Travellers are flocking to the skies in record numbers now that most travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have been lifted. Because of the increased demand, some airlines are charging higher fares. However, there is a way to ensure you always get a cheaper, no-frills flight: Budget airlines.
In recent decades, budget airlines (also known as low cost carriers) have risen globally, frequently becoming larger than legacy carriers.
With the revival of travel, AirlineRatings has compiled a list of the 10 best low cost airlines for 2022. These airlines were rated for their exceptional performance and commitment to economical travel during COVID-19’s post-pandemic recovery.
You’ll find quite a few familiar names that service Malaysia and the rest of Asia Pacific, but if ever you’re headed to Europe and the Americas, there are also some other names you should know.
Vietjet
Vietjet is Vietnam’s first privately-owned airline to provide both domestic and international service options. It flies 385 flights a day within Vietnam and to destinations such as South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, among others. VietJet Air currently flies over 15 domestic destinations, over 25 international destinations and flies 47 destinations around Asia. So, if touring Asia is something you want to do, you know who to fly with.
Southwest
Southwest Airlines, established in Dallas and founded more than 50 years ago, is the largest domestic airline in the United States and the largest low cost airline in the world. It carries the highest number of domestic passengers in the United States, to popular cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Southwest Airlines offers a strong point-to-point, non-stop route network and has a significant presence in the major leisure and business markets.
Scoot
Scoot Airline was established in May 2011 as Singapore Airline’s no-frills, low cost subsidiary airline for medium- and long-haul routes. This airline offers baggage check-in across flights, a single ticket itinerary, rebooking a delayed flight, and so on, despite being a low cost carrier.
Scoot’s loyalty programme, KrisFlyer, allows you to earn points which can be redeemed for free flights, flight upgrades, or award tickets. In June, Scoot launched three times weekly flights from Singapore to Jeju International Airport (CJU) in South Korea, expanding its network to 47 destinations. What better time to watch your favourite K-drama scenes come to life.
Ryanair
Ryanair is an Irish low cost carrier headquartered in Dublin that was founded in 1984. With daily low tickets on European flights, the continent becomes your playground with Ryanair’s broad network of over 200 destinations in 34 countries.
With Ryanair, you can always be certain that you are getting the cheapest price on flights, regardless of whether you are flying for business or need to quickly get away.
Fly Dubai
Located in Dubai’s International Airport’s Terminal 2, Flydubai is an Emirati government-owned low cost carrier. With a network of 95 destinations and a fleet of 60 Boeing 737 planes, the Dubai-based carrier was able to put the pandemic behind it and focus on expansion and profit. Some of the new destinations that previously did not feature in the carrier’s network include Batumi, Budapest, Ljubljana, Minsk, Salzburg, Tirana, and Warsaw.
Flair
Looking for a low cost airline that operates flights within Canada? Flair Airlines may be just the ticket for you! Flair Airlines is based in Edmonton, Alberta and currently flies to more than 30 destinations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Jetstar
Jetstar Airways is an airline operating throughout Australia and the Pacific. Being a subsidiary of the enormous Australian airline, Qantas, has helped the business establish a solid reputation for dependability and respect.
If ever you’re headed Down Under, consider flying with them to fully explore the Pacific. The airline has grown dramatically across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Japan, serving 22 domestic destinations and 16 international destinations in 11 countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more.
EasyJet
The most wallet-friendly way to see Europe! EasyJet has its main office at London Luton Airport and operates over 1,000 routes throughout more than 30 nations. It is also a good airline for someone travelling on a budget as they service more than 800 destinations across Europe.
AirAsia
Ahhh… No stranger to us Malaysians, AirAsia celebrates winning the World’s Best Low Cost Airline award for 13 consecutive years, making it one of the preferred airlines for anyone looking to fly on a budget.
AirAsia began as a low-cost carrier with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and India, and has since flown more than 600 million guests to more than 160 locations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the United States. When it comes to planes, pilots, and hospitality AirAsia usually comes up tops.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is an American ultra-low-cost airline and ranks as the 14th-largest commercial carrier in North America. It offers domestic flights to over 100 cities across the US, including Anchorage, Alaska. In a joint venture with Monterrey-based Viva Aerobus, the airline plans to begin international operations in Mexico next year.
