Are there any low-cost carrier providers that focus on short-haul route availability for price-sensitive families?

Yes — several low-cost carriers are especially good for short-haul, price-sensitive family travel, because they typically offer frequent point-to-point routes, budget fares, and lots of options for shorter trips.

Examples of low-cost carriers to look at

• Southwest Airlines (U.S.)
  Often a strong choice for families because it has two free checked bags, no change fees, and many short-haul domestic routes.
• JetBlue (U.S./Caribbean)
  Not always the absolute cheapest, but often family-friendly with short-haul coverage, decent legroom, and some fare bundles.
• Spirit Airlines / Frontier Airlines (U.S.)
  Usually among the lowest base fares, especially on short domestic routes. Best if you’re very price-sensitive and can travel light.
• easyJet / Ryanair / Wizz Air / Vueling / Eurowings (Europe)
  These are major short-haul low-cost options across Europe, with extensive route networks between nearby cities.
• AirAsia (Asia)
  Very strong for short-haul regional travel across Southeast Asia.
• IndiGo (India and nearby international routes)
  Known for extensive short-haul domestic coverage and generally low fares.
• Scoot / Cebu Pacific / Jetstar / Nok Air / VietJet Air
  Common low-cost choices for short regional flights in their respective markets.

What to watch for when booking for families

Low-cost carriers can be great, but the “cheap” fare may not include:

• checked bags
• seat selection
• carry-on bags
• snacks/meals
• flexibility for changes

For families, the best value is often a carrier that has:

• frequent short-haul flights
• reasonable baggage rules
• simple family seating options
• good on-time performance

If you want, I can also give you a region-specific list of the best low-cost carriers for families in the U.S., Europe, Asia, or Australia.