JetBlue is the best overall budget airline for travel perks in the United States as of September 2026. Its lowest fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item. Every JetBlue aircraft also offers free Fly-Fi Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment. Travelers who choose a regular Main fare get no change or cancellation fees, although fare differences may apply.
JetBlue is not always the cheapest airline by advertised fare, but it offers a strong mix of included amenities, loyalty rewards and onboard comfort without requiring a premium cabin.
Best Budget Airlines for Travel Perks at a Glance
| Airline | Best travel perk | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | Free Wi-Fi, entertainment, carry-on and personal item | Travelers who want more included in the base fare | Checked bags usually cost extra |
| Southwest | Flexible changes and Companion Pass potential | Families, couples and travelers with changing plans | Standard fares no longer include free checked bags for everyone |
| Frontier | GoWild Pass and Discount Den savings | Flexible travelers focused on low fares | Bags, seats and flexibility often cost extra |
Why JetBlue Is the Best Overall Choice
JetBlue includes more useful benefits in its regular economy experience than most ultra-low-cost airlines.
JetBlue Includes Onboard Benefits
JetBlue offers free Fly-Fi Wi-Fi on every aircraft, along with free live television, movies and other seatback entertainment. The airline also advertises complimentary snacks and drinks on its standard onboard experience.
These benefits are available to regular economy passengers. You do not need elite status, a co-branded credit card or a paid bundle to use them.
JetBlue Includes a Carry-On Bag
JetBlue's current fare structure includes a carry-on bag and personal item with Main Base fares. Checked bags are generally not included on standard domestic fares, although JetBlue includes checked baggage on Mint, transatlantic flights and selected international routes.
JetBlue is a good fit for travelers who can pack in an overhead bag and do not want to pay extra for basic carry-on access.
JetBlue Has a Useful Loyalty Program
TrueBlue members earn points from eligible JetBlue purchases. Mosaic members receive benefits such as a carry-on bag, at least one free checked bag and early boarding, even when traveling on a Base fare.
That makes JetBlue more appealing than a bare-bones ultra-low-cost carrier for travelers who fly several times a year and can realistically earn status.
When Southwest Is Better Than JetBlue
Southwest is the better budget airline for flexibility, family travel and companion benefits.
Southwest Basic fares do not charge a cancellation fee, but changes to Basic reservations require a fare upgrade. Choice fares and higher fare types allow changes without an airline change fee, although fare differences still apply. Choice fares also include free same-day changes or standby when eligible.
Southwest's Rapid Rewards Companion Pass is another major benefit. Members who earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year can designate one companion to fly on eligible trips for the airline charge, paying only taxes and fees.
The checked-bag policy has changed. For mainland travel booked, ticketed or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares list fees of $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second. Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members and some Rapid Rewards cardholders retain free-bag benefits.
Choose Southwest If:
- You may need to change or cancel a trip.
- You are traveling with a family or companion.
- You can qualify for Companion Pass.
- You have Southwest elite status, a qualifying credit card or a Choice Extra fare.
- Southwest offers the best nonstop schedule from your airport.
When Frontier Is the Best Choice
Frontier is the best budget airline for travelers who value subscription savings more than onboard amenities.
Frontier's Discount Den membership provides access to lower fares for one year and lets members share eligible savings with up to eight other travelers. Frontier also advertises Kids Fly Free on selected dates and flights. Current membership pricing is $59.99 per year after a $50 enrollment fee for new or returning members.
Frontier's GoWild Pass can provide unlimited flights, but it suits travelers with flexible schedules. Standard GoWild booking availability generally opens one day before domestic departure and 10 days before international departure. The pass is less useful when you need to plan fixed-date trips weeks or months ahead.
Frontier also sells bundles. The WORKS and PERKS bundles include a carry-on and one checked bag for each passenger and direction. The WORKS bundle also adds broader flexibility and seat-related benefits.
Choose Frontier If:
- You travel frequently and can book close to departure.
- You usually travel with only a small personal item.
- Discount Den produces worthwhile savings on your routes.
- You want to use GoWild for spontaneous trips.
- You are willing to compare the final price after adding bags and seat selection.
Frontier has announced changes to its elite-status earning rules and benefits for bookings made from January 1, 2027. Frequent flyers should check the current terms before relying on status perks.
Which Airline Gives the Best Value for Different Travelers?
JetBlue is best overall, Southwest is better for flexibility and companion travel, and Frontier is best for subscription-style savings.
Best for Onboard Perks: JetBlue
JetBlue is the strongest choice when free Wi-Fi, entertainment, a carry-on and a personal item matter more than checked-bag benefits.
Best for Flexible Travel: Southwest
Southwest is the better option when you may need to change plans, particularly if you choose a Choice fare or qualify for a Southwest benefit.
Best for Couples and Families: Southwest
Companion Pass can be highly valuable for travelers who qualify and regularly fly with the same companion.
Best for Ultra-Low-Cost Subscription Savings: Frontier
Discount Den and GoWild offer the most unusual savings options of the three airlines. They work best for travelers who can accept short booking windows and avoid expensive add-ons.
Best for Travelers Checking Bags: It Depends
JetBlue generally charges for checked bags on ordinary domestic fares. Southwest offers free checked bags only with certain fares, status levels and credit cards. Frontier includes checked bags in selected bundles rather than in its lowest-priced fares.
Compare the full checkout price with bags, seats and flexibility included. The cheapest advertised fare may not be the cheapest trip.
Final Verdict
Choose JetBlue for the best overall travel perks. It offers the most complete regular economy package, with free Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment and carry-on access.
Choose Southwest when flexibility, family travel or Companion Pass value matters most. Choose Frontier when Discount Den or GoWild fits your travel habits and you are comfortable paying separately for services you need.
The useful comparison is the final price for the same itinerary, including your carry-on, checked bag, seat and flexibility requirements.