Search and buy affordable flights
Looking to travel without breaking the bank? At Alternative Airlines, you can search for flights with over 650 global airlines and find the best deals that suit your budget and travel style.
Buy affordable flights to anywhere
Choose from over 600 airlines and 40+ ways to pay
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
Passengers & Class
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
What makes a flight affordable?
Finding an affordable flight can be influenced by several things, such as:
- When you fly – Off-peak times, weekdays, and shoulder seasons can be more budget-friendly.
- Which airline you choose – Low-cost and hybrid airlines often provide great value, especially if you're looking for a cheap flight with no frills.
- How and when you book – Discount codes and features like fare finders can help you spot the best deals.
- How you pay – Spreading the cost over time with buy now, pay later options can make flights more manageable and give you more breathing space with your travel budget.
At Alternative Airlines, we know it’s not just about the price. It’s about flexibility, value, and choosing what works best for you so you can enjoy your travel without the upfront financial stress.
How to find the most affordable flights
Whether you're planning a holiday, a quick city break, or a long-haul adventure, finding affordable flights and paying for them your way has never been easier. Keep reading to discover how to make your next trip more budget-friendly.
1. Choose a budget or ultra-low-cost airline
One of the simplest ways to save money on flights is to book with a budget or ultra-low-cost airline.
These airlines offer significantly cheaper base fares by removing extras like checked baggage, in-flight meals, and seat selection. They’re a great option if you're willing to travel light or pay only for what you need.
What's the difference?
- Budget airlines: Often offer some level of service and flexibility, like free carry-on bags or the option to upgrade.
- Ultra-low-cost airlines (ULCCs): The cheapest airline tickets you'll find. They strip down to the essentials (base fare only) with fees for nearly everything else.
Most popular budget & ultra-low-cost airlines
- Europe: Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet. Discover more European budget airlines.
- US & Canada: Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant, Southwest
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific
- South America: Viva Aerobus, GOL Transportes Aéreos
Before you book, compare what’s included in the fare and what might cost extra. If you’re only flying short-haul or don’t need additional services, ultra-low-cost airlines offer unbeatable value. Read our blog on the cheapest airlines in the world to discover which airlines offer the most affordable flights.
2. Spread the cost with flexible payment plans
Can't find a cheap ticket? A flexible payment plan can still make it affordable. At Alternative Airlines, we offer financing options tailored to your location.
For example:
- Our customers in the US love paying with Cash App Afterpay to split their costs into 4 interest-free instalments to make budgeting for travel more manageable.
- Klarna is a favourite for our customers in Europe, allowing them to delay payment for 30 or 60 days or split it into 3–24 monthly payments, so they can enjoy their holiday now and spread the payments over time.
- If you're in the UK, you can use PayPal Credit to spread the cost of your flights over time.
Our wide range of buy now, pay later options means you don’t have to pay all at once - making flights more accessible than ever. You'll be able to see all payment plans available to you at checkout and choose the one that works best for your location, budget, and travel goals.
Our most popular buy now, pay later providers
3. Find the most affordable fare
Flexibility is key to finding the lowest fares. Our Best Fare Finder tool lets you compare prices across a week to quickly spot the most affordable day to fly.
By using this, you can easily and quickly compare all flight prices on the week surrounding your original search and find the most affordable flight. The best fare finder tool can be found along with our other filters on the flight search results page after you've run a search with Alternative Airlines.
Use the filter to:
- View prices across different days
- Instantly identify the cheapest options
- Save time and money without extra searching
4. Know when to buy
There are lots of myths about the “best day” or time to buy flights. That's why we've written a blog that uses real data and expert knowledge to look at each of these tips and determine whether they're a reliable way to find affordable flights and, if they're not, suggest other ways in which you can find affordable flights.
Read our blog on the cheapest day to buy flights to find out more.
In general:
- Booking in advance is wise - especially for international trips
- Last-minute deals do exist but work best if you’re flexible
- Most “Tuesday at midnight” theories are outdated
5. Discounts and promotional codes
Looking for even more ways to save? Don’t miss our Discounts and Promo page for the latest flight deals, limited-time offers, and exclusive promo codes.
We regularly update this page with:
- Seasonal sales and deals
- Airline-specific or payment-specific promotions
- Discount codes for selected routes or destinations
6. Find an affordable destination
If you’re travelling for leisure and open to different destinations, picking a more affordable place to visit can make a big difference to your overall budget. A cheap flight to an expensive destination might end up costing more than a slightly pricier flight to somewhere where everything else - like accommodation, food, and activities - is cheaper. Choosing the right destination can help you get the most value out of your trip.
To help you find your dream cheap destination, we've written individual blogs on the cheapest destinations in each continent:
Why book with Alternative Airlines?
We make it easy to book affordable flights your way. Here’s why travellers choose us:
- 600+ global airlines to choose from
- Flexible payment plans with Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, and more
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent Trustpilot rating and customer support
Recent reviews from our customers:
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Frequently asked questions
How can I find the cheapest flights on Alternative Airlines?
Use our flight search tool to compare prices across 650+ airlines. Filter results by date, time, and airline, and try the Best Fare Finder to view the cheapest options in the days surrounding your preferred travel dates.
What’s the best time to book affordable flights?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Flight prices vary by destination, season, and airline. We recommend booking in advance for popular routes, and checking our blog on the cheapest day to book flights for expert insights.
Are budget airlines safe to fly with?
Yes, all airlines listed on Alternative Airlines meet international safety standards. Budget and ultra-low-cost carriers reduce prices by cutting optional extras - not on safety or maintenance.
Can I book my flight now and pay for it later?
Absolutely! We offer a wide range of buy now, pay later options depending on your location, including Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Credit. You’ll see available payment plans at checkout. Keep in mind that you must be at least 18 years old, and some payment providers may conduct soft credit checks.
What’s more affordable: direct or connecting flights?
Connecting flights are often cheaper than direct ones, especially for long-haul journeys. However, they may add travel time. Use our filters to compare options based on your priorities.
What if I need to change or cancel my flight?
Each airline has its own change and cancellation policy, which you can review before booking. We offer Cancellation Protection, which you can add to your flight and pay later for. This allows you or any member of your party to claim a full refund on your flight if it can no longer be used due to an 'emergency circumstance'. Full terms and conditions apply.
Will I see hidden fees at checkout?
No surprises here. We’re transparent about costs, and all fees - like baggage, seat selection, or payment plan interest - are clearly displayed before you confirm your booking.
Can I find affordable flights for groups or families?
Yes, simply adjust the number of passengers in the search tool. Booking early and flying during off-peak times can help you find lower fares for families or group travel.