If you’re hoping to save a few bucks on flights from Los Angeles, you’re in luck. Several budget airlines offer reliable and wallet-friendly options.
Southwest Airlines stands out as one of the best choices because it offers many flights, no fees for checked bags, and good value overall. Other low-cost carriers like Spirit and Avelo also serve the area, each with their own quirks and perks.
Choosing the right budget airline can seriously stretch your travel funds. Comparing flight options and understanding what’s actually included—like baggage or snacks—can make a real difference.
Knowing these details helps you pick the best option for your journey from Los Angeles. Sometimes, it’s just not worth paying extra for a “deal” if you end up getting nickel-and-dimed later.
Key Takeaways
- Budget airlines in Los Angeles offer a variety of affordable flight options.
- Comparing fares and included services is the best way to find value.
- Knowing what’s included can make or break your travel budget.
Overview of Budget Airlines Operating in Los Angeles
Several budget airlines fly out of Los Angeles, giving you affordable travel options without a ton of sneaky fees. These airlines connect you to popular cities, and there are also alternative airports nearby that might offer better deals or just a less stressful experience.
Major Budget Airlines Serving LAX
At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Southwest Airlines is the top budget pick. They keep pricing simple and don’t charge for bags or seat selection.
JetBlue also operates out of LAX, offering affordable fares with free Wi-Fi and snacks—honestly, not bad for the price. Avelo Airlines is another option, focusing on low-cost flights to mid-sized cities on the West Coast and beyond.
With these airlines, you’ve got plenty of ways to save when flying out of one of the busiest airports in the country.
Direct Flights and Popular Destinations
From LAX, you can catch direct flights on budget airlines to cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, and Seattle. Southwest has tons of routes and is known for frequent flights to domestic hubs.
JetBlue flies nonstop to East Coast spots like Boston and New York, plus Florida destinations. Avelo mostly sticks to the West Coast and a few central U.S. cities with direct flights.
If you’re on a budget, picking direct flights helps you avoid the hassle and extra costs of layovers—especially at a place as busy as LAX.
Nearby Airports for Budget Travel
Besides LAX, check out Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County.
These smaller airports often have budget airline service, with less crowded terminals and quicker boarding. Avelo Airlines, for example, uses Hollywood Burbank for many routes, which can really speed things up.
Flying from one of these nearby airports might also get you deals you won’t find at LAX. It’s worth taking a look.
How to Find the Best Deals on Budget Airlines
Scoring cheap flights takes a little planning and the right tools. It’s all about when to book, where to look, and how to keep tabs on prices.
Being flexible with your travel dates and using online tools can save you a surprising amount.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights
Book early if you can—especially for return flights. Try to snag tickets at least three weeks in advance.
Avoid weekends for booking or flying, since prices usually spike then. Signing up for airline newsletters or alerts is smart too; sometimes, airlines like Spirit and JetBlue send out exclusive deals to their subscribers.
Flying mid-week or during off-peak hours usually means lower fares. Always compare prices from a few airlines before you hit “book.”
Don’t forget to check baggage fees and extra charges. Some budget airlines have pretty strict policies that can add to your total cost.
Using Skyscanner and Other Tools
Skyscanner is a free flight comparison site that quickly shows you the lowest prices. You can filter by stops, times, or airlines, which makes things a whole lot easier.
Try Skyscanner’s “whole month” or “cheapest month” search to spot the best days to fly. The calendar view is super handy for finding the lowest fares.
Apps like Google Flights or Kayak also offer price alerts. Set up alerts for your route from Los Angeles, and they’ll let you know when prices drop.
Flight Calendars and Seasonal Savings
Flight calendars show you daily prices for a whole month. It’s a simple way to pick the cheapest days to fly.
Mid-week flights are usually less expensive than weekends. Seasonal trends matter too—avoid holidays or peak summer months if you want the lowest fare.
January and February are often cheaper after the holiday rush. If you can, be flexible with your travel dates. Sometimes shifting your trip by a day or two can make a big difference.
Travel Classes and Amenities on Budget Airlines
Budget airlines keep prices low, and that affects the classes and amenities they offer. You won’t get as many options as on traditional airlines, but there are still a few perks that make things more comfortable.
Business Class Flights on a Budget
Some budget airlines offer a sort of business class or upgraded seat, but it’s not the full luxury experience. You might get extra legroom, priority boarding, or a better seat, but don’t expect lie-flat beds or fancy meals.
These seats are usually at the front of the plane and offer more comfort for longer flights. The price is much lower than traditional business class, so it’s a nice middle ground if you want some extra space.
Premium Economy Versus Economy Seats
Premium economy on budget airlines gives you a bit more legroom and a wider seat—helpful if you want to stretch out on a longer trip. The difference isn’t huge, though, compared to the bigger airlines.
Economy seats are the standard, and they can be tight. Usually, you’ll pay extra for more legroom, even in economy.
When deciding, think about how long you’ll be in the air and whether the extra comfort is worth the extra cash.
Understanding Additional Fees
Budget airlines are known for charging extra for things that are free on bigger carriers. Checked bags, seat selection, priority boarding, and even snacks can cost more.
Most budget airlines let you bring a free carry-on, but anything beyond that means extra fees. Drinks and snacks might not be included, so plan to pay or bring your own.
Checking the airline’s fee rules before you book can save you from surprises later.
Additional Travel Services and Destinations
You can book car rentals and hotels through many budget airlines or travel agencies. Direct flights from Los Angeles cover a bunch of popular international spots.
Choosing between one airline or several depends on what matters to you—price, convenience, or how much luggage you’re hauling.
Car Hire and Hotel Recommendations
Many budget carriers and travel agencies have bundled deals for car rentals and hotels. If you’re flying out of Los Angeles, car hire is easy to find at or near the airport.
Heading to a place like Las Vegas? Renting a car is usually affordable and makes getting around way easier.
Budget-friendly hotels are common near major airports and popular destinations. Booking through travel partners might get you a discount.
Always check if the airline or agency offers package deals that include car hire and hotels. It can save you both money and hassle.
International Routes: Europe, Canada, and Mexico
From Los Angeles, some budget airlines fly to international destinations, including cities in Europe, Canada, and Mexico.
For example, you might find direct flights to Vancouver International Airport in Canada or Monterrey Gen Mariano Escobedo Airport in Mexico on low-cost carriers.
If you’re thinking about Europe, look for airlines that connect through bigger hubs or offer direct service to select cities. International budget flights often have stricter baggage limits and fewer perks, so double-check the policies before you book.
One Airline or Multiple Carriers?
Using a single airline can keep things simple. You only need to follow one set of baggage and booking rules.
Airlines like Southwest usually offer lots of flights from Los Angeles. They often skip baggage fees, which honestly takes some stress out of planning.
On the flip side, booking with more than one airline might save you a bit of cash. It also gives you more route options.
Maybe you fly out with a budget carrier and come home with someone else. Just keep in mind, coordinating connections can get tricky, and each airline has its own luggage policies.
Double-check the terms before you hit that final booking button. It’s not fun to get caught off guard at the airport.