The term "budget airline" in this category does not describe a common carrier that offers low fares on occasion. Most airlines have fare sales. The term here means the carrier has adopted a low-cost business model. For example, this could mean a la carte pricing for many services or sharp limits on business- or first-class seating. Low-cost carriers sometimes tend to serve smaller or medium-sized airports rather than larger hubs, where gate-rights can prove expensive.
The following five U.S. budget airlines were nominated by About.com Budget Travel readers from January 13 - February 4, 2011. In alphabetical order, you'll see a brief description of each airline and its features. Click "next" and consider the first of five finalists in the 2011 About.com Readers' Choice category "Best U.S. Budget Airline."
