Best US budget airlines revealed - one offers flights starting at just $38

Snagging a cheap flight is fantastic, until it comes with endless delays and no legroom. However, one US airline is changing that image. Apparently, it seems that one North American airline has struck the ideal balance, offering flights for as low as $38.

The Skytrax World Airline Awards state that one airline successfully balances quality and affordability.

Allegiant Airlines has been named the best low-cost airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. For the second time in two years, Allegiant Airlines won the title of best low-cost airline in North America at the June awards ceremony.


Allegiant, which connects smaller cities to popular vacation destinations, offers fares as low as $38. The award recognizes Allegiant's dedication to value, dependability, and passenger satisfaction in budget travel.

At number 15 in the global rankings, Allegiant was also recognized as the top low-cost airline in the United States.

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In a statement after the awards, Allegiant's president and CEO, Gregory C. Anderson, stated:

"As a leisure focused airline, our unique business model bridges the gap in connecting small-to-medium sized cities to premier vacation destinations.” "This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our team members and acknowledges Allegiant's long history of providing exceptional service at unbeatable value for our customers,” as quoted in a report by The US Sun.

"We work hard to give our customers a smooth, cozy, and convenient travel experience, and this recognition validates our efforts," he continued.

Why is Allegiant Airlines topping the charts in 2025?

Allegiant Airlines, based in Las Vegas, focuses on linking neglected small and medium-sized towns such as Provo, Utah; Orange County, California; and Knoxville, Tennessee. The airline provides flights commencing at $38 and has been acknowledged by Skytrax as North America's premier low-cost carrier.

The company's customer-centric strategy has garnered consecutive accolades as North America's premier low-cost airline. Skytrax evaluated more than 325 airlines according to consumer feedback, with the 2025 rankings derived from 22.3 million questionnaires, as per a report by The US Sun.

Who else made the list of top U.S. budget airlines?

Following Allegiant, Southwest Airlines secured second place, with Sun Country Airlines ranking third. Air Canada Rouge, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines rounded out the top six for North America.

Globally, AirAsia took the No. 1 spot among low-cost airlines, followed by Scoot (Singapore), IndiGo (India), Eurowings (Germany), and Vueling Airlines (Spain).

These rankings were based on more than 22 million customer surveys conducted worldwide, with no payment or incentives offered for participation. The results reflect real feedback from travelers who rated everything from ticket prices and onboard service to comfort and convenience.

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With budget-conscious travel on the rise, Allegiant Airlines is proving that cheap flights don’t have to come at the cost of service or comfort. Their focus on smaller cities and low fares, combined with reliable, no-frills service, is winning over American travelers and setting a new standard for affordable air travel in 2025.

FAQs

What is the best budget airline in the United States for 2025?
Skytrax ranked Allegiant Airlines first among U.S. low-cost carriers.

How cheap can Allegiant flights be?
Allegiant offers fares as low as $38 for certain routes.