17 Budget Airlines with Better Service Than First Class

In an age of infinite choices, budget airlines are surprising powerhouses in the world of air travel, doing more than just getting passengers from Point A to Point B. First class flights continue to have appeal, but they don’t always come with added value and a high price tag. Meanwhile, a number of low cost airlines have upped their game, investing in services, comfort and even a little bit of luxury to provide an experience you’ll remember – without breaking the bank.

Cheap airlines that have built a good service above the standard in their first class are put in the spotlight. These airlines are the best of comfort, hospitality, and innovative features whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a longer haul across continents without compromising on quality and saving on airfare.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is known for its ‘free sproight’ vibe and straight forward pricing. Southwest is known for its friendly crew and doesn’t charge for checked bags (up to two per passenger), a rarity in the industry. Complimentary in-flight snacks and the open seating policy means you can sit in your favorite space or pick yours, without having to claim a seat in advance. Rapid boarding also means you’re usually in the air faster. J.D. Power recently surveyed low cost airlines and ranked Southwest one of the highest for customer satisfaction.

JetBlue Airways

Thanks to its focus on providing passenger comfort, JetBlue has consistently ranked as one of the top budget airlines in the U.S. More legroom than many full-service airlines and a free selection of movies, TV shows, and games on individual screens are also provided for all seats. It’s a premium feeling, with complimentary snacks and drinks, and free Wi-Fi on all flights. As with most airlines, JetBlue also has an award-winning loyalty program, TrueBlue, which lets you earn points toward future flights, making every trip that much more valuable.

Alaska Airlines

The service of Alaska Airlines extends not only to its inexpensive fares but also for being exemplary. Frequent travelers can appreciate the fact that the airline’s Mileage Plan rewards miles based on distance traveled, not dollars spent. By reputation, Alaska’s crew members are hospitable and helpful people who are also willing to personalize the flight in their own way. Inflight menu features seasonal and local ingredients, allowing passengers to experience the West Coast while on the road.

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Premium offerings from Norwegian Air Shuttle were blowing the other carriers out of the water by offering expensive premium service at budget-friendly prices. Sleek, modern cabins and free Wi-Fi are offered on most flights. Upgraded menus and on-demand entertainment systems make the long-haul flights a relaxed atmosphere at 30,000 feet. Norwegian also operates fuel-efficient aircraft, which makes eco-conscious travelers feel good about flying on a budget.

EasyJet

EasyJet is one of Europe’s most popular low-cost carriers and offers great service without frills. The airline has a user-friendly booking system and flexible flight change policies. One thing to note is that EasyJet’s punctuality is also very good, and their “Hands-Free” baggage option means you can drop carry-on luggage at the gate instead of being forced to the overhead bins. A recent passenger survey has found that EasyJet always ranks highly for punctuality and customer service.

Ryanair

In recent years, Ryanair has made steady improvements to its service offerings, once the airline was known for its no-frills approach, they now have assigned seating, in-flight Wi-Fi on some flights, and extra legroom. If you’re a traveler with extra gear, the airline’s “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” option allows you to bring more onboard. The good news for travelers with tight schedules is that Ryanair’s punctuality rate is one of the highest for European budget airlines according to a recent study.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit may have a reputation for bare bones service, but it’s recently upgraded its seats, added more legroom for the “Big Front Seat” option, and streamlined its boarding process. For travelers that are flexible and can choose what they want to pay for, Spirit is perfect because it works like an à la carte, keeping fares low. Budget conscious flyers have been won over by this approach, as they pay only for what they need.

AirAsia

Skytrax has named AirAsia the ‘World’s Best Low Cost Airline’ for several years now, due to the airline’s excellent customer service and creative offerings. On select flights, the airline offers its Quiet Zone, which is quieter than the rest of the plane for travelers over the age of 12. It also has a pre ordered meal service offering many Asian Southeastian cuisines which is one of few budget carriers which focuses on food on board.

Vueling Airlines

Vueling Airlines has extensive route options, at reasonable cost, and a reputation for reliability and is popular with travelers who are Spanish based. Vueling’s “Excellence Fare” provides priority boarding, checked luggage and seat selection for those who want a little extra comfort but not at full service ticket price. On the plus side, the airline has extended the travel experience with its mobile app, making it easy to check-in, view flight status and make changes on the go. Vueling is high in the survey of European budget airlines for customer satisfaction, especially for business travellers.

Scoot

Scoot Airline from Singapore is a combination of comfort and affordability for flights to Asia, Europe and Australia. For travelers 12 years or older, the airline offers a ‘ScootinSilence’ section, so that you can get a peaceful cabin. Scoot has a variety of meal options, and you can pre order certain dishes before your flight. Scoot has spacious seats and high passenger reviews, and it’s a smart choice for budget travelers.

WestJet

The reputation for friendly service and operational efficiency is such that Canadian airline WestJet is famous, even outside its home country. One reason that WestJet is such a stand out in terms of choice is that it offers fares that beat that of other budget airlines while remaining high when it comes to their in flight experience. Complimentary drinks and snacks, in flight entertainment and the opportunity to upgrade to “Plus” for wider seats and extra legroom are all available to passengers. The Department of Transportation also says that WestJet is known for its timeliness, with one of the best on time arrival records in North America.

IndiGo

IndiGo is India’s largest airline, which doesn’t cut corners with anything and keeps fares low. Punctuality is lauded by the airline as is their hospitality as part of the customer service team. Widely used on IndiGo are “6E Prime” and “6E Flex” options that give passengers the kudos of choosing seats of their preference and the flexibility to re-book flights. The app and website of the airline are also simplified, allowing you to book, check-in, and get real-time flight updates.

Wizz Air

European travelers loved the simple service and affordability of Wizz Air. If you want a bit more convenience, the airline has a “WIZZ Go” package that includes priority boarding, checked luggage and seat selection. Wizz Air’s planes are modern, with spacious seats and a clean, welcoming interior and are known for maintaining a young fleet. The reviews also shout about the friendly crew and simple boarding.

Flydubai

Flydubai is Dubai’s budget carrier that connects travelers across the Middle East, Asia and Europe with efficiency and affordability. Budget prices are available for some Flydubai’s routes with its Business Class seats having extra legroom, better dining and priority boarding. Flydubai’s in-flight entertainment and friendly service makes economy passengers feel at home at high altitudes. Middle Eastern travel offers one of the best airline ratings for customer satisfaction in the region, and it’s a top pick.

GOL Linhas Aéreas

Passengers aboard Brazilian airline GOL are kept satisfied with spacious seating and friendly attitude of the staff, along with an emphasis on timeliness. A free snack and beverage is offered on many domestic flights, as well as an onboard Wi-Fi option. Frequent travellers in South America get an additional perk in the form of miles towards ticket discounts and upgrades under GOL’s Smiles loyalty program. GOL’s commitment to delivering reliable, on time service throughout Latin America is reflected in passenger reviews.

Peach Aviation

Peach Aviation is Japan’s fun, fresh take on budget flying, with creative amenities and routes to popular destinations across Asia. At affordable prices, Peach also gives you the option to select your seat and upgrade your meal. Local dishes are served onboard and the airline has a reputation for a friendly, approachable service from the team behind it. Younger travelers who are looking for value and affordability are a hit for Peach’s vibrant branding and efficiency.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier is well known for its ultra low fares and its choice driven model. If you buy the “WORKS” bundle, you get perks like carry-on and checked bags, seat selection, and the ability to change your flight. Frontier’s seating is often said to be spacious for a budget airline and the airline has a young, fuel efficient fleet which makes it more eco friendly. On shorter flights across the U.S., Frontier is often the value for money, with customer reviews usually mentioning this.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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