What is the cheapest airline for international flights?

The cheapest airline for international flights can vary depending on several factors like your departure and arrival locations, time of booking, seasonality, and flight routes. However, here are some airlines often regarded for offering affordable international flights:

1. Norwegian Air Shuttle

Routes: Primarily between Europe and North America.
Key Features: Known for its budget-friendly long-haul services, especially between Europe and the U.S., Norwegian Air offers cheap flights by providing basic services and charging extra for amenities like checked luggage, meals, and seat selection.

2. Ryanair (Europe)

Routes: Mainly European destinations but also some routes to North Africa and the Middle East.
Key Features: Ryanair is known for its ultra-low-cost model, focusing on short-haul flights within Europe and offering lower ticket prices, with additional costs for extras.

3. Wizz Air

Routes: Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East.
Key Features: Wizz Air offers low-cost international flights with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe, as well as destinations in Asia and the Middle East. As with most budget carriers, they charge for checked baggage, meals, and other services.

4. AirAsia

Routes: Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond.
Key Features: Known for affordable flights within Southeast Asia and internationally, AirAsia also offers flights to Australia, Japan, and other parts of Asia. It offers budget-friendly services with additional charges for extra services.

5. EasyJet (Europe)

Routes: Primarily Europe but with some routes to North Africa and the Middle East.
Key Features: EasyJet is one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers, offering affordable flights and often having good deals to major European cities.

6. Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ budget arm)

Routes: Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and other international destinations.
Key Features: Scoot is known for offering cheap international flights within Asia and to Australia, and it focuses on low-cost travel by charging extra for additional services.

7. JetBlue Airways

Routes: U.S., Caribbean, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
Key Features: JetBlue has budget-friendly options to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Although slightly higher in price than some ultra-low-cost carriers, it offers more amenities like free snacks and better legroom.

8. Icelandair

Routes: Europe, North America, and beyond (with connections through Iceland).
Key Features: Icelandair often offers low fares for flights between North America and Europe, with the added bonus of a free stopover in Iceland.

9. Spirit Airlines

Routes: U.S., Caribbean, Latin America, and a few other international destinations.
Key Features: Spirit is one of the lowest-cost airlines, but they charge for almost everything (from seats to carry-on luggage), which can increase the overall cost of the flight.

10. Aer Lingus

Routes: Europe, U.S., and Canada.
Key Features: Offering a solid balance of low-cost international travel, especially between the U.S. and Europe, Aer Lingus provides affordable fares with good service, though they charge for extras like meals and checked luggage.

Tips for Getting the Cheapest International Flights:

Book in advance: Flight prices typically rise as the departure date approaches.
Flexible dates: Airfares can fluctuate greatly, so being flexible with your travel dates can lead to cheaper options.
Use fare comparison tools: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak can help you compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms.
Set price alerts: Sign up for notifications when prices drop for specific routes you’re interested in.

In summary, Norwegian Air Shuttle, AirAsia, and Ryanair are often some of the most affordable options for international flights, but the best deals depend heavily on your specific route, booking time, and flexibility.