Search and Book Short-Haul Flights
What is a short-haul flight?
A short-haul flight is defined differently from airline to airline. However, typically, a short-haul flight is any direct or non-stop flight that flies anywhere under 3 hours.
As short-haul flight times are quite short, they generally fly for around 4 or 6 times each day and are usually operated by aircraft carriers such as the Boeing 717 and Airbus A319 or any other narrow-body aircraft carriers. A narrow-body aircraft tends to have one aisle in the cabin with passenger seating divided into two axial groups.
Most domestic flights (where the departure airport and the arrival airport are in the same country) are short-haul flights, however, you can find international short-haul flights flying from one country to another.
Many short-haul aircraft carriers are hybrid airlines and operate on a low-cost model. These short-haul airlines try their very best to provide an eco-friendly service to passengers.
Popular short-haul flights
Short-haul flights are ideal for quick trips, city breaks and business travel, usually lasting under three hours. These routes are among some of the most popular short-haul flight routes worldwide:
- London ⇄ Paris
- London ⇄ Amsterdam
- New York ⇄ Washington, D.C.
- Los Angeles ⇄ San Francisco
- Tokyo ⇄ Osaka
- Singapore ⇄ Kuala Lumpur
- Dubai ⇄ Doha
- Riyadh ⇄ Jeddah
These popular short-haul flight routes are well served by multiple airlines, offering plenty of choice, frequent schedules and competitive fares, perfect for fast and flexible travel.
Popular short-haul airlines
Short-haul airlines specialise in flights over shorter distances, typically within the same country or region. They’re a popular choice for city breaks, weekend trips and regional travel, often offering frequent routes and competitive fares.
- easyJet – One of Europe’s largest short-haul airlines, flying across the UK and Europe
- Ryanair – Ultra-low-cost airline serving hundreds of short-haul routes across Europe
- Southwest Airlines – A major short-haul carrier in the US, known for frequent domestic routes
- JetBlue – Offers short-haul flights across the US, Caribbean and Latin America
- AirAsia – One of the world’s largest short-haul low-cost airlines, flying across Asia
- Scoot – Offers a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights across Asia and beyond
- Jetstar – Popular short-haul airline operating flights across Australia, New Zealand and Asia
- Virgin Australia – Offers short-haul domestic and regional flights
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Short Haul Flights FAQs
Are short-haul flights safe?
Short-haul flights are safe to fly on. These flights travel at lower altitudes due to the short duration of the flight, which is more economical for the airline. Pilots and cabin crew are expertly trained to carry out short-haul services. Some of the safest short-haul airline carriers are Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines and more.
What are short-haul flights like?
Short-haul flights are generally economically friendly and work on a low-cost model. However, many airlines do offer a more premium service; with additional costs passengers' can receive extra legroom, in-flight meals, in-flight entertainment, a lounge service and priority check-in and boarding.
How many short-haul flights fly each day?
Tens of thousand's of short-haul flights fly each day. As flights are typically short, a separate airline may fly at least four to six times a day, depending on the length of the journey.
Can take my own food on short-haul flights?
Yes absolutely, you can bring along your own food, as long as it meets the airline's standards. With short-haul flights, airlines are more lenient and allow passengers' to take with them their own food onboard.
Can I book my short-haul flights online?
Alternative Airlines offers online booking for your short-haul flights.
Click here to find and book your short-haul flights with different airline carriers to locations around the world.