If you’re trying to get out of Memphis without blowing your budget, budget airlines are a solid pick. Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Airlines are the main budget carriers serving Memphis International Airport.
These airlines offer affordable fares to a bunch of popular U.S. cities. That makes it easier to travel for less—who doesn’t want that?
Traveling with budget airlines means you keep more money in your pocket. Some, like Southwest, don’t tack on sneaky fees for checked bags, which is a nice bonus.
Flight schedules and destinations can vary quite a bit by airline. You’ve got options depending on where you need to go and when.
It helps to know what you’re signing up for with each budget carrier. Their rules and amenities aren’t always the same, so comparing before you book is smart.
Key Takeways
- Memphis is served by several budget airlines offering affordable fares.
- Budget carriers provide various destinations and flight schedules for you to choose from.
- Knowing airline policies helps you get the best value when flying budget.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Memphis
Several budget airlines operate out of Memphis International Airport. Their low-cost flights connect you to big U.S. cities.
These airlines keep prices down, but watch out for extra fees. Sometimes the ticket’s cheap, but the add-ons sneak up on you.
Major Carriers and Their Service Areas
At Memphis International Airport, Breeze Airways and Spirit Airlines stand out as major budget options. Breeze flies nonstop from Memphis to spots like Pensacola, Tampa, and Raleigh-Durham.
Spirit is known for rock-bottom fares to several big cities. It’s about as “no frills” as you can get.
Allegiant Air is also in the mix, though they don’t have as many routes. They focus on cheap base fares, but you’ll want to double-check baggage fees.
The airport itself makes it pretty easy to find these carriers. Sometimes the local airline reps, especially from Budget, are surprisingly helpful.
Types of Routes Available
Budget airlines in Memphis mostly stick to domestic routes. You’ll see nonstop flights to leisure and business cities, especially in the Southeast and Gulf Coast.
Breeze Airways, for example, connects you to Florida—always a favorite.
Most of these flights are short or medium-haul. The idea is to keep travel times reasonable and tickets cheap.
You won’t find many international or long-distance flights from Memphis on these carriers. Mostly, it’s point-to-point service without a bunch of connections.
That saves time, but also means fewer choices compared to the big-name airlines.
Top Budget Airlines Operating at Memphis Airport
You’ll find a handful of budget airlines at Memphis International, each serving a mix of destinations. Their tickets are cheap, services are basic, and you get a range of flight options across the country.
Allegiant Air Services
Allegiant Air flies from Memphis to several vacation and smaller airports. Their approach is low-cost and no-frills.
You’ll save more if you book early and don’t mind skipping perks—no free checked bags here.
If you want a direct flight to a vacation spot, Allegiant’s a decent bet. Just know there aren’t a ton of daily flights, so flexibility helps.
Extras like seat selection or checked bags? Those cost more, so the total can add up if you’re not careful.
Frontier Airlines Benefits
Frontier Airlines runs low fares and covers a pretty big network from Memphis. They go to over 50 destinations, mostly in the U.S.—think popular cities and vacation spots.
Your ticket gets you a seat, and that’s about it. Bags, seats, snacks—they’re all extra.
Frontier likes to run sales and promos, so booking early can really pay off.
Their planes are newer and more fuel-efficient, which is probably part of how they keep costs down.
Spirit Airlines Opportunities
Spirit Airlines brings super low base fares to Memphis. They’re perfect if you’re willing to skip the extras and just want to get there cheap.
You’ll pay for carry-ons, picking a seat, even a soda. But if you travel light and book ahead, you can score a deal.
Spirit mostly flies to budget-friendly spots, so you get more options for cheap trips.
Their “Bare Fare” model means you start with a low price and add only what you need. Plan it right, and you can really save.
Flight Options and Amenities for Budget Travelers
Flying out of Memphis, you’ve got several low-cost airlines with direct flights to big-name cities. Seat choices and extra comfort options vary, but some budget carriers do offer upgrades if you want them.
Direct Flights to Major Destinations
From Memphis International, airlines like Allegiant, Southwest, and Spirit all have direct flights. You can fly nonstop to places like Orlando, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Denver.
Fewer layovers mean less hassle and less chance of delays. That’s always a relief.
Airlines change up their routes a lot, so it’s smart to check often. Sometimes you’ll find one-way flights starting at just $38—a steal if you ask me.
Availability of Premium Economy Seats
Some budget airlines at Memphis actually offer premium economy seats or similar upgrades. These seats usually come with more legroom and a bit more width than the usual economy rows.
For example, Southwest Airlines has “EarlyBird Check-In” and expanded seating options if you’re after a little extra comfort. You will pay more for these premium seats, but honestly, the cost might feel worth it if you want some extra space or to board faster.
Not every low-cost airline even bothers with this class. Spirit, for instance, tends to stick with basic, no-frills travel. It’s a good idea to check with your airline before booking, just to see what seat classes are on offer.