Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) often gets overlooked in the shadow of its massive neighbor to the south, but for travelers who want to keep more cash in their pocket, it is one of the smartest departure points in Southern California. A handful of budget-focused airlines operate out of BUR, making it possible to reach popular West Coast cities and beyond without paying premium fares. The airport’s smaller size translates into shorter security lines, easier navigation, and less of the stress that comes with giant hubs. If you are hunting for an affordable flight and a smoother airport experience, Burbank deserves a serious look.

Several carriers with low-cost business models have a strong presence here. Their networks, fee structures, and onboard offerings vary, so understanding the distinctions can help you select the best flight for your trip. Whether you are flying out for a long weekend, heading home for the holidays, or planning a last-minute business trip, this guide breaks down the budget airline landscape at Hollywood Burbank Airport and provides practical ways to stretch your travel dollars.

Overview of Low-Cost Carriers Operating at Hollywood Burbank Airport

Four airlines consistently offer low-fare options from Burbank: Avelo Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. While Southwest and Alaska are not always marketed as ultra-low-cost carriers, their pricing on many routes from BUR is competitive, and their fee structures can be more generous than those of pure no‑frills carriers. United Airlines also serves the airport, but its fares are typically higher and it does not position itself as a budget option.

The airport is a base for Avelo, which operates a significant portion of its network from Burbank. Spirit uses the airport as a strategic point for its western U.S. network. Southwest and Alaska have broader route maps that include connections and frequent flyer benefits, but they routinely price flights aggressively to fill seats on short- and medium-haul segments.

Avelo Airlines: Ultra-Low Fares with a Focus on Underserved Routes

Avelo Airlines was founded in 2021 and quickly made Hollywood Burbank Airport one of its primary operating bases. The carrier’s model revolves around flying to smaller, less congested airports, which helps keep costs low and fares even lower. One‑way tickets can sometimes be found for under $50, and the airline routinely promotes flash sales that drop prices even further on specific travel dates. Popular nonstop routes from BUR include Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, Boise, Redmond/Bend, Pasco/Tri‑Cities, and several destinations in the Rocky Mountain region.

Because Avelo is an a-la‑carte carrier, the base fare includes only a small personal item that fits under the seat. Anything beyond that—a carry‑on bag, a checked suitcase, seat selection, or priority boarding—comes with an additional charge. Paying for extras at the time of booking is almost always cheaper than adding them later. If you can travel with just a backpack, Avelo’s pricing is tough to beat. Visit the airline’s official website at AveloAir.com to see current route maps and limited‑time offers.

Spirit Airlines: The Pay-For-What-You-Use Pioneer

Spirit Airlines has long been synonymous with ultra-low base fares and an extensive menu of optional fees. At Burbank, Spirit connects travelers to major cities such as Las Vegas, Oakland, and, during certain seasons, destinations farther east. Fares occasionally dip as low as $24 one way, though those promotional prices usually require a Spirit Saver$ Club membership or limited‑time booking windows.

Spirit’s “Bare Fare” includes transportation and one small personal item. Carry‑on bags, checked luggage, onboard drinks, and even printing a boarding pass at the airport all incur extra charges. Seat assignments are also optional; if you skip them, you will be randomly assigned a seat at check‑in, which may separate travel companions. The best way to minimize Spirit’s fees is to pack light, check in online, and purchase any add‑ons as early as possible. More details on fees and fare rules can be found at Spirit.com.

Southwest Airlines: Two Free Bags and No Change Fees

Southwest operates a robust schedule from Burbank to Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Oakland, and other high‑demand cities. While it is a full‑service carrier in many respects, Southwest’s pricing on these competitive routes often matches or beats that of ultra‑low‑cost rivals, making it a budget traveler’s favorite.

The airline stands out because every fare includes two free checked bags, one carry‑on, and one personal item. There are no change fees, and if the price of your flight drops after booking, you can rebook for a credit. Southwest does not assign seats; boarding positions are determined by check‑in order and, for some fares, automatic early check‑in. A‑List status holders and those who purchase Anytime or EarlyBird Check‑In get earlier boarding, which makes snagging an overhead bin spot nearly effortless. Check current schedules and fare sales at Southwest.com.

Alaska Airlines: West Coast Value with a Generous Loyalty Program

Alaska Airlines is not traditionally classified as a budget carrier, but its Burbank routes—such as nonstop service to Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco—often appear at fares that rival low‑cost competitors once bag fees are accounted for. Alaska allows a carry‑on and personal item at no extra charge; checked bags incur a fee unless you hold elite status or the airline’s co‑branded credit card.

Frequent flyers should note that Alaska’s Mileage Plan is consistently rated among the most valuable loyalty programs. Miles earned on Burbank flights can be redeemed on both Alaska and a wide network of international partners. The airline also runs regular sales, and its customer service reputation is a step above most budget carriers. Visit AlaskaAir.com to explore route options and fare calendars.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is primarily a point-to-point airport for domestic travel, and the budget carriers that operate here concentrate on routes of three hours or less. Avelo’s network centers on the Pacific Northwest, the Intermountain West, and select California cities. Spirit’s Burbank routes cover key leisure destinations in Nevada and the Bay Area. Southwest adds connectivity to major business and leisure hubs like Denver (a gateway to the Rocky Mountains) and Las Vegas, with seasonal additions to Chicago‑Midway and Dallas‑Love. Alaska ties the region to the Pacific Northwest and beyond with its Seattle hub.

This mix of destinations makes Burbank a practical jumping‑off point for skiing trips, coastal getaways, and visiting family across the West. Because the airport does not have international scheduled passenger service, most travelers will find that BUR works best for domestic one‑way or round‑trip itineraries without complex connections.

Comparing Fares: How to Use Low Fare Calendars

Prices on budget airlines at Burbank can swing dramatically from one day to the next. Low fare calendars are the most effective tool for finding the cheapest departure dates without manually checking dozens of combinations. Most airline websites and third‑party search engines, including Google Flights, display a flexible date grid. The table below provides a rough snapshot of typical starting fares and the extras you can expect to pay separately.

Airline Starting One-Way Fare Included Baggage in Base Fare Typical Carry‑On Fee Change Policy
Avelo Airlines Around $43 Personal item only $40–$50 each way Changes allowed for a fee; varies by fare class
Spirit Airlines As low as $24 (with club or promo) Personal item only $37–$65 each way No change fees on some fares; cancel for credit
Southwest Airlines Varies (often $49–$99 on sales) 2 checked bags + carry‑on + personal item Free No change fees; refundable credit for Wanna Get Away fares
Alaska Airlines Moderate (often $59–$129) Carry‑on + personal item Free; checked bag $30 No change fees for Main and First Class; Saver fares restricted

These figures are a starting point. Always total up the base fare plus any baggage, seat selection, and boarding add‑ons you need before comparing, because two tickets that look identical on the surface can end up with very different final prices. Setting a price alert through a travel search engine can also notify you when a fare drops below your target.

Understanding Baggage Policies and Hidden Fees

Baggage fees are where budget airlines recoup the revenue they lose on low headline prices. At Burbank, Avelo and Spirit charge for carry‑on bags that go into the overhead bin. Paying for carry‑on luggage at the time of booking typically saves $5 to $15 compared to adding it later or at the airport. A personal item—a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack—remains free on all carriers, provided it fits entirely under the seat in front of you.

Southwest eliminates baggage anxiety by including two checked bags, and Alaska includes a carry‑on in all fares, though Alaska’s cheapest Saver fares only allow a personal item and no advance seat selection. If you are a traveler who always checks a bag, the gap between a low‑cost carrier and a traditional one shrinks quickly once you factor in baggage costs. Overweight and oversized bag surcharges are steep on all four airlines, so keep luggage under 50 pounds and within standard dimensions.

Other fees to watch for include seat selection (common on Avelo and Spirit), priority boarding (available on all four), and onboard food and drink purchases (standard on Avelo and Spirit; Southwest and Alaska offer complimentary snacks and non‑alcoholic beverages). Printing a boarding pass at the airport can cost up to $25 on Spirit, so check in online or use the airline’s app to avoid that trap.

Check‑In, Security, and Boarding at Burbank

One of the biggest advantages of flying budget from Hollywood Burbank Airport is the airport’s manageable size. The single‑terminal layout means you will not waste time finding your gate or walking long distances. Most carriers recommend arriving 90 minutes before a domestic departure; at BUR, that is typically plenty of time, even during morning rush hours.

Check‑in counters for budget airlines are located on the departures level. Avelo and Spirit strongly encourage online check‑in, and failing to do so can result in a “boarding pass printing fee” at the counter. Southwest and Alaska also support online check‑in, which opens 24 hours before departure. Mobile boarding passes are accepted at TSA checkpoints, so there is rarely a need to stand in line unless you are checking a bag.

Security screening at BUR is generally fast, but the airport can experience brief peaks when multiple flights board within a short window. Travelers with TSA PreCheck will find dedicated lanes that keep things moving. Once airside, you will find a modest selection of dining and retail options. Packing your own snacks and an empty water bottle is a smart move with budget carriers, as onboard food is limited or for‑purchase only on Avelo and Spirit.

Boarding typically begins 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 to 15 minutes prior to pushback. Arrive at the gate before boarding starts; late passengers may forfeit their seat without a refund on most low‑cost carriers. Southwest’s open seating means arriving at the gate in time for your boarding group is essential if you want your preferred seat.

Dealing with Delays and On‑Time Performance

Budget airlines often run tight schedules with minimal buffer time between flights, so delays can snowball if a single aircraft falls behind. At Burbank, air traffic into and out of Southern California, as well as weather at connecting airports, are the most common causes of disruption. When delays happen, low‑cost carriers generally offer no compensation beyond rebooking on the next available flight. Southwest and Alaska may provide meal vouchers for extended delays, but Spirit and Avelo typically do not.

You can protect yourself by building extra time into your itinerary. If you have a can’t‑miss event, book an early morning departure—these flights are less likely to be affected by cascading delays—and avoid the last flight of the day. Downloading your airline’s app and enabling push notifications will give you real‑time gate change and delay alerts. If your flight is canceled, head immediately to the ticketing counter or call customer service, as available alternative flights fill up fast from a smaller airport like BUR.

Tips for a Smooth Trip Through Hollywood Burbank Airport

Ground Transportation and Nearby Hotels

Burbank’s compact footprint makes ground transportation straightforward. Rideshare pick‑ups are outside the terminal, and the wait time is usually under five minutes. Taxis, hotel shuttles, and rental car counters are all located steps from baggage claim. Public buses operated by Metro and BurbankBus serve the airport, but schedules may not align with early morning or late night flights, so check routes ahead of time.

Numerous hotels sit within a two‑mile radius of the airport. Options range from familiar budget chains to full‑service properties. Many offer free shuttle service to BUR, and even if they do not, a rideshare trip to most nearby hotels costs less than $15. Parking at the airport is more affordable than at LAX, with economy lots and off‑site parking providers making it feasible to drive and leave your vehicle for a short trip.

Going Carry‑On Only

The most effective way to avoid budget airline nickel‑and‑diming is to travel with only a personal item. A small backpack or weekender bag that fits under the seat allows you to board more quickly, skip checked baggage fees, and exit the airport faster upon arrival. This strategy works especially well on Avelo and Spirit, where the cost of even a single carry‑on can exceed the fare itself. For longer trips, consider packing clothing that layers and utilizing compression cubes to maximize space.

Inside the terminal, gates are easy to reach, and clear signage directs you to baggage claim, restrooms, and food concessions. Because the terminal is a single row of airlines, you can quickly compare which carrier has a shorter security line by glancing down the hall. Morning departures are the busiest time, but even then the scene rarely feels chaotic. Keep your ID and boarding pass readily accessible, and wear shoes that slip off easily if you do not have TSA PreCheck. The airport’s size makes it forgiving even for those who arrive a little later than planned, but it is still wise to honor the 90‑minute rule during holidays and peak travel periods.

Booking Strategies to Maximize Savings

Finding the lowest fare from Burbank requires mixing a few proven tactics. First, start your search with a flexible date grid; shifting your departure by a single day can sometimes halve the price. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights are often the cheapest. Second, compare total trip costs, not just base fares. A $39 Spirit ticket that requires a $45 carry‑on each way is more expensive than a $99 Southwest fare that includes bags and no change fees.

Booking early—ideally one to three months out for domestic routes—generally yields better prices, but last‑minute sales do appear. Signing up for airline email lists or fare alert services will put promotions in front of you without effort. If your plans are firm, locking in a nonrefundable fare is usually safe; if they might change, Southwest’s credit‑friendly policy and Alaska’s no‑change‑fee structure (outside of Saver) offer the most flexibility. Finally, double‑check that the final payment screen matches your expectations before clicking “purchase.” That extra minute can save you from accidentally buying add‑ons you do not need.

Final Thoughts on Burbank’s Budget Airline Scene

Hollywood Burbank Airport gives travelers a rare combination of low‑cost airline options and a low‑stress terminal experience. Avelo and Spirit deliver jaw‑dropping base fares for those willing to pack light and forgo extras. Southwest and Alaska provide a softer landing with free carry‑ons, no change fees, and strong loyalty programs, often at prices that stay competitive after fees are tallied. Understanding each carrier’s policies and the airport’s flow turns a budget flight from a potential hassle into a straightforward, money‑saving strategy. When you add up the time saved versus navigating larger airports, Burbank often feels like a genuine shortcut to a more affordable and far more pleasant trip.