A low-cost carrier (LCC) or low-cost airline, also called no-frills, budget or discount carrier or airline, is an airline that is operated with an emphasis on minimizing operating costs. It sacrifices certain traditional airline luxuries, for cheaper fares. To make up for revenue lost in decreased ticket prices, the airline may charge extra fees such as for carry-on baggage. As of April 2020, the world's largest low-cost carrier is Southwest Airlines, which operates primarily in the United States, as well as in some surrounding areas.
Southwest Airlines is the world's largest low-cost carrier.
Ryanair and Wizz Air airplanes at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. The airlines are two competing low-cost carriers in the European market.
A SunExpress Boeing 737-800 at Zurich Airport
Passengers boarding a Spring Airlines aircraft via passenger boarding stairs at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Southwest Airlines Co. is a major airline in the United States that operates on a low-cost carrier model. It is headquartered in Love Field, Dallas, Texas, within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, and has scheduled service to 121 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. As of 2018, Southwest carried more domestic passengers than any other United States airline. It is currently the third largest airline in North America based on passengers flown.
Southwest Airlines is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 737.
Southwest's boarding process at an airport gate
Southwest Airlines' headquarters at Dallas Love Field in Dallas