An ultra-low-cost airline, often shortened to ULCC, is an airline that runs on a no-frills, budget-first model. The aim? Keep ticket prices low by charging only for the basics.
ULCCs are often confused with low-cost airlines, but there’s a key difference. ULCCs take things a step further by unbundling every part of the booking. You’ll get a seat from A to B, but that’s it. Want to bring a bag, pick your seat or grab a snack? That’ll cost extra. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for travellers who just want to get there without paying for add-ons they don’t need, ULCCs are a solid option.
Compared to regular low-cost airlines, ULCCs offer fewer built-in services and a longer list of optional extras. That’s how they keep prices so low and why they appeal to budget-conscious travellers.
Most ULCCs fly within the US. Shorter domestic routes make it easier to strip things back, which keeps costs down. Scroll down to see some of the most popular ultra-low-cost airlines, including well-known American names, and a few others you might not have heard of.
If you're flying within the US and looking to save, you’ll likely come across a few big names in the ultra-low-cost space. Here’s a quick look at who’s flying, where they go, and what you can expect.
Spirit runs over 500 flights a day to destinations across the US, Caribbean and Latin America. Known for rock-bottom base fares, Spirit charges extra for almost everything, including bags, snacks and seat selection.
Frontier is on the rise, with a network of over 120 destinations across the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The airline keeps costs low by flying a single aircraft type and using an à la carte pricing model, so you only pay for what you need.
Allegiant focuses on leisure routes, connecting smaller US cities with popular holiday spots like Las Vegas and Orlando. Its flights are simple, affordable and geared toward travellers who want a no-fuss way to get away.
Sun Country flies to around 140 destinations and mixes scheduled flights with charter and cargo services. While still considered ultra-low-cost, it stands out by offering extras like in-seat power and in-flight entertainment, making it a more comfortable option for budget-conscious travellers.
Europe has embraced the ultra-low-cost model, with several airlines offering stripped-back fares to keep costs down.
Ryanair is the biggest ULCC in Europe, flying to over 200 destinations across 37 countries. It’s known for its strict no-frills approach - your base fare covers just the seat. Want a bag, a snack, or to sit with your travel buddy? That’ll cost extra. The airline keeps prices low by flying to secondary airports and charging only for what you use.
Wizz Air runs routes across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and even into Asia. It’s one of the fastest-growing ULCCs in the region and is now branching into longer routes like London to Jeddah. Onboard, things are simple: expect low fares and minimal extras, with paid options for bags, seat choices and snacks.
Asia’s travel scene has seen a huge shift thanks to ultra-low-cost airlines making it easier and cheaper to fly across the region. Here are two key players leading the charge:
AirAsia helped put the ULCC model on the map in Asia. With a hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it flies to over 160 destinations across 25 countries. The airline keeps costs low by using a single aircraft type and charging extra for anything beyond your seat, like bags, food or seat selection. It now operates through several regional subsidiaries, making it one of the most recognised budget options in Asia.
Based in Indonesia, Lion Air is the country’s biggest private airline. It runs high-frequency routes across 39 domestic and 8 international destinations. Like most ULCCs, it offers low base fares and adds charges for anything beyond the basics. Its focus on short, domestic flights makes it a go-to for budget-conscious passengers travelling within Indonesia.
Ultra-low-cost airlines are all about cutting the extras so you can cut the cost. Here’s how they do it:
Flying with an ultra-low-cost airline can save you money if you know what to expect. Here's how to keep your costs down and your travel smooth:
Most ULCCs only include one small personal item (such as a backpack or purse). If you want to avoid paying more:
If you want to sit together or grab extra legroom, you’ll need to pay. But if you'd prefer to save, skip the seat selection and take what you’re given - just be prepared to sit apart.
No screens, no freebies. Bring a book, download something to watch, and pack a snack or two. You’ll also need to bring your own pillows and blankets.
ULCC fares are lowest when booked in advance. They also often fly from secondary airports, so factor in transport time and cost. And don’t forget to read the airline’s rules before you fly.
Ultra-low-cost airlines keep fares low by stripping things back. At Alternative Airlines, we help you go one better by giving you the power to spread the cost of your booking too.
That means you can fly with big names like Spirit, Frontier and Sun Country, and choose to pay later, with no need to pay the full fare upfront.
Booking’s simple, even with all the ULCC quirks. Just search for your route, compare flights from 600+ airlines (ULCCs included), and pick the extras you need - bags, seats, snacks, the lot.
Whether you're booking a last-minute visit, a budget break or a no-frills flight to catch a family event, you can pick from 20+ flexible payment options at checkout. Think Afterpay, Klarna, Zip or Affirm - just choose what works for you.
Low-cost airlines (LCCs) and ultra-low-cost airlines (ULCCs) both want to make flying more affordable, but they go about it in different ways. If you’ve ever wondered why one budget fare includes a bag and a snack, and another doesn’t even cover your carry-on, here’s why:
These airlines cut costs, not corners. They focus on efficiency - flying one type of aircraft, keeping turnaround times short and avoiding pricey airport hubs. They charge for extras, but you still get some basics included. Think of them as budget-friendly airlines that still offer a bit of breathing room.
ULCCs take cost-cutting to another level. The base fare is as low as it gets, but that’s all you’re paying for. Every add-on costs extra: from seat selection to carry-on bags to a bottle of water on board. These are ideal if you’re happy to travel light and skip the extras.
Check out our comparison table below 👇🏻
| Low-cost carriers | Ultra-low-cost carriers |
|---|---|
| Free carry-on bag included | No bags included - not even a carry-on |
| A small snack or drink on board | No food or drink unless you pay for it |
| Option to add checked luggage, meals or pick your seat | Every extra costs more - even water and seat selection |
| More space than a ULCC (but less than full-service airlines) | Tighter seat space to fit more passengers |
| Often fly from smaller or secondary airports | Focus on short-haul, high-volume routes |
| Popular with both business and leisure travellers | Geared toward super price-conscious leisure travellers |
| Budget-friendly, with a bit of breathing room | Rock-bottom base fare - just the flight and nothing else |
Some low-cost airlines are blurring the lines. For example, Ryanair and Frontier run on a ULCC model, even though they’re often referred to as LCCs. Meanwhile, others like JetBlue or Spirit may offer more perks while still being considered low-cost. Think of it less like a label, and more like a sliding scale between price and comfort.
So, which one’s for you? If you’re watching your wallet and packing light, ULCCs could work. But if you’d rather avoid add-on overload, an LCC might be worth a few extra pounds (or dollars).
Looking to save without the stress? Whether it’s a weekend trip or your next big adventure, we’ve made it simple to compare airlines, pick your extras and spread the cost. No hidden fees, no surprises - just flights that fit your plans and your budget.
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
Yes, ultra-low-cost airlines show up in your flight search results when you book with Alternative Airlines. We work with ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit, Frontier and Sun Country, so you can easily compare their fares alongside other airlines.
Once you search for your route, you’ll see a range of options - filter by airline, travel time, number of stops or even payment method. If you're flying within the US or looking for the lowest base fares, ULCCs will often be among the top results.
We’ll always make it clear what’s included in the fare and what costs extra, like bags or seat selection, so you know exactly what you’re paying for before checkout.
Yes, you can add bags, seats and other extras when booking a ULCC flight through Alternative Airlines. Most ultra-low-cost airlines don’t include these in the base fare, so we make it easy for you to pick what you need during checkout.
Want to choose your seat, bring a carry-on or check a bag? You’ll see all available options laid out clearly, with prices upfront - no hidden fees or last-minute surprises. Whether you’re packing light or need space for more, you stay in control of what you pay for.
Ultra-low-cost airlines often show the lowest possible fare upfront, but that price usually only covers your seat.
Everything else, like carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection, snacks, or even printing your boarding pass at the airport, comes at an extra cost. These extras can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. It’s not a trick, just a different way of pricing. You only pay for what you actually use. This model can work out cheaper if you travel light and skip the extras, but if you need more, it's worth checking the total cost before you book.
At Alternative Airlines, we make it easy to see what’s included in your fare, and you can add bags or seat options during checkout so there are no surprises later.
Yes, you can use Buy Now Pay Later options when booking ultra-low-cost flights through Alternative Airlines. Whether you're flying with Spirit, Frontier, Sun Country or other ULCCs, you can spread the cost using payment providers like Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm and Zip.
These options let you book today and choose to pay in instalments, delay payment for 30 days, or set up monthly plans - whichever works best for you. The price you see at checkout includes the flight and any extras you choose, like bags or seat selection, so you’ll know exactly what you're paying for.
It’s a flexible way to secure low fares, especially if you're booking last minute or working to a budget. Just select your preferred BNPL option at checkout and follow the steps - it’s quick and straightforward.
Yes, ultra-low-cost airlines are safe to fly with. All airlines, including ULCCs, must meet the same safety standards set by aviation authorities in the countries they operate. These rules cover everything from aircraft maintenance to pilot training and operational procedures.
ULCCs reduce costs by limiting extras, not by compromising on safety. They often use newer fleets with a single aircraft type, which can make training and maintenance more efficient.
While the onboard experience might be basic (less legroom, no free snacks or entertainment), the core safety protocols are the same as those followed by full-service airlines.
If you’re flying with a ULCC through Alternative Airlines, rest assured that we only ticket airlines that are properly licensed and meet industry safety regulations.
Ultra-low-cost carriers don’t include carry-on bags in the base fare to keep costs as low as possible. Their model is built around unbundling everything, so instead of one higher price that covers things you might not need, you pay only for what you use. That means extras like carry-on bags, seat selection and even snacks are optional add-ons.
By removing these from the base ticket, ULCCs can advertise lower fares upfront and give you more control over your total cost. It’s a no-frills approach that works best if you’re travelling light or on a budget.
Just be sure to check the bag policy before you book - what counts as a 'personal item' versus a paid carry-on can vary by airline, and going over the limit could mean extra fees at the gate.
Yes, some ultra-low-cost airlines do fly internationally, though their focus is usually on short-haul or regional routes.
For example, Spirit Airlines offers flights from the US to Latin America and the Caribbean, while Wizz Air connects European cities with destinations in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. AirAsia also runs international routes across Southeast Asia and beyond.
That said, international flights with ULCCs often come with the same no-frills approach, meaning the base fare won’t include extras like bags, meals or seat selection. And since many of these routes depart from or arrive at secondary airports, it’s worth checking your exact travel plan to avoid unexpected transfer times or costs.
So yes, ULCCs can get you across borders for less, but make sure you’re clear on what’s included before you book.
Flying with an ultra-low-cost airline can be a smart choice if you know what you’re signing up for. You’ll usually get a lower base fare, but almost everything else is extra: bags, seats, snacks, even carry-ons. That works well for travellers who are packing light, booking short-haul flights, or just want to get from A to B as cheaply as possible.
But if you need more flexibility, space or comfort, the added fees can stack up quickly. So it’s worth comparing the full cost, not just the headline fare, with other airlines.
If you’re happy to skip the frills and stay organised, ULCCs can help you travel for less. Just double-check the fine print and know what’s included before you book.
If your ULCC flight is delayed or cancelled, things work a bit differently than with traditional airlines. ULCCs often keep costs low by offering fewer perks, and that can include limited help during disruptions.
If you booked your ULCC flight with us, contact us directly to request a new flight or a refund. Some ULCCs may not automatically rebook you, so it’s worth checking the fare rules before you travel. If you’ve added extras like Cancellation Protection when booking through us, you may be covered for delays or cancellations in emergency cases.
We know this can be frustrating, especially if you’re stuck mid-journey. While we can’t control flight changes, we’re here to help however we can. Get in touch with our Customer Service team, and we’ll support you through the next steps.
💡Tip: Always double-check the fare rules when booking a ULCC ticket with us at Alternative Airlines.
