Best Budget Airlines Operating in Naperville Illinois for Affordable Travel Options

If you’re hoping to save a few bucks on flights out of Naperville, Illinois, picking the right budget airline really matters. There are a handful of low-cost carriers—Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest—that offer some of the cheapest tickets around for folks flying from the Naperville area.

An airport in Naperville, Illinois with budget airline planes at gates, travelers, and the city skyline visible in the background.

These airlines fly to plenty of popular places. Deals pop up pretty often, especially in months like June when fares usually dip.

You’ll see roundtrip flights starting at about $100, sometimes even less. That makes it a lot easier to plan a trip without blowing your budget.

Just watch out for extra charges—checked bags, picking your seat, that kind of thing. It’s worth double-checking all the possible fees before you book.

Key Takeways

  • Budget airlines from Naperville offer low fares to many destinations.
  • Prices are often lowest in specific months like June.
  • Extra fees are common, so check all costs before booking.

Top Budget Airlines Serving Naperville Illinois

An airport near Naperville, Illinois with budget airplanes, travelers, and airport staff, with the city skyline in the background.

If you want to keep your travel costs down, Spirit Airlines is one of the main options. They keep base fares low, then let you decide if you want to pay for extras.

You can get to a bunch of popular places from nearby airports using Spirit.

Spirit Airlines Overview

Spirit Airlines has built its reputation on being ultra-cheap. The ticket price is usually low, but there are extra charges for things like bringing a carry-on or picking your seat.

If you travel light and skip the add-ons, you can really keep costs down.

Spirit mainly flies out of airports near Naperville, like Chicago O’Hare. Their network covers lots of domestic routes and a few nearby states.

If you’re not fussed about luxury and just want to save money, Spirit is a decent pick.

From the Chicago area, Spirit flies to cities like New York, Newark, and Los Angeles. You’ll sometimes spot fares as low as $37 to $41.

These flights connect you to big hubs on both coasts. That’s handy for anything from quick getaways to longer trips where price is the main concern.

Don’t forget, though: those low prices usually don’t include all the fees. Always check what’s actually included before you book.

Comparison of Budget and Legacy Carriers

When you’re picking an airline near Naperville, there’s a pretty clear difference between budget and legacy carriers. The price, comfort, and services can vary a lot.

Key Differences in Services

Budget airlines are all about the low base fare. But they often charge extra for checked bags, seat selection, and meals.

Seats tend to be smaller and not as cushy—they’re trying to fit more people on each flight.

Legacy carriers like Delta include more in the ticket price. You’ll often get a checked bag, bigger seats, and free snacks or drinks.

You also get more flight times to pick from and, honestly, usually better customer service.

Budget airlines often use smaller airports and have fewer flights each day. Legacy airlines stick to the big airports and give you more options if you need to change plans.

Feature Budget Airlines Legacy Carriers (Delta)
Ticket Price Low base fare, many fees Higher fare, more included
Seat Comfort Slimline, less padding Larger, more comfortable
Baggage Fees Charged separately Often included
Flight Options Limited Wide range of times
Airport Use Smaller airports Major airports like O’Hare

delta in the Naperville Market

Delta is the big legacy carrier for the Naperville area, flying out of O’Hare International Airport. They run plenty of flights to popular spots with frequent schedules.

You get perks like checked bags on many routes and a bit more room in your seat. Delta’s loyalty program is a nice bonus if you fly a lot.

Budget airlines like Spirit or Southwest might be cheaper, but you’ll get fewer choices and pay more for extras.

If you care about comfort and flexibility, Delta’s a reliable bet. But if price is your top priority, budget airlines might be the way to go.

Travel Tips for Choosing Budget Airlines

When you’re picking a budget airline, it pays to look past just the ticket price. The real cost can creep up once you add in fees and extras.

How to Find the Best Deals

Start by checking prices on a few different sites. Setting up fare alerts can help you spot price drops.

Booking early usually gets you a better deal, since last-minute prices are often higher.

Try flying on less popular days, like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Those flights are often cheaper than weekends.

If you’re okay with it, flying early in the morning or late at night can save you some cash.

See if the airline offers bundles that include bags or seat selection. Sometimes spending a bit more up front saves you from surprise fees later on.

Important Policies and Fees

Check baggage rules carefully. Budget airlines love to tack on charges for carry-on or checked bags.

Watch for their weight limits and fees—nobody likes a surprise at the airport.

Understand the change and cancellation policies. Many budget airlines hit you with strict or pricey change fees.

Know exactly what it’ll cost if your plans shift, even a little.

Keep an eye out for extra fees on seat selection, food, and priority boarding. These little things add up fast.

Decide which extras you actually care about before you buy them—or you might regret it later.

Fee Type Common Cost Range Notes
Checked Bag $20 – $50 Price varies by route and timing
Carry-On Bag $10 – $30 Some airlines charge for all bags
Seat Selection $5 – $30 Optional, but may be worth it
Changes/Cancellations $50 – $150 Can be non-refundable or flexible