How to Become a Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Pilot

LCC pilots fly point-to-point single-fleet ops with high utilization — Southwest, Ryanair, Spirit, Frontier, Wizz Air, JetBlue, easyJet.

Salary by Career Stage

Entry

$100,000-$150,000 (FO Year 1, post-2023 raises)

Mid-Career

$180,000-$240,000

Senior

$300,000-$430,000 (Captain, senior — Southwest top of scale)

Southwest pay structure now competitive with Delta/United narrow-body. Ryanair Captain ~€200k. Wizz Air Captain ~€150-180k.

Requirements

Licenses & Ratings

  • • ATP
  • • Type rating (B737 or A320 family)
  • • Class 1 medical

Flight Hours

1,500 hours minimum, most hire 2,500-4,000 from regionals or other LCCs

Medical

Class 1

Min Age

23

Additional Certifications

  • • ICAO ELP Level 4+ for European LCCs

Pros

  • + Single fleet (only B737 or only A320) — lower workload
  • + Often better quality of life vs network carriers
  • + Direct point-to-point — fewer hub commutes

Cons

  • − High utilization can mean aggressive scheduling
  • − Pay-by-the-hour structures at some European LCCs
  • − Lower union protection than legacies (varies)

Top Employers

Southwest AirlinesJetBlueSpiritFrontierAllegiantRyanaireasyJetWizz AirNorwegianVolaris

A Day in the Life

4-leg day common at LCCs (vs 1-2 legs at legacies on narrow-body). 8-10 hour duty days. Same aircraft type every day reduces type-knowledge load.

Training Path

  1. 1Same as airline path → 1,500 ATP
  2. 2Apply to LCC after regional or as direct entry (Ryanair Cadets, JetBlue Gateway)
  3. 3B737 or A320 type rating at LCC expense
  4. 4Captain upgrade typically 4-8 years

Key Traits for Success

Efficiency mindsetSingle-fleet expertiseCustomer service

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Southwest still considered LCC?

Operationally yes (single fleet, point-to-point). Pay-wise it's competitive with legacy narrow-body. Best treated as a hybrid in 2026.

Pros of LCC vs legacy?

Faster captain upgrades, often better schedule, single-fleet simplicity. Tradeoff: lower wide-body / international ceiling.

Continue Your Journey

B737 vs A320 Type Rating

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Related Aviation Resources

Commercial Pilot License Cost

CPL training cost — Part 61 vs 141 & hidden fees

CFI Certificate Cost

CFI add-on cost — FOI, FIA, checkride & totals

ATP Certificate Cost

ATP-CTP, type rating, checkride — $5K to $30K

Cost to Become an Airline Pilot

Total zero-to-airline cost — PPL → IR → CPL → CFI → ATP

Part 107 Test Cost & Scheduling

$175 fee, PSI scheduling, testing centers

All-5 Exam Bundle — $39

PPL, IR, CPL, ATPL, Part 107 — every track, 60 days