When it comes to traveling the world without burning through your entire savings, the real secret isn’t just finding the right destination—it’s choosing the right airline. Some airlines have built global reputations for offering surprisingly affordable fares year-round. Others provide seasonal deals, flash sales, or region-specific discounts that can slash your travel budget in half. If you’ve ever wondered how frequent travelers manage to snag international flights at jaw-dropping prices, the answer is almost always the same: they follow the airlines that consistently offer value.
This guide breaks down the top airlines known for their discounted international fares in 2025. Whether you’re planning a European getaway, an African safari, or a backpacking trip across Asia, knowing which airlines to track can be the difference between paying $1,000 and paying $350 for the same trip. Here’s everything you need to know about the carriers delivering the best global deals right now.
Why Some Airlines Offer Cheaper International Flights
Before diving into the list, it helps to understand why certain airlines consistently provide lower fares.
Several factors influence how airlines price their international routes:
- Fleet efficiency: Modern, fuel-efficient aircraft reduce costs significantly.
- Low-cost business models: Some airlines prioritize volume over luxury.
- Hub strategy: Airlines based in strategic global transit hubs often offer competitive fares.
- Government subsidies: Some national carriers receive financial support, allowing reduced ticket pricing.
- Competition levels: Airlines operating in highly competitive regions lower fares to remain attractive.
- Route patterns: Carriers offering more connections or flexible layovers often reduce long-haul prices.
Understanding these factors helps you predict which airlines are most likely to offer discounted global fares.
1. Qatar Airways
Known for world-class service, Qatar Airways also offers some of the most competitive fares for long-haul routes. With Doha serving as a major transit hub, the airline runs frequent promotions through its Global Travel Sale, especially for flights connecting the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Why It’s Great for Budget Travelers
- Regular promotional fares throughout the year
- Excellent stopover packages in Doha
- Competitive pricing despite premium service levels
Qatar Airways is especially strong for routes between the US and Asia, often undercutting competitors by hundreds of dollars.
2. Emirates
Emirates may appear like a luxury airline—because it is—but it also offers seasonal deals that make international travel surprisingly affordable. The airline frequently releases discounted fares to Europe, South Asia, and Australia.
What Makes Emirates Stand Out
- Frequent region-wide fare discounts
- Generous baggage allowances
- Pricing that competes well with low-cost carriers during sales
If you’re flying long-haul to Africa or Asia, keep an eye on Emirates’ flash sales and promo periods.
3. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines consistently ranks among the airlines with the most extensive worldwide connectivity. Istanbul’s geographic position between Europe and Asia allows the airline to offer competitive fares across continents.
Why Travelers Love It
- Affordable fares to over 120 countries
- Excellent service paired with budget-friendly pricing
- Regular promotional campaigns
Flights to Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East are especially cheaper through Turkish Airlines compared to Western carriers.
4. AirAsia
AirAsia is the king of Asian low-cost carriers. The airline offers some of the cheapest long-haul and short-haul flights across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
What Makes It a Top Budget Pick
- Free or discounted seats during major sales events
- Ultra-low fares on both domestic and international routes
- Affordable add-on pricing for baggage and meals
If you’re exploring Asia or flying into the region, AirAsia regularly delivers unbeatable deals.
5. Norse Atlantic Airways
One of the newer players in the low-cost long-haul market, Norse Atlantic Airways offers ultra-affordable flights between the US and Europe. Their pricing often mirrors what WOW Air or Norwegian Air used to offer.
Why It’s Ideal for Travelers
- Extremely low base fares
- Frequent $99-$199 one-way Europe deals
- New, fuel-efficient Boeing 787 aircraft
If your goal is affordable transatlantic travel, Norse Atlantic should be on your radar.
6. Scoot Airlines
Based in Singapore, Scoot is known for its wallet-friendly fares across Asia and Europe. The airline offers long-haul routes connecting Singapore to major European cities at competitive prices.
Scoot Advantages
- Regular flash sales
- Low-cost alternative to premium carriers
- Good route network into Southeast Asia
Travelers headed to Bali, Bangkok, or Perth often find Scoot’s prices far cheaper than traditional airlines.
7. JetBlue (Mint Deals & International Routes)
JetBlue has expanded its international footprint significantly, offering budget-friendly fares to Latin America, the Caribbean, and select European cities.
Why JetBlue Stands Out
- Seasonal deals and competitive international fares
- Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi
- Excellent customer service for low-to-mid budget travelers
Routes between the US and London often drop to highly discounted rates during sale periods.
8. Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline and often one of the most affordable for intercontinental flights. Its Addis Ababa hub connects Africa to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America with strong pricing.
Why It’s a Budget Favorite
- Discounted fares to African destinations
- Affordable long-haul flights to Asia and Europe
- Frequent multi-city deal offers
For travelers headed to African regions, Ethiopian Airlines often beats European carriers by large margins.
9. WestJet
This Canadian low-cost airline offers surprisingly affordable fares for passengers traveling between North America and destinations like London, Dublin, and Paris.
Benefits
- Competitive transatlantic fares
- Discounted seasonal flights
- Flexible fare options for budget travelers
WestJet is ideal for travelers departing from the US or Canada seeking Europe deals.
10. LATAM Airlines
LATAM is the top low-cost option for South America routes. It offers budget-friendly flights connecting North America to countries like Colombia, Peru, and Brazil.
LATAM Strengths
- Frequent regional fare sales
- Low-cost one-way and round-trip pricing
- Reliable partner routes through major hubs
Travelers heading to Machu Picchu, Rio, or Santiago often find better deals via LATAM than US carriers.
Tips for Finding the Lowest Airline Deals
Regardless of which airline you choose, you’ll maximize your savings by combining these strategies:
- Track fares using Google Flights alerts
- Browse in incognito or private mode
- Fly mid-week instead of weekends
- Consider flying from budget hubs like Lisbon, Dublin, or Istanbul
- Book 2–6 months early for international travel
- Use airline newsletters to catch early promos
- Choose connecting flights instead of direct routes
These strategies compound significantly when paired with airlines already offering reduced pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which airlines offer the most consistent discounted international fares?
Low-cost carriers like AirAsia, Norse Atlantic, Scoot, and JetBlue offer recurring discounted fares throughout the year. Full-service airlines like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates also release seasonal and route-specific discounts that significantly reduce long-haul travel costs.
2. Are discounted airline fares safe and reliable?
Yes, discounted fares are legitimate as long as they are directly from the airline or reputable booking platforms. However:
- Budget fares may include strict baggage rules
- Refund policies may be limited
- Flight changes can incur additional fees
Always read the fare rules before booking.