
Long-haul budget airlines have revolutionized international travel, with fares starting as low as $110 across the Atlantic. By cutting extras like free meals and checked bags, carriers such as Norse Atlantic, AirAsia X, and JetBlue make it possible to fly thousands of miles at a fraction of traditional costs. These airlines rely on fuel-efficient aircraft, secondary airports, and optional add-ons to keep prices low.
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.
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.
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
| Feature | Budget Airlines | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Legroom | 28-30 inches | 31-33 inches |
| Seat Width | Narrower (higher density) | Standard width |
| Entertainment | Bring your own device | Seatback screens included |
| Meals & Drinks | Pay extra ($8-15 per meal) | Included in fare |
| Checked Baggage | $30-70 per bag | 1-2 bags included |
| Seat Selection | $5-50 fee | Free or minimal fee |
| Changes/Cancellations | High fees or impossible | Moderate fees, some flexibility |
| Customer Service | Limited support | Comprehensive assistance |

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ