Air travel has become increasingly frustrating, not to mention expensive, over the past few years. Crowded planes, scheduling delays, and never-ending fees are becoming the norm rather than the exception. However, you can still find some good deals and a reasonable amount of comfort of some of the domestic "budget airlines." We've compiled a list of the top 5 recommendations for these budget carriers so that you can book your next trip without the hassle and discomfort you may have come to expect.
- Sun Country Airlines
Minneapolis-based Sun Country has become one of the nicest of the domestic airlines over the past few years. The flight crew is extremely efficient whilst delivering a healthy dose of Midwestern hospitality. Although you will still be charged to check baggage on domestic flights in coach ($20 online or $25 at the airport for the first bag, the ability to upgrade during check-in to first class makes Sun Country stand out among their competition. If there are first class seats available, you can purchase the upgrade regardless of any loyalty tiers or special favors. The first class cabin on Sun Country flights is one of the most pleasurable experiences in the domestic market; good food and attentive service have remained important to the airline even as other lines have cut back.
- Jet Blue
Long regarded as the gold standard of budget airlines, Jet Blue has become one of the biggest names in air travel. The past decade has brought an increased in presence to the airline with more and more flights to major airports in larger markets. Your first checked bag is free, even on domestic flights, and the signature blue potato chips always delight kids and adults alike. Tickets are bought in one-way segments so it is easy to comparison shop without being required to buy round-trip fares to save money.
- Southwest
Once delegated to second-tier airports, Southwest has also begun increasing flights to large hubs, much to the dismay of legacy carriers. Their low prices, coupled with their generous baggage policy, currently the only domestic carrier that allows two checked bags for free, has allowed them to take over a large share of business from competitors. Their first-come, first-serve seating system takes some getting used to, but many enjoy the thrill of awaiting their boarding number.
- Virgin America
The younger sister to Richard Branson's famed Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America brings the former's fashionable British style to American soil. Whilst checked baggage still carries a surcharge, the base fares are often considerably lower than the legacy carries, which more than makes up for the baggage fees. Cabin interiors are awash with chic seating and mood lighting in order to make the flight as pleasant as possible.
- Cape Air
For short-haul flights, especially those within New England or the Caribbean, few carriers rival the low cost of Cape Air. First checked bags are always free, and the prices are often the lowest in the markets they serve. They specialize in flights to smaller, regional airports that are not always served by larger airlines.
