We Studied Dozens of Airlines. These Are The Top 5 To Travel More For Less This Spring
This winter has been a doozy, with record snowfall and ice in many places across the country. You’ve had enough hot chocolate and snow cream and stew to last you for two more winters.
Let’s face it, winter was all well and good, but you’re ready for spring. But good news, in roughly 30 days spring will be here and with that comes the first wave of warmer days, beautiful blooming flowers and, of course, that first vacation of the year.
It’s no secret that spring break, which typically happens anywhere from the middle of March through the first two weeks of April, is only a preface to the ever craved summer vacation.
During the spring, you’re just starting to shed that winter skin and prepare yourself for the glows and glamor of summertime. And while you definitely want to enjoy yourself on your springtime vacation, you don’t want to break the bank because, after all, you still have another vacation just a few short months afterward.
When planning spring travel, many opt for airfare and head for the skies because it’s faster, cheaper, and all around the best way to get from point A to point B without too much thought.
Look no further when trying to find the best deals for this year’s spring vacation, here are the top 5 airlines that will get you where you need to go in style, without that huge price tag.
JetBlue Airways
With some of the most affordable flights around, especially if you’re not going to be traveling internationally, you can’t go wrong with JetBlue.
It’s a comfortable flight, with roomy coach seats, free high-speed Internet access, free DirecTV movies at every seat, and plenty of complimentary snacks to go around. So, if you’re looking for a flight that will keep both you and your kids happy for the duration, go with JetBlue.
And, if you check out the airline’s website, you can look up the best vacation deals with JetBlue’s Top 10 list of airfare plus lodging packages, search destination deals, travel ideas, and even plan everything you might need for your trip right there on the website. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than some that JetBlue is offering right now, such as a trip to the Bahamas for only $985 per person.
JetBlue also runs promotions from time to time, like the up to $150 off on travels, so you really can’t loose when you fly JetBlue.
Virgin America
One of the newest airlines out there, Virgin America joined the rank of cost-efficient U.S. in 2007 and has quickly become a favorite among frequent flyers, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is Virgin America one of the fastest airlines out there, consistently cutting off up to seven minutes on flight times, which makes a difference when you’re traveling with kids, but the airline has ranked in the top domestic airlines on Travel + Leisure’s list for nearly a decade. That in itself says a lot.
Each flight offers comfortable, cozy seating, Wi-Fi, mood lighting, and plenty of entertainment options for the tech-savvy traveler. But the best part of traveling Virgin America? The low-cost airfare, of course.
Since Virgin America merged with Alaska Airlines, the dynamic duo has certainly earned the reputation for having some of the cheapest flights in the country. For example, a one-way trip from San Francisco to New York City is only $119. You really can’t beat that for cross-country travel!
Like any good airline, Virgin America offers deals, specials, and travel tips on its website, so mosey on over and book your tickets for the cheapest travel this side of 2005.
Southwest Airlines
You don’t like extra fees when you fly? Well, neither does Southwest Airlines, so you’re sure to be a match made in heaven. The airline is all about bringing customer service to the next level, and won’t charge you for every small adjustment needed like most airlines. Southwest understands that sometimes you need to change your flight, and won’t make you pay extra for doing so.
And luggage fees? Unless you’re moving everything across the country using airfare, Southwest offers two free checked bags to each customer. So you can enjoy your vacation in style without worrying what you can and can’t fit in your suitcase.
Not only are you treated with the utmost respect before hoping on board, but you can continue that life of luxury once you get inside the cabin as well. Southwest airlines feature roomy seats, Wi-Fi hot spots, and plenty of complimentary drinks and snacks on board. Already sound like a dream? Wait till you check out the prices.
Southwest offers a low fare calendar on its site so you can pre-determine when the best and cheapest flights are going to be and book those months in advance. Plus, there are always special offers available, and you can sign up for the airline’s Rapid Rewards card to save even more per flight after accumulating various amounts of miles.
Frontier Airlines
Founded in the early 1990s, Frontier has been around for a while, making a name for itself as one of the cheapest airlines to fly with, especially if you need a ticket on the fly. With its well-known tagline, “low fares done right,” Frontier has tried to stick with that model and continues to make improvements as the years pass.
Sure, you probably heard some negative things in the past about the airlines, but since 2015, Frontier has taken customer complaints seriously and revamped the airline, proving to be one of the best in the industry for customer service and cost-effective airfare to date.
In fact, the airline’s site has an entire tab dedicated to customer travel savings, offering everything from online deals, bundle savings, and the best ways to use frequent flyer miles. And also how to get even cheaper rates with Discount Den, a subscription program that offers access to otherwise unattainable prices, like a $20 one way flight on select dates.
Even if you’ve flown Frontier before and weren’t impressed, give it another shot because this airline is making it clear that it wants to put its customers first, and not break their banks in the process.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines, like Frontier, hasn’t exactly made the best name for itself in the past. But now customers can rest assured that rather than cringe each time you see that bright yellow aircraft, you can relax and know that your travels are in good hands. The second cheapest round-trip airfare, averaging around $117 for domestic flights, Spirit is working hard to revamp its system and clear any bad raps it may have from the past.
Spirit flights are cozy, though not overly luxurious, and offer all the basic amenities that a traveler could want, such as a complimentary drink and snack, but don’t expect extra frills with this one. That’s just not Spirit’s style. But, with low-cost tickets that are hard to beat, many are willing to pass up the gizmos and gadgets to pinch some pennies.
Online, Spirit offers information on the best deals with the airline, the best time to book a flight, and other specials for Spirit rewards customers. And with tickets like a one-way fare from New York City to Fort Lauderdale for only $50, who would want to pass that up?
Spring travel can sometimes feel hectic and rushed, and often more expensive than you expected. But using these five airlines is not only going to save you time and money, but you’re sure to be more relaxed when you finally hit that beach you’ve been dreaming of all winter. So happy budgeting, happy buying, and happy springtime traveling!
