As per the airline codes, given by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there are over 5000 airlines! Moreover, the globally recognized commercial airlines are about 800.
Whereas airlines such as American Airlines and Delta fly millions each year, others only cater to a limited segment of the market. What’s more, is that such airlines offer great flight deals and the lowest airfare.
Here are 8 underrated airlines that you’ve probably never flown, and need to book flights with once in your lifetime:
1. Eastern Airlines, LLC
Formerly headquartered in North Carolina under the name Dynamic Airways, Eastern Airlines moved its hub to Wayne, Pennsylvania, after successfully recovering from bankruptcy.
Moreover, some of you might know this underrated airline as Dynamic International Airways. Currently, it operates a fleet of eight aircraft. Eastern Airlines, LLC, also has numerous charter service operators based in Europe and across North America.
Also, the airline will begin nonstop flights between New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport and Guayaquil in Ecuador. You will be able to book flights on the same route starting December 5, 2019.
2. Nok Air
Nok Air is a low-cost air carrier based in Thailand. The airline is an excellent choice for those seeking to travel within Thailand. It operates to all major destinations within Thailand from its hub, Don Mueang International Airport.
Further, you can also fly international, especially Southeast Asia. Nok Air is an affordable choice if you wish to book tickets to India, Myanmar, China, and Vietnam.
Besides, the airline offers swift and hassle-free check-ins. The cabin crew is friendly, and the seats, comfortable. An unusual highlight of Nok Air is the fleet’s paint-job.
3. Volaris
Another low-cost airline, Volaris, is based in Mexico. You can book cheap flights to Los Angeles and around 75 destinations across the USA and Central America.
Moreover, if you enrol yourself in the V.Club, you can enjoy extra privileges such as additional discounts on airfare, complimentary carry-on luggage, and others.
Also, the airline has a history of providing affordable airfare. For instance, March 13, 2013, marked the airline’s seventh anniversary. Following this, the airline offered a 70% discount on all flights.
So, next time, you may resort to Volaris if you are looking for last-minute cheap flights!
4. Grant Aviation
The Alaskan Airline owned Grant Aviation is a regional airline serving Kenai, the Alaskan Aleutian Chain, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and Bristol Bay.
The airline operates to over a hundred communities in Alaska. This underrated airline is also a part of the Flying Can service that works towards Recycling waste, and litter prevention.
Moreover, the lesser-known airline also offers charter flight services. This is especially suitable for groups of 6-9 passengers traveling together.
As a member of the airline’s loyalty program, you can avail of free flight tickets for every five segments you travel.
5. Azul Airlines
Azul Airlines is based in Brazil. It connects the country to over 110 locations scattered throughout the Americas and Europe. Also, the airline operates a bus service to the nearest airports.
The word Azul means Blue since the founder of JetBlue established the airline. Moreover, both airlines have a codeshare agreement. Other partners include United Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and TAP Portugal.
Even though it is amongst the major Brazilian air carriers, it still remains underrated. The airline is also known for a dedicated cabin crew and efficient ground service.
6. Estelar Airlines
Estelar Airlines is based in Venezuela. Caracas serves as the headquarters, and its hub is Simon Bolivar International Airport. It is also known as Estelar Latinoamerica.
The airline flies to over ten destinations, including numerous international locations within South America, Europe, and the United States of America. The airlines’ fleet comprises Boeing 737-200, Boeing 737-300, and Airbus 340-300.
The former two are only equipped with the economy section. However, the sections in Airbus 340-300 include economy, business class, and first-class.
7. Air Transat
The Canadian airline, Air Transat, is a great choice for those flying to and from its hub in Montreal. Air Transat flies to over 60 destinations in around 25 countries across the globe.
Apart from the scheduled flights, the air carrier also offers charter flight services. The tour operators Transat A.T. Inc is the owner of the airline.
The airline focuses its business on vacation destinations. Hence, you can fly to warmer destinations during winters, and travel to European locations during colder months.
The seating sections include the Economy and Business class named Club Class.
8. Virgin Australia
Another big shot on the list, Virgin Australia, is the largest Virgin-branded airline in terms of fleet size. However, it started its operations in the year 2000 with two aircraft that flew the same route.
Virgin Australia went through significant changes in the year 2010, including wide-body aircraft, revised onboard menu, new uniform, etc. It was to compete with fellow airlines such as Qantas.
In all, you can visit 56 destinations, but domestic and international. Besides the Auckland Airport in New Zealand, the airline has several hubs in Australia.
So, are you ready to give the above-mentioned a try? Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite! There are hundreds of other airlines that offer affordable and quality air travel experience. You can always take short flights as a trial, before booking international or long-haul routes. Happy Exploring!