North America has one of the most competitive low-cost airline markets in the world, where travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to affordable flying.
From big names with decades of history to newer carriers reshaping regional connectivity, budget airlines in the US, Canada, and Mexico continue to redefine what low-cost travel means.
They focus on keeping fares accessible while offering passengers a safe, efficient, and often surprisingly comfortable experience.
In 2025, ten airlines stand out across the region, not just for their affordable tickets but also for their reliability, expanding route networks, and clever ways of keeping air travel within reach of everyday passengers. Let’s take a closer look at the leading low-cost airlines in North America this year.
Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in North America
1. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air has carved a unique niche in the US market by focusing on linking smaller regional airports with popular leisure destinations.
Rather than competing directly with larger carriers on high-traffic routes, it connects secondary airports with tourist hotspots such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and Phoenix. This strategy makes it convenient for travellers who prefer to avoid the crowds and long journeys to major hubs.
Allegiant keeps costs down by operating fewer flights per week on many routes, but this suits its leisure-focused audience. Its low fares, combined with options for bundled packages including hotels and car rentals, appeal to budget-conscious holidaymakers.
In 2025, Allegiant remains strong by sticking to its model of point-to-point connections, giving travellers from smaller cities a direct, affordable way to reach some of the most popular vacation spots in the United States.
2. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a giant in the low-cost sector and one of the most recognisable names in American aviation. Known for its “bags fly free” policy and no-change-fee structure, the airline has built a reputation for customer-friendly practices alongside affordable fares.
With its extensive domestic network, Southwest connects almost every corner of the US, making it one of the most accessible airlines for both business and leisure travellers.
Passengers appreciate its straightforward pricing model and open seating policy, which gives flexibility while boarding. Despite being a low-cost airline, Southwest’s service feels approachable and reliable, with friendly staff playing a big role in customer loyalty.
In 2025, the airline continues to dominate as a major force, balancing affordability with a brand of hospitality that has kept it popular for decades.
3. Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines, based in Minneapolis, operates with a strong leisure focus, linking Midwestern cities to sunny destinations across the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Once a small regional airline, it has grown steadily by keeping costs low while targeting travellers looking for affordable escapes to warmer climates.
The airline runs a mixed business model, including scheduled passenger flights, charter services, and even cargo operations, which helps it maintain stability in a competitive market.
Sun Country passengers often note the airline’s balance between affordability and comfort, with decent cabin service for a budget carrier.
By 2025, it will continue to attract families and holidaymakers with its seasonal schedules and direct flights to resorts and beach destinations. It may not have the scale of Southwest or Frontier, but its niche focus ensures it plays a valuable role in the North American low-cost scene.
4. Air Canada rouge
Air Canada rouge serves as the leisure-focused subsidiary of Air Canada, offering travellers a more affordable way to access holiday destinations in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. While it shares branding with its parent company, Rouge strips down services to provide a no-frills experience that keeps fares competitive.
The airline appeals to cost-conscious travellers who want to enjoy Air Canada’s reach but at lower ticket prices. Seating is designed for economy efficiency, and premium services are available as add-ons, giving flexibility for different budgets.
In 2025, Air Canada rouge continues to be a vital player in Canada’s low-cost market, offering holidaymakers an accessible way to travel to sun destinations and beyond.
Its close integration with Air Canada means passengers also benefit from a larger network and loyalty programme, making it a popular choice for frequent travellers who want affordability without losing global connectivity.
5. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines has established itself as one of the leading ultra-low-cost carriers in the US, known for rock-bottom fares and a stripped-back service model. Based in Denver, the airline operates an extensive domestic network with a growing number of international routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Travellers pay for add-ons like seat selection, baggage, and onboard refreshments, which helps Frontier keep base fares very low. Its distinctive branding, with animal-themed aircraft tails, has made it a recognisable name among American budget airlines.
Frontier appeals especially to those who prioritise price above all else, such as students, young travellers, and families seeking affordable holidays.
In 2025, the airline continues to expand aggressively while operating one of the youngest fleets in the US, ensuring efficiency and keeping costs down. Despite its ultra-low-cost structure, it remains a key choice for millions of passengers each year.
6. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is another ultra-low-cost carrier that has become synonymous with cheap fares in the United States. Based in Florida, Spirit operates across the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean, appealing strongly to price-sensitive travellers.
Like Frontier, Spirit’s model is based on keeping base fares very low, with extra charges for baggage, seating, and onboard services.
This transparency allows passengers to pay only for what they need, keeping costs flexible. Spirit’s distinctive yellow livery and bold marketing campaigns have helped it stand out in a crowded market.
By 2025, the airline will continue to be a strong option for leisure travellers who are happy to sacrifice some comforts for significant savings. While it sometimes receives mixed reviews on service, its role as a price leader ensures it remains a major player in the North American budget airline market.
7. Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines is a newcomer compared to most of its competitors, having launched in 2021, but it has quickly carved out a presence in the US low-cost market. Focused on operating from smaller, secondary airports, Avelo aims to make flying more affordable and convenient for passengers who would otherwise need to travel to larger, busier hubs.
The airline’s simple service model, low fares, and efficient operations have helped it win over travellers looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
Routes focus heavily on leisure destinations, including Florida, the West Coast, and holiday spots across the country. In 2025, Avelo is still relatively small, but its smart approach to underserved markets gives it a clear identity.
For many travellers, Avelo represents the next generation of American low-cost airlines: fresh, affordable, and well-positioned to grow.
8. Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines has emerged as a key budget carrier in Canada, offering an alternative to the country’s dominant full-service airlines. With its ultra-low-cost model, Flair keeps fares as low as possible, allowing passengers to add extras like luggage or seat selection as needed.
The airline has rapidly expanded its network across Canada while also introducing flights to the US and leisure destinations. Its mission is to make air travel affordable to more Canadians, particularly those who may have previously relied on long road journeys due to high domestic fares.
In 2025, Flair continues its rapid growth with a modern fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. It remains a disruptor in Canada’s aviation sector, giving travellers a true budget option where choices were previously limited.
9. VivaAerobus
VivaAerobus is one of Mexico’s most important low-cost airlines, well-known for its no-frills model and highly competitive pricing. Founded in 2006, the airline operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet and offers an extensive domestic network alongside growing international routes to the United States and Latin America.
VivaAerobus keeps costs low by maximising efficiency and operating high-density seating layouts, allowing passengers to access some of the cheapest fares in the region.
In 2025, the airline continues to expand aggressively, with a focus on connecting smaller Mexican cities as well as providing affordable links to popular tourist destinations.
Its straightforward service appeals strongly to domestic travellers, families, and those crossing the border for holidays or work. As competition grows, VivaAerobus holds a strong position as Mexico’s go-to low-cost option.
10. Volaris
Volaris is Mexico’s largest low-cost airline and a significant player in North America’s budget travel scene. Operating a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, Volaris has built a massive domestic network while also offering extensive services to the United States, Central America, and beyond.
Its strategy is rooted in affordability, often offering some of the lowest fares available, paired with efficient operations and high-frequency services. Passengers can customise their travel experience by paying only for extras they want, from luggage to onboard snacks.
In 2025, Volaris remains a powerhouse in Mexico’s aviation sector, playing a central role in making air travel more accessible across the country. Its ability to balance low fares with a growing international footprint cements its place as one of the most influential low-cost airlines in the region.
Bottom Line
North America’s low-cost airline market in 2025 is vibrant, competitive, and diverse.
For travellers, the message is clear – whether flying for work, family visits, or leisure, affordable options are abundant, and competition is ensuring that budget airlines continue to expand, innovate, and reshape the way North Americans travel.
Low-Cost Airlines FAQs
The top 10 North American low-cost airlines have been ranked by Skytrax, a globally renowned aviation rating agency.
The airlines are ranked across several metrics, but most importantly, their on-time performance and customer satisfaction.
The best low-cost carrier in North America for 2025 is Allegiant Air.
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