Which Airlines Are Actually Saving You Money?

Choosing the right airline isn’t as simple as finding the cheapest ticket. Why? Because hidden fees for baggage, seat selection, and even carry-ons can quickly eat into what you thought was a bargain. To avoid surprises, it's crucial to weigh the cost of a ticket against additional fees while considering the quality of service you're getting. Below, we break down major airlines—covering full-service and budget carriers—to help you decide which is truly worth your money for the kind of trip you have in mind.

Full-Service Airlines

1. Delta Air Lines

Delta is often touted as the gold standard among major U.S. airlines, thanks to reliable service and better customer satisfaction ratings than most competitors.

• Price Range: Economy tickets typically start at $200–$350 for domestic round-trip flights, with premium options going much higher.
• What You Get: Delta offers free carry-ons, complimentary drinks/snacks, free in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi for purchase. Checked baggage fees are $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. Seat selection is included in most fares, except for Basic Economy, which randomly assigns seats.
• Pros: On-time performance, exceptional service, and clean planes make Delta worth the slightly higher ticket cost.
• Cons: Basic Economy is restrictive; expect fees for changes and no seat selection.
• Who Benefits Most: Business travelers, families seeking reliability, and anyone who values comfort in the air. The experience is worth it for those who don’t want surprises.

2. American Airlines

American Airlines operates one of the largest networks in the world, and it’s known for its extensive destination options and loyalty program.

• Price Range: Domestic round-trip fares start at $180–$300. Premium Economy starts around $650.
• What You Get: Free carry-ons, basic snacks, and complimentary entertainment on most flights (streaming to your device). Checked bags are $30 for the first and $40 for the second. Basic Economy fares exclude seat selection and charge fees for ticket changes.
• Pros: Extensive routes and decent onboard offerings for standard Economy.
• Cons: Customer service can be hit or miss, and Basic Economy feels like a no-frills tier compared to competitors like Delta.
• Who Benefits Most: Frequent flyers and those who prioritize routes or loyalty rewards over premium service.

3. United Airlines

United is a polarizing airline—its MileagePlus rewards program and international connections are great, but domestic offerings are often criticized.

• Price Range: Domestic round-trip tickets start at $190–$320.
• What You Get: Free carry-ons, basic snacks, and in-flight entertainment via personal devices. Checked baggage fees are similarly priced at $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. Basic Economy fares do not allow carry-ons or seat selection, unless paid for separately.
• Pros: Solid international fares and connections; Economy Plus offers more legroom and comfort.
• Cons: Domestic performance is inconsistent, and flight delays are expected. If you opt for Basic Economy, be prepared to pay for just about everything.
• Who Benefits Most: International travelers and business road warriors looking to cash in on United's extensive global reach.

4. Southwest Airlines

Southwest wins a loyal following with its unique no-hidden-fees approach and generally cheerful service.

• Price Range: Fares start around $150–$300 for domestic round-trip flights, depending on promotions.
• What You Get: Southwest's biggest draw is that two checked bags per passenger are free. There are no change fees, and you get free snacks and entertainment. Seat selection works on a first-come, first-served basis (there’s no assigned seating).
• Pros: Transparent pricing with minimal add-ons; flexible for families and casual travelers.
• Cons: Boarding can feel chaotic, and there’s no option for upfront luxury or a quieter flying experience.
• Who Benefits Most: Budget-conscious families and anyone who loathes baggage fees and change fees.

5. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is known for its customer-friendly policies and comfortable flying experience, blending full-service perks with affordable fares.

• Price Range: Tickets generally start at $175–$300 for domestic round-trips.
• What You Get: Even the cheapest JetsBlue tickets include free carry-ons, complimentary in-flight entertainment on seat-back screens, and more legroom than most competitors. Checked bags are $35 each for the first and second bags, but the "Blue Basic" fare does not include a carry-on bag unless purchased separately.
• Pros: Spacious Economy cabins, solid onboard snacks, and reliable customer service.
• Cons: Blue Basic fares penalize budget travelers with extra fees—opt for "Blue" or higher tiers for fewer headaches.
• Who Benefits Most: Travelers seeking affordable luxury. JetBlue stands out for value-packed flights without feeling like a budget carrier.

Budget Carriers

6. Spirit Airlines

Spirit offers some of the lowest fares—and outrageously high fees for everything else.

• Price Range: Base fares can be as low as $50–$80 for round-trips, but it’s all about the extras.
• What You Get: With Spirit, your ticket gets you a seat on the plane—literally nothing else is included. Carry-ons start at $35, checked bags start at $50, and seat selection can cost anywhere from $10 to $50. Want some water onboard? That’ll cost you too.
• Pros: Cheap base fares for short, no-frills trips.
• Cons: Tight seating, tons of add-ons, and customer service that can range from indifferent to rude.
• Who Benefits Most: Single travelers on short-haul trips who can fit all their belongings in a personal item and don’t mind cramped quarters.

7. Frontier Airlines

Frontier competes with Spirit in the ultra-low-cost airline arena, offering bottom-dollar tickets but charging for most extras.

• Price Range: Faster-growing than Spirit, Frontier tickets start at $40–$90 for one-way fares.
• What You Get: Like Spirit, Frontier only includes a personal item in its fare. Carry-ons and checked bags start at about $30–$50, and seat selection costs anywhere from $6 to $70. Snacks, drinks, and even checking in at the airport can come with fees.
• Pros: Occasionally offers incredible deals if you need a super-cheap flight.
• Cons: Narrow seats, lack of comfort, and spotty customer service make Spirit seem appealing (sometimes).
• Who Benefits Most: Hardcore budget travelers and those willing to sacrifice comfort for the absolute lowest airfare.

8. Allegiant Air

Allegiant focuses on connecting smaller cities with tourist destinations, often bypassing major airports.

• Price Range: One-way fares range from $40–$100, depending on the route.
• What You Get: Allegiant’s fares are no-frills; you’ll pay for everything from seat selection to a carry-on bag. Additionally, its limited flight schedules can be inconvenient.
• Pros: Good for travelers flying to vacation hubs on a tight budget.
• Cons: Limited routes, bare-minimum service, and extremely strict rules on baggage and check-ins.
• Who Benefits Most: Leisure travelers heading to vacation hotspots—just don’t expect anything fancy.

What Should You Choose?

When choosing an airline, ask yourself what matters most to you.

• For Comfort: Delta and JetBlue are clear leaders, offering economy travelers a great experience without breaking the bank. Families or couples longing for stress-free travel should lean toward these carriers.
• For Flexibility: Southwest dominates thanks to free checked bags, generous refund policies, and friendly support. It’s perfect for families and groups.
• For Budget Flights: Spirit and Frontier work for those laser-focused on spending as little as possible—just pack light and keep your expectations realistic.
• For Business Travelers: Delta and United are the top options for their loyalty programs and international networks.

Ultimately, what’s “worth it” will depend on your priorities, but with a little planning (and awareness of fees), you can find the airline that meets your needs and sticks to your budget.