It is important to understand the difference between an airline that offers fare sales and a low-cost carrier or budget airline.
The latter has adopted a low-cost business model that requires keeping base fares as low as possible. While that sounds terrific, it also means that other services that travelers take for granted as "included" might involve an extra fee.
For example, if you want to choose your seat in advance or check-in online, there might be a fee attached. Snacks and other cabin comforts are extras. One low-cost carrier even charges for carry-on baggage.
There are many variations on this model, and some budget airlines are more successful than others at keeping customers happy and fares at a minimum.
About.com Budget Travel readers made nominations in this category from January 18 - February 15, 2012. The finalists, revealed in alphabetical order, were voted upon from February 22 - March 21, 2012.
Click "next" to read about the finalists in the 2012 About.com Readers' Choice category "Favorite U.S. Budget Airline."
