Unbeatable Fares and an Expanding Route Network Make Allegiant the Best Airline for Affordable Flights in 2026

When searching for the best airline for affordable flights, price is only part of the equation. You also want reliability, a route network that actually serves your destination, and a loyalty program worth signing up for.

Hidden fees, baggage policies, and how an airline handles delays matter just as much as the base fare. And in an era where budget carriers have struggled to stay afloat, the airline's staying power and commitment to expansion says a lot.

For the 2026 Men's Journal Travel Awards, we evaluated carriers across all of these factors to determine the best airlines of 2026. For budget-friendly domestic travel, the winner was clear: Allegiant.

Why Allegiant Is the Best Airline for Affordable Flights

While other budget carriers have stumbled (Spirit's bankruptcy being a prime example), Allegiant Air has gone the opposite direction, doubling down on what it does best: getting leisure travelers to their vacation destinations without breaking the bank. In late 2025, the Vegas-based low-cost carrier announced 30 new nonstop routes launching in 2026 and is entering four brand new markets, including Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) in New Jersey and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). 

Introductory fares on new routes are ridiculously affordable, starting as low as $39 one-way, and the airline is also working on revamping its loyalty program and exploring onboard WiFi. It might not be the most glamorous choice in the air, but Allegiant is becoming a dominant force in domestic budget travel, especially for those flying to or from small-to-medium sized cities and destinations. Just note that, like most budget carriers, Allegiant uses an a la carte pricing model, so carry-on bags, seat selection, and snacks are extra.

Why You Should Trust Me

A professional travel and hospitality writer, I fly for both work and leisure frequently throughout the year, both domestically and internationally. I hold credit cards with flight perks from multiple airlines, and often flights are booked for me by public relations professionals, meaning I experience travel on several different airline carriers each year regardless of my own preferences, more often than not in economy class.