In the latest study by AirAdvisor, Frontier Airlines has been named the most affordable carrier in the United States. Despite its reputation for upselling customers on additional services like bags and seat selection, Frontier came out on top with a cost per mile that was more than $0.01 cheaper than its closest competitor, Spirit Airlines.
While Frontier is often considered an ultra-low-cost carrier, Hawaiian Airlines also made the list as the third cheapest airline and the most affordable non-ultra-low-cost carrier. AirAdvisor highlighted Hawaiian Airlines as the best combination of reliability and price among all the airlines reviewed.
Allegiant Air and JetBlue rounded out the top five, with Allegiant’s revenue per seat mile coming in slightly higher than Frontier’s. On the other end of the spectrum, Delta Air Lines was ranked as the most expensive airline per mile, but also one of the most reliable options for travelers.
Despite being on the pricier side, Delta offers flights worldwide and provides opportunities for budget-conscious travelers to save money through flight deals and newsletters. Southwest Airlines followed Delta as the second most expensive carrier, largely due to its optional upgraded fare categories that offer additional perks like seat selection.
AirAdvisor calculated the rankings based on the average revenue per available seat mile for each airline in 2022 and 2023. The company specializes in helping travelers claim compensation from airlines and receives a commission when the airline pays out.
In addition to choosing the most affordable airlines, travelers can save money by booking tickets on specific days, remaining flexible with travel dates, and setting price alerts for fare drops. By following these tips and tricks, passengers can make the most of their travel budget and enjoy affordable flights across the country.