Scoring a low airfare can feel like a hard-earned victory for any traveler, but it’s a win that almost always comes with a list of tradeoffs that aren’t immediately obvious until you’re already en route.

Between the steadily shrinking seat space, the unpredictable service standards, and the added costs that creep in around the edges, many passengers discover that the so-called bargain comes with its own hidden price.

Still, there are a handful of carriers managing to strike a balance, finding a formula that keeps flights affordable while avoiding the complete sacrifice of comfort and experience that budget travel often implies.

And now, one major US airline has received global recognition for managing to achieve exactly that rare combination of value and quality.



Allegiant Airlines has officially been named the best low-cost airline in North America for 2025, according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

The Las Vegas-based carrier also ranked as the top low-cost airline in the United States and secured the No. 15 spot in the global rankings.

It’s the second year in a row that Allegiant has earned the North America title, thanks to its approach that centers on serving underserved cities.

Flights on the airline can cost as little as $38, with routes linking small-to-medium cities to popular vacation spots.


Company president Gregory C. Anderson said the recognition reflects Allegiant’s core mission. “As a leisure focused airline, our unique business model bridges the gap in connecting small-to-medium sized cities to premier vacation destinations,” he explained.

He emphasized the company's efforts to create a comfortable and seamless travel experience while maintaining low prices.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted added that Allegiant’s customer-first approach is clearly resonating with travelers.

Allegiant’s model is different from many major carriers in the US, which often prioritize high-traffic city hubs. Instead, Allegiant focuses on overlooked areas like Provo, Utah; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Orange County, California.



The airline’s strategy of serving these markets with nonstop flights to tourist destinations has proven popular.

It’s a formula that not only cuts travel time but also reduces costs for passengers who’d otherwise need connecting flights.

The rankings were based on 22.3 million verified customer surveys collected by Skytrax, covering over 325 airlines worldwide.

No incentives or payments were offered in exchange for feedback, keeping the results fully independent.



Alongside Allegiant in the North American rankings were Southwest Airlines at No. 2 and Sun Country Airlines at No. 3. Spirit Airlines, Frontier, and Air Canada Rouge also made the top six, though with lower satisfaction scores.

Globally, Asia’s AirAsia topped the low-cost airline list, followed by Scoot from Singapore and India’s IndiGo. European carriers Eurowings and Vueling rounded out the world’s top five.

While US carriers still trail some international competitors in overall global rankings, Allegiant’s climb shows growing customer appreciation for focused, no-frills travel done right.

The airline now hopes to build on this momentum and expand further into high-demand seasonal markets.

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Have you flown with Allegiant, or do you stick with other low-cost carriers? What’s your go-to airline when you’re looking to save without giving up too much comfort? Drop your thoughts in the comments—especially if you’ve snagged one of those $38 fares.