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Traveling from New York City doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Some budget airlines offer fares that keep things affordable, and you don’t always have to give up too much comfort or convenience to save a few bucks.
These airlines fly out of major airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. That means finding a cheap flight close to home isn’t as tough as it sounds.
There are a bunch of budget options covering tons of destinations across the U.S. and even some international spots. While bigger airlines sometimes have cheap flights, budget carriers like JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit tend to have the lowest prices.
It helps to know which airlines serve your area and what each one brings to the table.
Key Takeways
- Budget airlines offer low fares from New York’s main airports.
- Some well-known carriers have budget options but vary in price and service.
- Comparing airlines helps you find the best mix of cost and comfort.
Top Budget Airlines Serving New York City
If you want to save cash on flights from New York City, you’ve got some solid budget airlines to pick from. Each one comes with its own quirks—lower prices usually mean fewer frills and extra fees.
Knowing what to expect can help you dodge surprises and pick what works for you.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is famous for its low base fares out of New York City, mostly flying from Newark Liberty International Airport. You’ll need to pay extra for checked bags, seat selection, and sometimes even carry-ons.
Frontier is built for travelers who want to keep costs down and don’t mind a bare-bones experience. The seats are tighter than what you’d get with bigger airlines, so if you’re tall or just like extra space, you might feel cramped.
You’ll find plenty of flights to Florida, the West, and other vacation spots. Just keep an eye on their deals, but always add up the extras to see what you’re really paying.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is all about those rock-bottom ticket prices from New York, especially for quick getaways and weekend trips. Most of their flights leave from LaGuardia, with a handful at Newark too.
Spirit’s whole thing is ultra-low cost, so you’ll pay for luggage, seat assignments, and even a soda or snack on board. The seats are slim, don’t recline much, and legroom is pretty tight.
If you travel light and book early, you can catch some great deals. But be ready for strict rules on baggage size and fees for pretty much everything beyond the seat itself.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways gives you a budget-friendly option with a bit more comfort and better service. Their main hubs are JFK and LaGuardia.
JetBlue stands out among budget airlines because you get free Wi-Fi, snacks, and more legroom than most. You can pick “Even More Space” seats for a little extra if you want to stretch out.
Their routes hit a lot of U.S. cities plus some international spots. If you want to save but still have a few perks, JetBlue’s a solid pick.
Major Legacy Airlines Offering Budget Options
Some bigger airlines offer cheap fares from New York City, but they come with fewer perks. You’ll pay less, but there are stricter rules about bags and seat choices.
United Airlines Saver Fares
United Airlines has a budget ticket called Saver Fare. It’s cheap, but changes and cancellations are limited.
Don’t expect free seat selection before check-in unless you pay extra. Carry-on bags are allowed, but checked bags usually cost more.
You get United’s big network and flights from Newark and JFK. The trade-off? Fewer benefits and stricter rules. If you pack light and plan ahead, it could work for you.
Delta Basic Economy
Delta’s Basic Economy is for travelers chasing the lowest price, even if it means fewer extras. You won’t pick your seat ahead of time, and you’ll board last.
You get a personal item, but checked bags are extra. You’ll still earn some frequent flyer points, but don’t expect them to count for elite status.
If you’re okay with limited flexibility and want to use Delta’s JFK or LaGuardia hubs, this might be a fit. You still get Delta’s safety and reliability.
British Airways Affordable Choices
British Airways has budget-friendly economy fares for transatlantic flights from New York. The basic options mean less flexibility and extra fees for bags and seat selection.
If you book early, you can snag a cheap flight from JFK to London. You won’t get lounge access or extra legroom, but service is usually solid.
It’s a decent choice if you want to save on international travel but still fly with a big-name airline.
Comparing Costs and Amenities Across Budget Carriers
Picking a budget airline in New York City isn’t just about the ticket price. You’ve got to watch what’s included and what’ll cost you extra.
Some airlines look cheap at first glance but pile on fees. Others include things that might actually save you money in the end.
Ticket Prices and Hidden Fees
Budget airlines love to advertise super low base fares. But what’s really included?
Airlines like Ryanair (yep, even though they’re not U.S.-based) are famous for charging for just about everything. In the U.S., Southwest and JetBlue usually have slightly higher fares, but you might get free checked bags or no change fees.
If you’re packing a lot or need flexibility, those extras can be worth it. Keep an eye out for:
- Checked baggage fees
- Seat selection charges
- Fees for changes or cancellations
- Charges for carry-on bags
Add it all up before you book. Sometimes, the cheapest ticket ends up costing more once all those fees show up.
Baggage Policies and Onboard Services
Your baggage allowance really depends on the airline. Southwest lets you check two bags for free, which is honestly a standout perk for budget travelers.
JetBlue, on the other hand, gives you one free carry-on and a personal item. Their checked bag fees are pretty reasonable, though not everyone loves having to pay extra.
Onboard, things can feel a bit different too. JetBlue is known for offering more legroom, free Wi-Fi, and some complimentary snacks.
Other budget airlines? Sometimes you’ll find yourself paying for every little thing, or you might not get certain amenities at all.