Planning For The Best Life

Best and Worst Budget Airlines for Families 2025

As a digital nomad family of four, flying is a constant part of our lives. We’ve crisscrossed continents, hopped between islands, and explored countless cities, all while trying to keep our travel budget in check. This often means embracing the world of budget airlines. But let me tell you, not all budget airlines are created equal, especially when you’re traveling with two energetic kids and a mountain of luggage (even if it’s just carry-ons!). We’ve learned through trial and error which budget carriers offer genuine value and which ones can turn a supposed saving into a massive headache. Here’s our family’s take on the best (and worst) budget airlines in 2025.

The Budget Airline Balancing Act: Price vs. Peace of Mind

The allure of a super cheap flight is undeniable. For our family, every dollar saved on airfare means more money for experiences, delicious local food, or an extra night in a comfortable Airbnb. However, the term “budget” often comes with a caveat: what you save on the ticket price, you might pay for in hidden fees, reduced comfort, or less reliable service. When you’re juggling kids, car seats, and carry-ons, reliability and transparency become just as important as the price.

We’ve found that understanding the nuances of each budget airline – their fee structures, baggage policies, and on-time performance – is crucial for a smooth and cost-effective journey. Recent reports and studies, like WalletHub’s 2025 Best Airlines ranking, provide valuable insights, but nothing beats real-world family experience.

Our Family’s Top Budget Airlines in 2025 (and Why We Trust Them)

Based on our experiences, prioritizing a balance of affordability, reliability, and a relatively smooth family travel experience, here are the budget airlines we often choose:

1. Southwest Airlines (USA)

Southwest is often our go-to for domestic travel within the US. While their base fares might not always be the absolute lowest, their unique model is a game-changer for families. Two free checked bags per person and no change fees mean incredible flexibility and significant savings, especially when you’re traveling with four people and all their gear. Their reliable on-time performance and open seating policy (which can be a fun scramble for the kids!) make them a consistent winner for us.

  • Our Insight: We once had to change our flight last minute due to a kid’s sudden illness, and with Southwest, it was a breeze. No change fees meant we only paid the fare difference, saving us hundreds compared to other airlines. That peace of mind is priceless when you’re traveling with a family.

2. easyJet (Europe)

When we’re hopping around Europe, easyJet is a frequent choice. They offer a vast network of routes across the continent and strike a good balance between affordability and a relatively straightforward booking process. Their pricing for extras is clear, and we generally find their reliability and customer service to be better than some of their ultra-low-cost competitors. We always pre-purchase our baggage allowance to avoid surprises.

3. AirAsia (Asia)

For our adventures in Southeast Asia, AirAsia is indispensable. They have an incredibly extensive network, connecting almost every major city and island. Their fares are competitive, and they frequently have promotions. Like easyJet, the key is to understand their ancillary fees and plan accordingly. We’ve used them for countless short hops, and they’ve always gotten us where we need to go efficiently.

Efficient packing and understanding baggage rules are key to making budget airlines work for our family. Every dollar saved on baggage is a dollar for a new experience.

Budget Airlines to Approach with Caution (and Why We’re Wary)

While we’re always looking for a deal, some budget airlines consistently present challenges that make them less appealing for our family, even with their enticingly low base fares. It’s not to say they should always be avoided, but rather approached with a clear understanding of their potential drawbacks.

1. Spirit Airlines (USA)

Spirit often has the lowest advertised fares, and they were even ranked highly for affordability and safety in a recent study. However, their ultra-no-frills model and extensive fees for everything (carry-on bags, seat selection, even printing your boarding pass at the airport) can quickly add up, especially for a family of four. We’ve found that the stress of managing all the potential extra costs often outweighs the initial savings.

  • Our Insight: We tried Spirit once for a short trip, and by the time we added up the fees for four carry-on bags and seat selection (so we could sit together!), the price was almost identical to a full-service airline. The experience felt less like a saving and more like a constant nickel-and-dime game.

2. Ryanair (Europe)

Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair, is notorious for its strict rules, numerous fees, and often poor customer service reputation. While they offer an unparalleled network of routes at rock-bottom prices, travelers must be extremely diligent about adhering to baggage limits, checking in online, and understanding all potential charges to avoid unexpected costs and frustration. For a family, the risk of a missed detail leading to a hefty fee is just too high for our comfort.

3. Frontier Airlines (USA)

Similar to Spirit, Frontier operates on an ultra-low-cost model. While their base fares can be enticingly low, we’ve heard too many stories (and experienced a few minor ones ourselves) of frequent delays and less-than-ideal customer service. For a family with a tight schedule or connecting flights, reliability is paramount, and Frontier often falls short in that regard.

Hidden fees can quickly turn a cheap flight into an expensive headache, especially when you’re traveling with a family. Always read the fine print!

Our Family’s Top Tips for Flying Budget Airlines Smartly

To maximize savings and minimize headaches when flying budget airlines, especially with a family:

  1. Read the Fine Print (Every Single Time): Understand all fees for baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and printing boarding passes. Don’t assume anything.
  2. Travel Light (Master the Carry-On): This is our biggest money-saver. We’ve perfected the art of packing light, ensuring everything fits into personal items or small carry-ons to avoid checked baggage fees. Check out our guide on One-Bag Travel for Digital Nomad Families – Practicality & Presentability for more tips.
  3. Check-in Online (Always!): Many budget airlines charge a fee for airport check-in. Always check in online and have your boarding passes ready on your phone or printed.
  4. Bring Your Own Snacks/Drinks: Onboard purchases are expensive. We always pack snacks and empty water bottles to fill up after security.
  5. Be Flexible: If possible, choose off-peak travel times and dates. This often means better fares and fewer crowds, which is a win-win for families.
  6. Consider the Total Cost: Don’t just look at the base fare. Add up all potential fees (baggage, seat selection, etc.) to compare the true cost against traditional airlines. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive full-service airline ends up being cheaper or offers better value.

Traveling during off season can not only save you money but it can save you the headache of traveling with the influx of people during peak season.

Conclusion: Budget Airlines Can Be Your Family’s Friend

Budget airlines offer incredible opportunities for affordable travel, allowing our digital nomad family to explore more of the world. They demand a savvy approach, careful planning, and a willingness to understand their unique operational models. By choosing wisely and following these tips, you can leverage them to stretch your travel budget further, ensuring your family’s adventures continue without emptying your wallet. Happy (and smart) flying!

Best Travel Budget Trackers for Our Digital Nomad Family (Free & Paid Options)

Keeping track of your spending while traveling can be a challenge, but for our digital nomad family of four, it’s absolutely crucial. It’s the difference between sustaining our lifestyle and running out of funds mid-adventure. Thankfully, a wide array of travel budget trackers, both free and paid, are available to help you monitor your expenses, categorize spending, and even split costs with travel companions. Whether you’re a meticulous planner like my wife or prefer a more laid-back approach like me (though I’ve learned to love tracking!), there’s a tool out there for you. Here’s a rundown of the best travel budget trackers that help our family travel smarter.

Read more

Why Flexibility = Freedom: How Our Digital Nomad Family Plans Trips Around Deals, Not Destinations

For many, travel planning starts with a specific destination in mind: “I want to go to Paris in the spring,” or “We’re going to Hawaii for our anniversary.” While this approach can be wonderful, especially for a one-off vacation, it often comes with a hefty price tag and a rigid itinerary. But what if you flipped the script? What if, instead of choosing a destination and then searching for deals, you let the deals choose your destination? This is the essence of flexible travel, a mindset that equates flexibility with freedom—and significant savings—especially for a digital nomad family like ours.

Read more

Renting a Car Abroad: Essential Tips to Know and Save Money in 2025

There’s something incredibly liberating about having your own wheels in a foreign country. The freedom to explore hidden villages, take spontaneous detours to scenic viewpoints, and travel at your own pace transforms any international trip from a standard tourist experience into a genuine adventure. After renting cars in over 20 countries with my family, I’ve learned that while international car rental can seem daunting, it’s often the key to unlocking the most memorable travel experiences.

Read more

Traveling the U.S. by Bus: Our Thoughts As A Digital Nomad Family

Dreaming of seeing the vast and varied landscapes of the United States but worried about the cost, especially with a family of four? As a digital nomad myself, I can tell you that while air travel can be expensive and car rentals add up, traveling by bus offers an incredibly affordable and often overlooked alternative. Believe it or not, it’s entirely possible to traverse the U.S. by bus for under $300, allowing our family to experience the country’s diverse beauty without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide will show you how we make our cross-country bus adventures a reality.

Why Bus Travel is Our Family’s Budget-Friendly Best Friend

Bus travel might not always be as glamorous as flying or as flexible as driving, but it offers distinct advantages for our budget-conscious family:

  • Unbeatable Affordability: Bus tickets are consistently among the cheapest options for long-distance travel, especially when booked in advance or during promotions. This is crucial when you’re buying four tickets!
  • Extensive Network: Bus companies like Greyhound, Megabus, and others connect thousands of cities and towns across the U.S., reaching destinations that trains or even some airlines don’t. This means we can often get closer to our desired locations.
  • Convenience: Buses often depart and arrive at city-center stations, eliminating the need for expensive airport transfers. This saves us time and hassle, especially with luggage and kids.
  • Environmental Impact: Bus travel is generally more eco-friendly than flying or driving alone, reducing our family’s carbon footprint – something we try to be mindful of.
  • Opportunity to See More: Unlike flying over landscapes, bus travel allows us to witness the changing scenery up close, offering a unique perspective on the country. The kids love pointing out landmarks and different types of terrain.

Our Family’s Key Strategies to Keep Bus Trips Under $300

Achieving a cross-country bus trip for under $300 with a family requires smart planning and flexibility. Here’s how we do it:

1. Book in Advance and Be Flexible

This is the golden rule of budget bus travel. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets. Many bus companies offer deeply discounted fares for early birds. Being flexible with your travel dates and times can also unlock significant savings. Mid-week and off-season travel are typically less expensive. We use sites like Wanderu and Busbud to compare prices across different carriers.

Planning our bus trips is a family affair! The kids love helping me find the best deals.

2. Utilize Discount Bus Carriers

While Greyhound is the most well-known, other carriers often offer competitive prices, especially for specific routes:

  • Megabus: Known for its $1 fares (plus booking fee) on select routes, Megabus is a game-changer for budget travelers. These fares are limited and sell out quickly, so act fast. We’ve snagged a few of these in the past!
  • FlixBus: A European giant that has expanded into the U.S., FlixBus offers affordable intercity travel with comfortable buses and Wi-Fi. Their buses are often newer and have more amenities.
  • Smaller Regional Carriers: Don’t overlook local or regional bus companies, which might offer better deals on shorter segments of your journey. Sometimes, combining these can be the cheapest option.

3. Consider Multi-Stop Journeys

Instead of booking one continuous cross-country ticket, sometimes breaking your journey into shorter segments with different carriers can be cheaper. We often do this to explore different cities along the way, turning a transit day into a mini-adventure. This strategy requires a bit more planning but can yield significant savings.

4. Pack Smart and Light

This is non-negotiable for us. Avoid extra baggage fees by packing only what you need. Most bus companies allow one or two checked bags for free, but exceeding limits can incur charges. Each of us has a backpack, and we’ve mastered the art of minimalist packing. For tips on how we manage, check out our post on traveling with one backpack.

Packing light is key for bus travel with a family. Less luggage means less hassle and no extra fees.

5. Bring Your Own Food and Entertainment

Buying food at bus stations or on the bus can quickly add up, especially for a family of four. We always pack snacks, sandwiches, and a reusable water bottle for everyone. For entertainment, we download movies, podcasts, or e-books. The kids have their tablets loaded with games and educational apps, as Wi-Fi can be unreliable. We also bring small, quiet games or coloring books.

Our secret to happy bus rides? Plenty of snacks and entertainment! Saves money and keeps everyone content.

Sample Cross-Country Routes for Our Family (and How We Budget)

While a single $300 ticket for a direct cross-country journey for a family of four is a unicorn, you can achieve this budget by combining segments and utilizing deals. Here are hypothetical examples based on our travel philosophy:

Route 1: East Coast to West Coast (e.g., New York to Los Angeles)

  • Segment 1: New York to Chicago: We’d look for Megabus or FlixBus deals. This segment could cost our family as little as $80-$200 if booked far in advance.
  • Segment 2: Chicago to Denver: Greyhound or other regional carriers might offer fares in the $160-$320 range for all four of us.
  • Segment 3: Denver to Los Angeles: This longer segment could be $240-$400.

Total Estimated Cost for Family: $480 – $920. While this is above the $300 for an individual, it’s incredibly affordable for a family of four to cross the country, especially if you snag those $1 Megabus fares for parts of the journey. We always aim for the lower end by booking early and being flexible.

Route 2: Southern Tier (e.g., Miami to San Diego)

  • Segment 1: Miami to New Orleans: FlixBus or Greyhound might have fares for $120-$240 for our family.
  • Segment 2: New Orleans to Dallas: Expect to pay around $100-$200.
  • Segment 3: Dallas to Phoenix: This segment could be $160-$280.
  • Segment 4: Phoenix to San Diego: A shorter leg, possibly $80-$160.

Total Estimated Cost for Family: $460 – $880. Again, fantastic value for a family cross-country trip. We always set a realistic budget for each segment and stick to it.

Our Family’s Tips for a Comfortable Bus Journey

  • Dress in Layers: Bus temperatures can fluctuate wildly. We always dress in layers so everyone can adjust.
  • Bring a Neck Pillow and Blanket: Essential for comfortable sleep on longer rides, especially for the kids. We each have our own.
  • Power Bank: Keep all devices charged! This is a lifesaver for keeping the kids entertained.
  • Earplugs and Eye Mask: Block out noise and light for better rest. Crucial for adults trying to get some sleep.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but be mindful of bathroom breaks. We plan our hydration around scheduled stops.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially during stops. We keep our valuables in small daypacks that stay with us.
  • Embrace the Adventure: Bus travel can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun! We teach our kids to embrace the unexpected and enjoy the journey.

Traveling the U.S. by bus for under $300 (per person, or incredibly affordably for a family) is an achievable goal for our determined digital nomad family. It requires planning, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace a different pace of travel. But the rewards—incredible sights, unique experiences, and significant savings—make it an adventure well worth taking. So, pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready to explore America on a budget with your family!

Travel Insurance – Worth It?

Travel insurance. Just hearing those two words can sometimes feel like an extra, unnecessary expense when you’re already juggling flights, accommodations, and activities for a family of four. As a digital nomad dad, I’ve had countless conversations with my wife about whether it’s truly worth the investment. We’ve been on the road for years, and while we’re all about budget travel, we’re also fiercely protective of our kids and our financial stability. So, what’s the truth about travel insurance for a family like ours? What’s worth it, and what’s not?

Read more

Traveling Broke: 10 Lessons Our Digital Nomad Family Learned from Running Out of Money Abroad

It’s every traveler’s worst nightmare, and for our digital nomad family of four, it became a stark reality: running out of money in a foreign country. I’ve been there, staring at an empty ATM, the pit in my stomach growing with each failed transaction. It’s a terrifying experience, especially when you have two little ones looking up at you, but surprisingly, it also became one of the most profound learning opportunities of our lives. While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, our experience of traveling broke and running out of money abroad taught us 10 invaluable lessons that have shaped how we travel today.

Read more

Best Time to Book Flights: Our Digital Nomad Family’s Data-Driven Secrets for Cheaper Airfare

For our digital nomad family, the quest for cheap flights isn’t just a hobby; it’s a crucial part of making our lifestyle sustainable. The cost of airfare for four people can quickly add up, so we’ve become experts at sniffing out the best deals. While myths abound about the magic day to book, we rely on data-driven insights from major travel platforms and search engines to shed light on the best times to snag those elusive low fares. Forget superstitions; let’s dive into the science of flight booking, from our family’s perspective.

Read more