Airplane travel these days is a chore, unless you're one of the lucky few who fly private or first class, or maybe on a public charter like JSX.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seems to change its rules around “what can I bring” every month, making the security experience frustrating.
💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💰💵
Add long TSA lines, airline cancellations, and shrinking legroom, and the experience can be downright unpleasant.
So when you score a cheap flight to a favorite destination, it can feel like at least there's one thing to be excited about.
But it turns out that one airline is proving that low-cost doesn't have to mean low-quality.
The best budget airline in North America? It's one you might not have heard of
For the second year in a row, Allegiant Airlines was named the best low-cost airline in North America in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
The Las Vegas-based carrier also earned the title of best low-cost airline in the U.S., and it ranked No. 15 globally, edging out more prominent names like Spirit, Frontier, and even Southwest. (Though is Southwest even a low-cost airline anymore?)
Related: Southwest and American Airlines want fewer choices for flyers
“Passengers have highlighted the airline's commitment to providing reliable, value-driven service tailored for leisure travelers,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said in a statement announcing the awards.
Allegiant's secret? Underserved cities and a focus on leisure, not business
Allegiant's business model differs from most airlines that focus on large metro hubs. Instead, it has carved out a unique niche, focusing on smaller and mid-sized markets near major metros that are popular vacation spots.
Allegiant (ALGT) connects cities like:
- Provo, Utah to Chicago Midway
- Knoxville, Tennessee to Tampa, Florida
- Orange County, California, to Denver
- Las Vegas to Louisville, Kentucky
The airline's flights can start as low as $38, helping budget-conscious travelers get away without breaking the bank.
More on travel:
- U.S. government issues serious warning for cruise passengers
- Delta Air Lines makes a baggage change that travelers will like
- United Airlines passenger incident triggers quick response
“As a leisure-focused airline, our unique business model bridges the gap in connecting small-to-medium sized cities to premier vacation destinations,” said Allegiant CEO and President Gregory C. Anderson in a company investor relations statement. “This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our team members.”
The strategy is simple but effective: serve a customer base that's often overlooked by major carriers, and do it with consistency, comfort, and low fares. Another thing that sets Allegiant apart is that all of its flights are nonstop.
How Allegiant beat the competition
Skytrax, one of the world's leading airline rating agencies, compiled its rankings from 22.3 million customer surveys across 325 carriers. Skytrax does not pay people to participate. Travelers rated airlines on everything from value and comfort to reliability and service.
Other North American low-cost airlines in the top ten included:
- Southwest Airlines (No. 2)
- Sun Country Airlines (No. 3)
- Air Canada Rouge (No. 4)
- Frontier Airlines (No. 5)
- Spirit Airlines (No. 6)
- Avelo (No. 7)
- Flair (No. 8)
- VivaAerobus (No. 9)
- Volaris (No. 10)
Globally, AirAsia claimed the No. 1 spot for the best low-cost airline overall, followed by Scoot (Singapore), IndiGo (India), Eurowings (Germany), and Vueling (Spain).
Allegient has a growing, glowing global reputation, too
While Allegiant remains focused on domestic travel, its repeat Skytrax honors show it's earning respect far beyond its home base. Being recognized in both U.S. and global categories suggests the airline's model — simplicity, value, and underserved routes — is resonating with travelers in a crowded, often frustrating industry.
Allegiant passengers are willing to pay lower fares for their seats, even though they can only fly with a personal item for free. Carry-on and checked baggage always incur a fee.
The cost of flying is going up, and so are customer expectations, but Allegiant's back-to-back wins show that budget travel doesn't have to feel like a downgrade.
Related: TSA quietly cracks down on popular travel essential
