Frontier Airlines has taken the top spot for offering the cheapest economy seats in the US, with a revenue per available seat mile (RASM) of $0.167. This metric, known as RASM, measures an airline's revenue generated per available seat mile. With this figure, Frontier is up to 75% cheaper than legacy airlines like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, which have RASMs ranging from $0.167 to $0.178.
The top five airlines for cheapest economy seats in the US are not limited to low-cost carriers, but rather a mix of full-service carriers, budget airlines, and those that fall somewhere in between. This diverse range of airlines is making affordable economy options more accessible to consumers.
Alaska Airlines consistently provides some of the best value in the US aviation industry, despite operating as a full-service airline. The carrier's RASM of $0.146 per seat mile makes it one of the cheapest traditional carriers in the country.
One key factor contributing to Alaska's affordability is its extensive route network across the West Coast and into major cities. The airline also recently expanded its services to the East Coast and Hawaii, bolstered by its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
In addition to competitive fares, Alaska offers higher-quality onboard service than many ultra-low-cost competitors. Passengers can enjoy complimentary snacks, free Starlink WiFi on all aircraft by 2027, and strong customer service.
Allegiant Air takes the fourth spot with an RASM of $0.1313 per seat-mile. As the first true ultra-low-cost carrier on this list, Allegiant is able to offer cheap fares due to its focus on underserved leisure routes. The airline frequently advertises one-way fares under $50 and has promotional sales occasionally dropping below $30.
Allegiant's unique business model allows it to connect passengers to smaller airports that are often less expensive to operate than larger hubs.
Overall, the cheapest economy seats in US airlines offer a range of options for consumers looking to save money on their flights. Whether you're flying with Alaska Airlines or Allegiant Air, there are affordable choices available.
The airline industry is shifting towards more affordable options as consumers prioritize value over luxury.
