Top 14 Budget Airlines in North and South America

Everyone who loves to travel also wants to get the best fares. In North and South America, low-cost carriers have grown to fill this need. Our list of 14 airlines, from Canada to Colombia, offer those low fares that passengers crave.

You may not have heard of some of these airlines, and some fly out of smaller, regional airports. However, to save money, they are worth checking out. You may have to pay for checked luggage or bring your own food for the flight, as these options are designed for the budget-conscious traveler.

Air Transat

Air Transat is Canada’s leading holiday travel airline, carrying approximately 3 million passengers to nearly 60 destinations in 30 countries each year aboard its fleet of Boeing narrow-body and Airbus wide-body jets. With about 2,000 employees, Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., an integrated international tour operator.

Sun Country Airlines

Dubbed Minnesota’s Hometown Airline, this Minneapolis-based carrier flies to 40 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Moreover, Sun Country operates flights from Dallas-Fort Worth, using a fleet of Boeing 737-700s and 800s, positioning itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier.

Viva Aerobus

This low-cost carrier is based in Monterrey, Mexico. Consequently, Viva Aerobus operates 115 daily flights over 60 routes, including routes in the United States, utilizing 21 Airbus A320 aircraft. Like other low-cost carriers, it offers competitive fares while charging for extras such as baggage and seat selection.

Southwest Airlines

This Dallas-based carrier, often considered the pioneer of low-cost travel, began in 1971. It now flies to 101 destinations with over 3,900 flights a day during peak travel seasons, exclusively using Boeing 737s. Southwest emphasizes its low fares and allows two free checked bags, standing out among legacy U.S. airlines.

Viva Colombia

This low-cost carrier is the first and only one operating in Colombia. Founded in 2012 as a Stanford University business project, it operates with 10 Airbus A320 jets, flying 23 routes within Colombia and to four international destinations, including Panama and Miami.

Spirit Airlines

As an ultra-low-cost carrier based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Spirit Airlines operates 400 daily flights to more than 59 destinations across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. With its “Bare Fares,” it provides very low base fares but charges for extras such as bags, food, and beverages.

Air Canada Rouge

This low-cost leisure airline, launched in 2013, operates 44 aircraft, including the Airbus A319 and A320. It connects various destinations, flying within Canada and internationally to the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond.

Allegiant Air

Based in Las Vegas, Allegiant Air provides inexpensive flights to popular vacation spots. With its mixed fleet, it charges fees for extras. Nevertheless, fares remain significantly lower than those of traditional carriers.

InterJet

This low-cost carrier from Toluca, Mexico, offers services to 52 destinations, including 15 international ones. Unique for allowing two free checked bags based on fare levels, InterJet provides a comfortable flying experience.

Frontier Airlines

This Denver-based airline rebranded itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier in 2013. Frontier promotes itself with the tagline “Low Fares Done Right,” highlighting its commitment to affordable travel and customer service.

Volaris

Beginning operations in 2006, this Mexico City-based airline serves 154 cities with a fleet of 63 aircraft. It targets passengers wanting low fares, particularly for travel within Mexico and Central America.

WestJet

This Calgary-based carrier, often compared to Southwest Airlines, offers low fares and good customer service. As a result, it now services over 100 destinations with its fleet of Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft.

GOL

This Sao Paulo-based low-cost carrier started operations in 2001 and currently operates over 860 flights daily to various South American countries and the Dominican Republic using Boeing 737 aircraft.

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Founded in December 2008, Azul offers unique amenities, including free LiveTV, and operates a diverse fleet. Now the third largest airline in Brazil, it serves over 100 destinations.