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If you’re looking for budget airlines flying in and out of Riverside, California, you’ve actually got some solid choices. Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, United, and Delta are among the main carriers offering affordable flights from Riverside Municipal Airport.
These airlines help you save cash without making you give up too much on convenience or service.
A lot of these airlines offer direct flights to popular spots, so getting where you want to go can be pretty straightforward. If you plan ahead, you’ll probably snag the best deals and avoid unnecessary headaches.
Picking the right budget airline really comes down to figuring out what you value most—price, schedule, or maybe perks. Here’s a look at your main options and a few tips for making the most of your next flight out of Riverside.
Key Takeways
- Riverside has several budget airlines with low-cost flight options.
- Direct flights are available to many convenient destinations.
- Planning and comparing airlines saves money and time.
Top Budget Airlines Serving Riverside California
If you want to travel on a budget from Riverside, you’ve got a handful of airlines offering low fares and decent routes. Some are well-known, others are newer or smaller—so there’s a bit of variety depending on what you’re after.
alaska airlines
Alaska Airlines flies regularly from airports near Riverside. They’re not exactly a budget airline, but prices are pretty competitive and their service is reliable.
You’ll usually pay less for checked bags and seat choices compared to the big legacy carriers. If you book early or travel during less popular times, you can often find some nice deals.
They’ve got a loyalty program, which is handy if you’re a frequent flyer. Alaska isn’t the absolute cheapest, but they strike a good balance between price and quality.
Overview of Leading Low-Cost Carriers
Spirit and Frontier are the usual suspects if you’re hunting for rock-bottom fares near Riverside. They’ll get you there cheap, but you’ll pay extra for bags, seat selection, and just about anything else.
Spirit is famous for its ultra-low ticket prices, though you’ll want to watch for all those add-ons. Frontier’s pretty similar, but their planes tend to be a bit newer and they sometimes have deals for families.
These airlines mostly fly domestic routes and cater to folks who care most about price. If you travel light and don’t mind skipping the frills, they’re solid picks for budget travel.
Newcomers and Expanding Airlines
Some newer names like Breeze Airways and Avelo have popped up in the Riverside area. They’re all about keeping prices down and shaking up the usual routes.
Breeze Airways is still building out its schedule, but you can catch a few good deals to select cities. They focus on smaller airports and make booking pretty painless.
Avelo’s expanding fast and offers bare-bones service with a few options to upgrade for comfort. If you’re open to trying something new, both are worth a look for cheap flights near Riverside.
| Airline | Key Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breeze Airways | New, low fares, limited flights | Focus on smaller airports |
| Avelo | Rapid growth, budget service | Adds comfort options for fees |
| Spirit | Ultra-low base fares | Extra fees common |
| Frontier | Affordable, newer planes | Family deals available |
| Alaska Airlines | Competitive pricing, solid service | Not fully low-cost but good value |
Direct Flight Options and Destinations
Riverside has a handful of direct flight options with budget airlines. You can skip layovers and get straight to major hubs and vacation spots.
Popular Direct Flight Routes
Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest offer direct flights from Riverside to cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver.
These routes are aimed at getting you to the places you actually want to visit, fast and cheap. They’re ideal if you just want a quick getaway or need to get somewhere for work.
Direct Flights to Riverside
You’ll also find direct flights into Riverside from various cities. Airlines such as American, United, and JetBlue make it easy for travelers heading to Southern California.
Most of these flights come in from nearby big cities—think Dallas, Phoenix, and Vegas. It’s a nice way to dodge the chaos of LAX or San Diego International.
Flying straight into Riverside can definitely save you some time and stress, especially if you’re staying in the Inland Empire.
Major Destinations Served
From Riverside, you can hit up a bunch of major cities without changing planes. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver are regulars on the schedule.
Budget airlines keep these routes running for folks who want direct, affordable flights. Dallas and Salt Lake City sometimes pop up as options too.
Most of these destinations have flights daily or at least a few times a week, so you’ve got some flexibility when planning your trip.
Comparing Budget Airline Services and Amenities
Budget carriers in Riverside offer a mixed bag when it comes to comfort, fees, and customer reviews. It’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for before you click “book.”
Onboard Experience
Flying with budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, or Southwest? Expect basic seating and not a ton of legroom.
Seats usually don’t recline much, and you won’t find much in the way of onboard entertainment. Southwest does throw in free soft drinks, plus you can bring a full-size carry-on and personal item for free.
Spirit and Frontier? They’ll charge you for snacks and drinks, so plan ahead. Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss and rarely free.
Basically, you’re paying for the ride, not the frills—so bring a book or download a movie before you go.
Baggage Policies
Baggage fees can vary a lot. Southwest is great here—they let you check two bags for free.
Spirit and Frontier, on the other hand, charge for both carry-ons and checked bags. Carry-on fees can hit $34, and checked bags run about $44.
Breeze Airways has a similar fee structure but sometimes makes up for it with lower base fares.
Always double-check each airline’s baggage policy before you book. Those fees add up fast if you’re not careful.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Southwest usually gets better marks from travelers. People like the friendly crews, the lack of surprise fees, and the reliable schedules.
Spirit and Frontier? Reviews are more mixed, mostly because of extra charges and tight seating. Delays and customer service complaints come up a lot.
Breeze Airways is still new, but so far, travelers like the low prices and nonstop options from Riverside.
Checking out recent reviews on travel sites can give you a sense of what you’re in for with each airline.
Booking Tips and Travel Planning for Riverside
If you want to save money on flights to or from Riverside, planning ahead is your best bet. Timing really does make a difference.
How to Find the Lowest Fares
Try to book at least a month in advance for the best prices. Last-minute fares almost always go up.
Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Expedia to check a bunch of airlines at once. Don’t forget to look at flights from nearby airports—San Bernardino International sometimes has cheaper options than Riverside Municipal.
Set up fare alerts so you’ll know when prices drop. And keep an eye on Southwest; they sometimes run deals that don’t show up on other platforms.
Seasonal Travel Trends
Flight prices to Riverside jump around depending on the season. Summer and holidays? Expect higher fares—everyone seems to be heading out then.
If you can, try to skip those peak times. Traveling in the fall or early spring usually means cheaper tickets.
Mid-week flights tend to cost less than weekends. Not as many people are flying on a Tuesday, right?
If you’re planning to travel during school breaks or big local events, book early. Prices go up fast when demand spikes.
Staying flexible with your travel dates can really help you save. Sometimes, just moving your trip by a day or two makes a surprising difference.