Best Budget Airlines in Latin America for Backpackers

Six low-cost carriers cover most backpacker routes in Latin America — JetSMART and Sky Airline from Chile, Volaris and VivaAerobus from Mexico, Flybondi from Argentina, and Wingo from Colombia/Panama — and all six sell a base fare that includes only a personal item, charging extra for any carry-on or checked bag. Prepaying for a bag online instead of at the airport typically saves half or more, since gate and counter fees run two to three times higher.

JetSMART

Quick facts: Santiago, Chile · 10 domestic destinations plus routes to Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Uruguay · basic Vuela SMART fare is personal-item-only, checked bags roughly $20–$50 per segment.

Best for a Chile–Peru–Argentina loop; lock in bag fees ahead of time on the official add-on pricing page.

Sky Airline

Quick facts: Chile-based · 14 domestic and 6 international South American cities, including Buenos Aires, Lima, and Mendoza · Zero fare allows one 10kg carry-on only; a checked bag requires the Plus or Full fare.

JetSMART's direct rival on the Santiago–Lima–Buenos Aires corridor — check the official baggage guide before booking Zero if you'll need to check a bag.

Volaris

Quick facts: Mexico's largest ultra-low-cost carrier · Basic fare now includes one free checked bag up to 15kg/158cm, plus a personal item — a recent upgrade to its base fare.

That free bag makes Volaris more generous than regional peers; see the official baggage policy for the fine print on checking it at the counter.

VivaAerobus

Quick facts: Monterrey-based · reaches nearly all of Mexico plus a dozen-plus US cities including Houston, Miami, and Chicago · Zero/Light fares are personal-item-only, with personal item and cabin bag capped at 10kg combined.

Dense Mexican route map is the draw; the baggage policy page breaks down which of its four fare bundles include a checked bag.

Flybondi

Quick facts: Argentina's first low-cost carrier · direct flights to 22 cities in 4 countries from Buenos Aires · free personal item capped at 6kg; checked bags added in 12kg or 20kg tiers.

Covers Patagonia routes like Bariloche and Ushuaia that full-service carriers price much higher; see current per-route pricing on the official add-on baggage page.

Wingo

Quick facts: Bogotá-based, owned by Copa Holdings, with a Wingo Panama sister operation · Go Basic is personal-item-only (40x35x25cm); Go Plus adds a 23kg checked bag and free seat selection.

The main low-cost link between Colombia and Panama — fare tiers are laid out on the Wingo route and fares site.

People also ask

What's the cheapest way to fly around Latin America?

Book the basic personal-item-only fare and prepay for any checked bag online rather than at the airport, where the same bag can cost two to three times more.

Do these budget airlines charge for carry-on bags?

Most do. JetSMART, Sky Airline's Zero fare, Flybondi, VivaAerobus's Zero/Light fares, and Wingo's Go Basic include only a small personal item; a full-size carry-on or checked bag costs extra.

Is JetSMART or Sky Airline better for a Chile–Argentina trip?

Both fly the Santiago–Buenos Aires corridor with similar basic-fare restrictions. JetSMART has a slightly larger international network; Sky's Plus and Full fares bundle in a checked bag that JetSMART charges for separately.

Does Volaris really include a free checked bag now?

Yes — Volaris's Basic fare includes one free checked bag up to 15kg and 158cm total dimensions, per the airline's official baggage policy.

Facts checked against official airline sources as of July 25, 2026; fares and baggage rules change often, so confirm current pricing directly with the airline before booking.