Top 7 Cheapest Airlines for Long Haul Flights: Budget Guide

You don't have to spend a lot of money on long-haul flights. The rise of low-cost airlines that fly across continents and oceans has revolutionized international travel, allowing people to travel for less.

For example, Norse Atlantic Airways offers one-way fares to Europe starting at $110. Airlines in Asia, Europe, and the Americas are all trying to offer cheap long-distance options. Knowing which airlines offer the best deals on international flights can make an expensive trip more affordable and enjoyable.
The revolution in budget airlines has expanded from short regional flights to flights covering thousands of miles. Long-haul budget flights are possible thanks to modern, fuel-efficient planes like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo. These airlines eliminate the extras that most airlines offer, passing the savings on to passengers who are willing to forgo them.

Savvy travelers who know what to expect can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on international flights. Let's review the details to be one of those savvy travelers.

Planning your long-haul flight through PlaninGo helps you compare prices across multiple budget carriers and traditional airlines, ensuring you always secure the most competitive fares available.

What Makes an Airline "Budget" for Long Flights

Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), also known as budget long-haul airlines, operate differently from regular full-service airlines. Some companies charge less for basic services because they don't offer everything that full-service providers do. This means you only pay for the services you actually need, which can save you money.

Most of the time, these airlines only have economy class or a premium economy section. They take out free checked bags, seat selection, meals, entertainment, and other extras from the base fare. Everything is now an optional add-on that you can buy. This method works well for travelers who don't require special services, pack lightly, and bring their own entertainment.

Long-haul budget airlines save money by operating efficiently. They keep their planes busy by flying them often and use smaller airports with lower fees whenever possible. They also maintain low staff levels. By having quick turnarounds and fitting many seats on each flight, they can maximize their revenue.

The Trade-Offs You Should Know

You need to have realistic expectations when you book long-haul flights on a budget. Knowing what you're giving up for lower fares helps you prepare and avoid disappointment. Here are the differences between this and regular full-service airlines:
Budget vs. Traditional Airlines: Quick Comparison

Before diving into the list, listen to learn the hack:

Top 7 Cheapest Airlines for Long-Haul Flights

These carriers consistently offer the lowest prices on long-distance international routes, while also maintaining good service and safety records.
1. Norse Atlantic Airways: The New Transatlantic Budget Champion

Norse Atlantic Airways is now the best low-cost option for flying across the Atlantic. This Norwegian airline operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners between major US cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando, as well as European cities such as London, Paris, Oslo, Rome, and Berlin.

• The airline reported significant growth in passenger numbers. Load factors increased from 74% to 84%, indicating a considerable demand for affordable flights across the Atlantic. One-way tickets start at just $110, making it possible for budget-conscious travelers to visit Europe.
• Norse has three types of cabins: Economy, Economy Classic, and Premium. The basic Economy fare only includes a seat and a personal item. Economy Classic includes checked baggage, seat selection, and meals. Premium offers you more legroom, faster service, and a wider selection of meal choices. You can pick and choose what you need with this tiered structure.
• The airline tries to use secondary airports that are efficient, like London Gatwick and Paris Charles de Gaulle's budget terminal. This helps keep costs low. Although they are budget-friendly, the modern 787 planes are comfortable for long flights, featuring good cabin pressure and humidity levels that help mitigate jet lag.

For comprehensive tips on finding cheap transatlantic flights, explore our guide on the cheapest cities in Europe to fly to from Canada and the US.

2. AirAsia X: Southeast Asia's Long-Haul Pioneer

AirAsia X was the first airline in Asia to use the long-haul low-cost model. It still offers great deals on flights between Southeast Asia and destinations all over Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline operates modern Airbus A330s, which are configured for maximum efficiency.

• The airline connects Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Bali, which are important hubs in Southeast Asia, with cities all over Asia, as well as places in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, and the Middle East. AirAsia X is an excellent way to explore the Asia-Pacific region on a budget, thanks to its extensive network.
• Premium Flatbed seats let you lie down and relax at prices much lower than regular business class. The Hot Seat and Quiet Zone options give you more legroom without the extra cost of a premium cabin. The airline's pre-order meal service has Asian and international options at reasonable prices.
• AirAsia X complements AirAsia's short-haul flights, making it easy to travel around Asia. This enables trips to multiple destinations while maintaining the same booking and service standards. The airline often has sales and promotions that lower already low base fares even more.
• The amount of baggage you can bring depends on the type of ticket you buy. For the cheapest tickets, checked bags incur an additional cost. Buying baggage ahead of time when you book saves money compared to paying at the airport. The airline's mobile app makes it easier to book flights and buy extras.

If you're planning to travel through Asia, consider visiting Japan, one of the most popular countries to explore. Here are five of the most affordable airports in Japan that can help you save money on your journey.

3. Scoot: Singapore's Budget Long-Haul Option

Scoot is Singapore Airlines' low-cost subsidiary. It offers low prices and reliable service thanks to being part of one of the most respected airline groups in the world. The airline uses modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to connect Singapore with cities in Asia, Australia, and Europe.

• The airline flies to cities in China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, and several European cities, including Berlin and Athens. Changi Airport in Singapore is an excellent hub with great connections and facilities for passengers. Even if you buy separate tickets, the airport's efficiency makes sure that connections go smoothly.
• ScootPlus offers business-class-style seats at affordable prices, featuring more legroom and enhanced service. For a small additional fee, you can upgrade your regular economy seat to a Stretch seat, which provides more space. These options allow you to adjust your comfort level according to the needs of your flight.
• Scoot's ScootBiz meal service offers good food at reasonable prices. Some low-cost airlines don't let passengers bring their own food, but this one does. Most planes have WiFi, so you can stay connected while you're flying for a long time.
• The carrier keeps Singapore Airlines' safety and operational standards while keeping costs down by offering fewer services. This mix appeals to travelers who want dependability without incurring a high price. When making complicated travel plans, Scoot's excellent on-time performance makes connections less stressful.

Singapore is a fantastic place to visit in Asia, and it's perfect for your travel plans. If you're considering visiting, we can help you create a fun 5-day itinerary that covers all the exciting things to do and see, ensuring you don’t miss anything important.

4. Norwegian Air Shuttle: European Long-Haul Pioneer

Before it changed its business model, Norwegian Air Shuttle was the first budget airline to operate long-distance flights in Europe. The airline now primarily flies short and medium-haul routes in Europe, but it still maintains some longer routes that connect Scandinavia with popular destinations.

• Norwegian has modern Boeing 737 MAX and 787 planes, and the 787s are capable of flying long distances. The airline operates flights between Scandinavian cities and Mediterranean destinations, the Canary Islands, as well as some long-haul destinations. Even though Norwegian has cut back on its transatlantic flights, its remaining long routes are still a good deal.
• The low-fare economy tickets from the carrier are the most affordable way to travel from one place to another. LowFare+ lets you choose your seat, be flexible, and bring more bags. Flex tickets give you complete freedom and access to the lounge. The Premium Cabin offers more space and superior service compared to regular Premium Economy, yet it is more affordable.
• Some older budget airlines' planes don't offer as good a passenger experience as Norwegian's newer planes. The 787 Dreamliners have bigger windows, cleaner air, and quieter cabins. Even in tight seating arrangements, these things make long flights much more comfortable.
• The airline operates out of major airports in Scandinavia, including Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. These hubs make it easy to get around the Nordic region and beyond. Norwegian collaborates with other low-cost airlines in Europe to establish a comprehensive low-cost network.

Now that we are discussing Europe, it would be helpful to find out about the ten cheapest flights from Toronto to Europe. This information is helpful for anyone planning to visit a European country.

5. JetBlue Airways: Premium Budget Transatlantic Service

JetBlue offers a unique way to fly long distances on a budget, providing more amenities than most budget airlines while keeping prices low. The airline flies Airbus A321LR planes on transatlantic routes that connect major cities on the US East Coast with cities in Europe.

• New York and Boston currently have routes to London and Paris, but plans are in place to add more cities. JetBlue plans to give its customers a better experience than traditional airlines while keeping prices low. This "value carrier" position appeals to travelers who want comfort without paying high prices.
• JetBlue offers free entertainment on every seat, including live TV, movies, and Wi-Fi. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are standard, which is not a common offering for budget airlines. The airline's comfortable seats, with more legroom than the average, set it apart from other low-cost airlines.
• Mint Business Class offers lie-flat seats, excellent privacy, and superior service at prices significantly lower than those of regular business class. JetBlue Mint is a fantastic value for travelers who want extra comfort on transatlantic flights. The experience is as good as or better than many traditional carriers' business products.
• JetBlue's focus on customer service includes its low-cost operations. Even though its prices are competitive, the airline always gets high marks for customer satisfaction. This mix makes JetBlue perfect for travelers who want reliable and comfortable service without incurring a high cost.

6. Cebu Pacific: Budget Gateway to the Philippines

Cebu Pacific is the largest budget airline in the Philippines, operating flights between Manila and Cebu, as well as to other cities in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline's extensive network of flights within the Philippines and to various countries makes it an excellent way to explore the country on a budget.

• Long-haul flights connect the Philippines to cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Dubai, and many others in Asia. The modern Airbus A330 and A321neo planes ensure smooth operations. Even though the airline is operating on a tight budget, its young fleet ensures that flights are safe and comfortable for passengers.
• Cebu Pacific was the first airline in Asia to offer ultra-low-cost flights by eliminating all unnecessary services, thereby lowering its base fares to the lowest possible level. There are extra fees for everything, even checked bags and meals. However, the airline's great value appeals to travelers who are willing to forgo extras to save money.
• Buying meals and luggage ahead of time is often more cost-effective than purchasing them at the airport. The airline typically offers sales that further reduce prices on already low fares. Sometimes, these deals let you fly internationally for prices that are similar to short domestic flights in other places.
• The airline's extensive domestic flight network in the Philippines makes it easy to connect to other destinations. You can create complicated itineraries that take you to multiple islands using the same low-cost service. This makes Cebu Pacific especially useful for people who want to see more than just Manila.

Although we're just discussing booking a budget flight, as a savvy travel planner, we've curated a 2-week Philippines travel itinerary for you to enjoy, showcasing one of the most beautiful and lesser-known countries in the world.

7. Jetstar Airways: Australia's Budget Long-Haul Leader

Jetstar is a low-cost airline that is part of the Qantas Group. It flies between Australia and destinations in Asia and the Pacific at low prices. The airline offers reliable service at low prices by combining Qantas's safety standards with low prices.

• Long-haul flights connect major Australian cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with destinations in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Pacific Islands. The modern Airbus A320, A321, and Boeing 787 can handle a wide range of route lengths.
• Jetstar's Business Max cabin on 787 planes offers business-class comfort at a fraction of the cost of regular business class. The lie-flat seats and improved service make long flights comfortable without breaking the bank. For a small fee, economy passengers can move to seats with more legroom.
• The airline's prices range from basic Starter fares to more flexible Plus and Max fares. This range allows you to select the ideal level of flexibility and extras. Starter fares are suitable for individuals with established plans and minimal luggage requirements.

Jetstar works well with Qantas so that you can connect budget long-haul flights with Qantas domestic flights. This combination gives you full access to Australia. Frequent flyer members can earn and use Qantas points on Jetstar flights, making the loyalty program even more valuable.
PlaninGo's flight feature helps you monitor fares across multiple budget carriers, alerting you when prices drop below your target thresholds. Additionally, when planning complex itineraries, consider reading our 'Hack for the Savvy Traveler' guide for tips on managing connections and disruptions.

Conclusion: Affordable Long-Haul Travel Is Here to Stay
Budget long-haul airlines have changed the way people travel internationally for good. Norse Atlantic and other airlines that fly between the US and Europe for as little as $110 show that high international fares are no longer a given. You can get the most out of these airlines' value propositions if you know how they work and set the right expectations.
The airlines listed here are all reliable and have a history of offering cheap long-distance flights. Each one has its own set of benefits that work best for different routes and types of travelers. Norse Atlantic is the best airline for budget flights across the Atlantic, AirAsia X and Scoot are the best for flights in the Asia-Pacific region, and JetBlue is the best for travelers who want more amenities at a low price.
PlaninGo can help you plan your affordable long-distance trip right now. For the best deals, compare prices on budget airlines and regular airlines, keep an eye on price trends, and book your flights and accommodations together to maximize your savings. PlaninGo makes it easy to find the best value routes and book everything you need for your perfect international trip without overspending.