothly—on-time departures and big savings. A few weeks later he flew again with Allegiant with similar results.
It’s common to see massive price differences between traditional and budget airlines. A route that costs $200+ on a full-service airline can sometimes be as low as $25–$70 on a budget carrier. Examples I found included:
- Austin, Texas to San Juan, Puerto Rico for $70 on Spirit Airlines.
- Fort Lauderdale to Cincinnati for $48 on Allegiant.
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas for $25 on Frontier.
So what’s the catch? Budget airlines often offer very low base fares but recoup revenue through many optional fees. Whether you travel occasionally or full-time, if you want to cut airfare costs it helps to understand how these carriers structure fares and add-ons.
Below are practical tips I gathered while researching Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit and other low-cost carriers. Many of these points apply to budget airlines worldwide.
6 tips for saving the most money on airfare with a budget airline
1. Those add-ons add up
Budget airlines rely heavily on ancillary fees. Small charges—$5 here, $10 there—can quickly accumulate for roundtrip travel or for a family. Typical add-ons include:
- Carry-on fees (often higher if you pay at the airport)
- Checked bag fees (can increase if paid at the airport or gate)
- Extra legroom or preferred seating fees
- Seat assignment fees
- Cancellation and change fees
- Pet fees
- Unaccompanied minor fees
Think of the base fare as paying for a seat only—anything beyond that is usually extra. Being aware of available add-ons and their costs before you book helps you avoid surprises and keeps your total price low.
2. Watch your baggage
Many budget carriers charge for carry-ons and checked bags. Prices depend on when you purchase baggage allowance—buying during booking is typically cheaper than paying at the kiosk or gate. Examples of how fees can escalate:
- Frontier: A carry-on might be $35 when purchased during booking, $55 at the kiosk, and $60 at the gate.
- Allegiant: A carry-on might be $20 when paid at booking, $45 later, and $50 at the gate.
- Spirit: A carry-on might be $38 at booking, $48 later, and $65 at the gate.
Also watch weight limits—overweight bags can trigger additional charges. To maximize savings, pack light and, when possible, pay for baggage at booking rather than at the airport.
3. Drinks and snacks may cost money
Unlike many full-service airlines that provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, budget carriers often charge for water, soda and snacks. For instance, small bottled water can cost a few dollars. To save money, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at airport water stations and pack non-liquid snacks for the flight.
4. Choosing a seat will cost you
Seat assignments on budget airlines usually come with fees, and prices can fluctuate day to day. If you want to pay as little as possible, skip selecting a seat and accept the assignment given at check-in. You’ll save money and avoid timing decisions about when seat fees are lowest.
5. Have your boarding pass ready
Some budget airlines charge a fee (commonly around $5) to print boarding passes at the airport. Avoid this by downloading a mobile boarding pass or printing it beforehand.
6. Consider buying tickets at the airport
Counterintuitively, some budget carriers charge a booking fee for online or phone reservations—often around $20 per leg. Purchasing tickets in person at the airport ticket desk can eliminate that fee, saving you potentially $40 on a roundtrip ticket. This approach can be worth it if you have time and can avoid parking costs or other inconveniences.
Despite fees, budget airlines can save you a lot
Charging for extras like carry-ons, water, or seat selection may seem off-putting, but budget airlines allow travelers to pay only for what they use. If you don’t need checked bags, priority seating, or in-flight purchases, the base fare can be far cheaper than a comparable ticket on a full-service carrier. This model can make travel more accessible, letting people take trips they might not afford otherwise.
To recap, follow these practical tips for getting the most value from a budget airline:
- Check which airport you’ll use—budget carriers often fly to smaller airports near major hubs.
- If you want any add-ons, buy them when you book rather than at the airport to save money.
- Avoid selecting a seat to cut costs—let the airline assign one at check-in.
- Download or print your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
- The cheapest way to fly is to skip extras and pack very light.
Have you flown with a low-cost airline? Why or why not, and where do you find the best flight deals?