Thanks to low-cost domestic carriers, there are plenty of US airline deals to be had. Most of the time the difference between the services that low-cost carriers and major carriers offer are barely different, even though the low-cost carriers offer so-called “no-frills” flights. For example, on Jet Blue, a “no frills” flight features leather seating, plenty of leg room, and in-seat satellite TV.
Thanks to low-cost carriers, our choices as consumers have multiplied. Major airlines often match or undercut the prices of low-cost carriers, enabling you to get some great US airline deals. Discount airlines typically travel to warm-weather locations such as the southwest, Florida, southern California, and the Caribbean. You can also find great cross-country deals on low-cost carriers. For example, low-cost carriers offer direct flights from major cities, coast-to-coast. Major airlines are catching up by matching prices, so it’s never been cheaper to travel across the US.
To find the best US airline deals with discount carriers, go directly to their websites. You’ll save a few bucks on the fee that booking sites usually charge. Search for flights departing from nearby airports instead of major airports. Many discount airlines fly into alternate airports. For example, instead of flying into San Francisco, they fly into Oakland or instead flying into Philadelphia, they fly into Atlantic City. Not only are airfares cheaper when you fly in and out of smaller airports, you can often avoid the crowds and long wait times that plague larger airports.
When you check what flights are available to neighboring airports, you may be able to find flights that get you very close to your final destination. Some discount airlines serve very small, local airports such as Moline, Akron, Providence, and Atlantic City. Although it can be tedious to find flights going to such small airports, your travels will run a lot more smoothly if you take these flights because the airports are smaller, less crowded, and easier to navigate.
Discount Airlines in the US
When most people think of discount airlines in the US, Southwest and Jet Blue come to mind. However, there are many more discount airlines in the US nowadays. For flights that fly through Atlanta, consider AirTran Airways. Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air flies through the hubs of Vegas and Orlando. Frontier Airlines offers flights that route through Denver and is known to offer flights to popular vacation spots in Mexico. Gulfstream International Air has hubs in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. Spirit Airlines has hubs in Fort Lauderdale and Detroit. Spirit is known to fly to many small, lesser-known airports.
The next time you need to take a trip within the US, search for deals with one of the many domestic low-cost carriers that exist. Even those supposedly “no frills” flights are far comfier than you think.
