If you’re looking to fly with a budget airline that doesn’t use Boeing aircraft, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are several low-cost carriers that fit the bill.
This guide helps you identify low-cost airlines around the world that operate Boeing-free fleets - so you can book your next trip with confidence.
Recent Boeing safety concerns have dominated headlines. Issues like the grounding of the 737 MAX following fatal crashes, manufacturing flaws, and whistleblower reports have raised public anxiety. For many, avoiding Boeing is a precautionary step to feel more secure in the air.
Boeing is still a key manufacturer, with many airlines relying heavily on its aircraft. But safety-conscious travellers are increasingly looking for options that fly Airbus, Embraer, or other aircraft types.
💡 It's worth noting: global aviation is still incredibly safe. All aircraft, regardless of brand, must meet strict safety standards. But having options and transparency helps passengers make informed decisions.
If you're flying on a budget and want to avoid Boeing aircraft, you're not limited in choice. At Alternative Airlines, we make it easy to find and compare budget airlines that don’t use Boeing, so you can save money and choose the aircraft you prefer.
We’ve made it easier to take control of your booking with an aircraft filter built into our flight search tool.
When you search for flights on our site, you can filter by aircraft type. That means you can compare over 600 airlines, exclude Boeing planes, and only see flights operated by alternatives like Airbus, Embraer, or ATR.
Whether you're choosing based on comfort, safety, or personal preference, it’s simple to find the right aircraft for you.
Using the filter is quick and straightforward. Start a flight search, and on the results page, you’ll see the aircraft filter - ready to help you book with clarity and confidence.
✈️ Reminder: Aircraft can change at the last minute, especially on short-haul or high-frequency routes. Choose a budget airline that exclusively uses Airbus or another alternative to avoid Boeing completely.
If you’re looking to avoid Boeing aircraft, there are several reliable and widely used alternatives - many of which are common across budget airlines:
Boeing’s biggest rival – its A320 family (A319, A320, A321) is a favourite among low-cost carriers worldwide. Known for quieter cabins and improved fuel efficiency, Airbus aircraft are used by airlines like easyJet, Jetstar (short-haul), and Breeze Airways.
Embraer jets are smaller, regional aircraft used by carriers like Porter Airlines in Canada. The newer E2 series is especially popular for short-haul routes and offers a surprisingly spacious, comfortable ride.
The ATR 72 or De Havilland Dash 8, are another option on short regional routes. While less common among ultra-low-cost airlines, they’re often used by smaller operators in remote or island destinations.
Keep reading to explore the most popular budget airlines in each region that primarily, or exclusively, operate Airbus or non-Boeing aircraft.
When it comes to flying, safety is everything. And at Alternative Airlines, we believe you deserve the freedom to choose the aircraft you feel most comfortable with.
Contact our dedicated customer service team if you have any questions about aircraft types, booking options, or need help finding a flight that matches your preferences.
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Yes, it’s possible to avoid Boeing aircraft, especially on short-haul routes operated by low-cost carriers using Airbus or Embraer planes. Use our aircraft filter to find flights that match your preferences.
Avoiding Boeing means excluding all aircraft made by Boeing. Avoiding the 737 MAX targets a specific model that has faced public scrutiny. Some airlines fly Boeing but not the MAX - this distinction is important when booking.
Both Airbus and Boeing meet strict international safety standards. Statistically, flying is one of the safest ways to travel, and incidents involving any aircraft type are extremely rare.
Yes. While most flights go ahead as scheduled, airlines can swap aircraft due to operational needs. If you have specific preferences, it's a good idea to double-check before you fly and choose airlines with consistent fleet types.
On Alternative Airlines, we'll show aircraft details in your search results. You can also check the airline’s website or tools like FlightRadar24 and SeatGuru using your flight number. Read our dedicated guide on finding out what aircraft you'll fly on.
Yes, several low-cost carriers operate all-Airbus fleets. Examples include:
These airlines primarily use Airbus A320 or A321 aircraft for their short- and medium-haul routes.
Absolutely. Many budget airlines use either only Airbus planes or a mix of Airbus and other non-Boeing types (like Embraer or ATR). At Alternative Airlines, you can filter by aircraft type to avoid Boeing while still booking affordable flights.
Yes. Aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Embraer E190 meet all global safety regulations. Budget airlines must pass the same safety standards as full-service carriers, regardless of aircraft size or type.
