When searching for flights, it’s easy to default to the big legacy carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, or Delta. There’s nothing wrong with booking tickets on these well-known carriers. They can usually get you where you need to go safely and without much fuss.
However, as I've become a more experienced traveler, I discovered that flying legacy airlines isn’t always the right move. Taking the time to look at smaller airlines that aren’t on everyone’s radar often yields better routes and lower prices.
But rest assured, these aren’t the budget, bare-bones airlines know for chaotic rules and cramped, rock-hard seats, either.
Instead, these airlines are small but mighty, offering a variety of options and good value, so you'll have money left over to spend on experiences during your trip.
From Icelandair’s comfortable Saga Premium to French Bee’s long-haul, affordable flights to Paris, here are three smaller airlines that can help you travel smarter. As with most airlines, book direct for the best deals and protection should your travel plans go awry.
In this article
1. Icelandair
Icelandair is my secret to smarter travel to Europe. Over the years, I’ve flown Icelandair nearly a dozen times.
The mid-sized airline is always my first choice for travel across the Atlantic because it's more affordable than legacy U.S. carriers without sacrificing comfort, and has great in-flight entertainment.
Icelandair connects cities across the country, from Los Angeles to New York, and many locations in between, to its hub in Reykjavik, Iceland. From there, smart travelers can reach nearly anywhere in Europe, from Alicante, Spain, to Zurich, Switzerland.
Thanks to Icelandair’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, passengers can also book combined flights on one ticket for even more connectivity.
Additionally, Icelandair’s Saga Premium cabin offers an experience similar to business class, often for much less than what larger airlines charge.
And as a bonus, Icelandair’s stopover program allows passengers to spend a day, a week, or more in Iceland at no extra charge when traveling to somewhere else in Europe.
2. JetBlue
JetBlue flies throughout the United States, the Caribbean, South America, as well as a growing number of destinations in Europe with hubs in New York, Florida, California, and Puerto Rico.
And even with its wide reach, the airline often offers lower fares than its much larger competitors.
Not to mention perks. On most flights, you can expect free Wi-Fi, unlimited snacks and drinks, and more legroom than other airlines, which makes flying JetBlue quite popular among cost-conscious travelers looking for a deal without the hassle and headaches of budget airlines.
On select routes, JetBlue also offers Mint, which is first-class cabins with lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and larger TV screens.
3. French Bee
France’s budget airline, French Bee, connects the United States to Paris for a lot less than most of the bigger airlines.
The airline provides nonstop travel from Newark, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami to Paris-Orly Airport. After landing in Paris, passengers can explore the City of Lights or take a connecting flight to a range of other European destinations.
Unlike other budget airlines, French Bee includes a carry-on with every ticket, and checked bags are also free with all fares except Bee Light, which is the airline’s equivalent of basic economy.
Plus, all seats on French Bee’s planes are leather for an upgraded, premium feel, and add-ons are available to customize your flying experience, including meals, priority boarding, and amenity kits with socks and a pillow.
French Bee also offers Premium Blue, which includes larger seats with a deeper recline, meals, priority boarding, and more. And even after paying for these upgrades, fares are often significantly lower than those on similar routes flown by larger airlines.
The Shortcut
You don’t need to sacrifice comfort or convenience when flying smaller airlines.
Just because an airline isn’t as well-known as legacy carriers doesn’t mean it can’t deliver a safe, superb experience.
If you know where to look, flying a smaller airline can help you travel smarter within the United States and around the world.
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