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Long-Haul Low-Cost Airlines

Long-Haul Low-Cost Flights

Search and buy low-cost long-haul flights with Alternative Airlines! Discover low-cost long-haul airlines that offer cheap international flights. Find out all you need to know about LHLC flights in this easy-to-read guide.

The tail end of two Scoot Airplanes in an airport
Quick Answer

What are long-haul low-cost airlines?

Long-haul low-cost airlines operate long-distance routes while following a low-cost carrier model. By keeping operating costs lower than traditional full-service airlines, they’re often able to offer some of the cheapest long-haul flight fares available.

To keep prices down, long-haul low-cost airlines usually provide a simplified onboard experience, with extras like meals, baggage and seat selection available at an additional cost. Many also operate modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, helping reduce costs while maintaining comfort on longer journeys.

Popular long-haul low-cost airlines include:

  • Scoot
  • Norse Atlantic Airways
  • Jetstar Airways
  • ZIPAIR
  • AirAsia X

Long-haul low-cost airlines are a great option for travellers looking to fly further for less — especially if you’re happy to pay only for the extras you need.

A man smiling while looking at his phone and sitting on a bench. Checked bag and seat selection information behind him.

What do long-haul low-cost airlines offer?

Long-haul low-cost airlines are designed to make long-distance travel more affordable by keeping fares low and offering a no-frills flying experience. Instead of bundling everything into the ticket price, these airlines let travellers pay only for what they need.

Long-haul low-cost airlines typically offer:

  • Point-to-point flights, rather than hub connections
  • Lower base fares, with extras like baggage, meals and seat selection priced separately
  • Modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
  • High-density seating to maximise capacity and keep costs down
  • Optional add-ons, allowing passengers to customise their journey
  • A strong focus on leisure travellers flying long distances on a budget

By simplifying operations and generating revenue through optional extras, long-haul low-cost airlines make long-distance flights more accessible, ideal for travellers looking for cheaper fares without the traditional full-service perks.

AirAsia plane wing

What long-haul low-cost airlines are currently operating?

Today, several airlines successfully operate long-haul low-cost flights across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America, making long-distance travel more accessible for budget-conscious travellers.

Current airlines offering long-haul low-cost flights include:

  • Scoot – Singapore-based airline flying long-haul routes across Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East
  • Jetstar Airways – Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary offering long-haul flights from Australia to Asia and beyond
  • Norse Atlantic Airways – A European low-cost airline operating long-haul flights between Europe and North America
  • AirAsia X – A Malaysia-based airline focused on low-cost long-haul routes across Asia, Australia and select long-distance markets
  • ZIPAIR – A Japan-based long-haul low-cost airline flying between Japan, North America and parts of Asia
  • Thai AirAsia X – AirAsia’s Thai affiliate offering affordable long-haul flights from Thailand

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Low-Cost Long-Haul Flights FAQs

Why are low-cost airlines so cheap?

Low-cost carriers (LCC) save costs by offering less free services onboard and optimising their use of aircraft. For example, they have a consolidated/similar fleet type to minimise maintenance cost and you usually have to purchase your meal onboard if you wish to have one.

How can I book the cheapest flight?

When you search for flights with Alternative Airlines, we offer a list of airlines that operates the route you wish to fly on with the cheapest price at the top. We also tell you which day is the cheapest to fly with our best fare finder if you are flexible with the dates.