📜 Introduction.

Travelling the world doesn’t always have to mean breaking the bank.

Thanks to the rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs), it’s now possible to hop between cities (or even continents) at a fraction of the price you’d pay with traditional airlines. Of course, budget travel comes with trade-offs: less legroom, stricter baggage rules, and sometimes unexpected delays. But for savvy travellers who plan ahead, these airlines open the door to more destinations for less.

Here’s a list of some of the cheapest airlines for travelling the world, so you know which carriers to look out for when booking your next trip across or within continents.

⛲ Europe, Turkey, Central Asia and Middle East.

When it comes to budget flying, Europe is the undisputed pioneer. Low-cost airlines here have reshaped travel, connecting not only European cities but also destinations in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia.

• Ryanair and Wizz Air – The most famous low-cost airlines in Europe. Both carriers fly to hundreds of European destinations, and now also to Morocco, Jordan, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and even the UAE. Fares are famously cheap, but expect strict baggage policies and variable punctuality. Moreover, keep in mind that some routes can be seasonal or discontinued, so always check the live route map before booking.
• Pegasus Airlines – Based in Turkey, Pegasus offers affordable connections across Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. A solid option if you’re looking to combine Europe with destinations like Kazakhstan or Egypt.
• SalamAir – This Omani carrier is expanding rapidly, linking the Middle East with parts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Most connecting flights have a stopover in Muscat, the capital of Oman: a perfect chance to explore the city. You can check out my blog post 1 day in Muscat: Discover Oman’s Capital in Less than 24 hours.

🦓 Africa.

Budget airlines are still developing in Africa, but there are a few reliable players worth knowing. These airlines are invaluable for hopping between African capitals, safari hubs, or coastal getaways without spending a fortune.

• Fastjet. Based in Tanzania, with affordable flights within East and Southern Africa.
• FlySafair. South Africa’s most reliable low-cost airline, serving domestic and regional routes.
• Jambojet. A Kenyan carrier connecting East African destinations at budget-friendly prices.

🍣 Asia.

Asia’s budget airlines have exploded in the last two decades, making it easier than ever to explore this vast continent. Consequently, competition between budget airlines often means you can score incredible deals, but baggage costs can add up.

• VietJet Air. Vietnam’s answer to budget flying, great for hopping around Southeast Asia.
• Scoot. A Singapore-based low-cost carrier with routes across Asia, the Middle East, and even to Europe and Australia.
• AirAsia. The giant of Asian budget airlines, with an enormous network from Malaysia to almost every corner of Asia (and beyond).
• Thai Smile. A low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways, with domestic flights around Southeast Asia.

🍔 The Americas (North, Central and South).

The U.S. is home to some ultra-low-cost carriers, which have also expanded into Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Latin America. These airlines are famous for rock-bottom fares, but also for charging extra for almost everything else (carry-on bags, seat selection, snacks). Still, if you travel light, they can be the cheapest way to crisscross the Americas.

• Frontier Airlines. An ultra-low-cost carrier based in the U.S., famous for its rock-bottom fares and quirky animal-themed aircraft tails. Great for domestic routes, but be prepared for extra fees on almost everything.
• Spirit Airlines. One of the most well-known budget airlines in America, offering some of the cheapest tickets in the market. Expect very basic service and strict baggage rules, but unbeatable prices if you travel light. Another positive aspect is that they allow you to bring a special carry-on bag for insulin and devices for people with diabetes. This is ideal if you also have this condition (see also Tips for Travelling Long-Term with Type 1 Diabetes).
• Sun Country Airlines. A smaller U.S. budget airline based in Minneapolis, serving domestic routes and popular holiday destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, often with seasonal deals.

🦘 Australia and New Zealand.

Jetstar Airways is the biggest low-cost player in Oceania. Jetstar connects major Australian cities, New Zealand, and also stretches into Southeast Asia and Japan. A great option for budget travellers wanting to mix Oceania with parts of Asia.

🎲 Travel Hack: Charter Airlines.

While low-cost carriers dominate much of the budget travel scene, there’s another category of airlines that’s worth considering: charter airlines. These carriers typically operate flights that are part of package holidays organised by tour operators who combine flights with hotels, transfers, and sometimes activities. However, in many cases you can also book charter flights separately, and they can be a surprisingly affordable alternative, especially during peak holiday seasons. Here are some of the most notable charter airlines operating today:

• TUI Airways. One of the largest travel and tourism companies in the world, TUI operates from several European hubs (UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and the Nordic countries), flying mostly to leisure destinations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Condor. A German leisure airline specialised in holiday routes from Germany to beach and resort destinations worldwide.
• Neos Air. An Italian leisure airline flying out of Milan and other major Italian cities. Neos connects Italy to popular vacation spots such as the Canary Islands, Red Sea resorts, Zanzibar, Thailand, Cuba, and the Maldives.
• Corsair International. A French airline specialised in long-haul leisure routes to Africa, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. It blends a mix of charter and scheduled services.

🎈 Conclusion.

Whether you choose a low-cost carrier or a charter airline, both options can make travelling the world far more affordable compared to traditional full-service airlines. Low-cost airlines are ideal for flexible, point-to-point travel across continents at the cheapest base fares, while charter airlines specialise in direct connections to leisure destinations, often bundled with vacation packages.

To make the most of both worlds, it’s worth using third-party platforms that allow you to compare not only scheduled airlines but also charter flights (when available). Check out my post related to the Best Travel Websites for Booking Flights to discover other smart ways to book cheap flight and to receive exclusive discount.

💬 And you? Do you know any other low-cost Airlines that fly across the globe? Share them in the comments below so we can enlarge this list!

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