Not-so-well-known Airlines

In last few years we all got used to hearing the buzz surrounding discount airlines JetBlue and Southwest. But, if you wish to explore a little more, some of the best deals around are on airline you've never heard of. According to the Department of Transportation, there are some 60 small airlines offering chartered flights to the public, often with scheduled service. Some have every amenity that the wellknown big airlines provide. Here are some examples:

-- North American Airlines flies Boeing 757s and 767s, and it has leather seats and handheld video players on flights to Hawaii from Oakland. Fare? One-way fares start at $125. Fair?
-- Allegiant Air flies to Las Vegas from 21 U.S. cities. Fares start at $57.
-- TransMeridian, which flies to Orlando from the northeast and midwest, offers 1st class on most flights.

Any drawbacks? Yes. There are. These airlines usually use secondary airports. Sometimes there's just one flight in a day. Some of the days could be completely blank. Not all travel agents (online or otherwise) include those in their program. Sites like Orbitz.com may include some of these names in their searches.

To reserve a seat, visit the homepages through links above or you may also search the website of your destination airport which will enlist all airlines serving it.