If you’ve been searching for the cheapest places to fly from Seattle, you’re in luck. The city is perfectly positioned to take you to so many fun and exciting places. You’ve got the entire United States to the southeast. Then there’s Canada and everything that giant country has to offer. Seattle’s also directly located on the Pacific Rim. That means the city gives you perfect access to flights to Japan, Australia, and other Pacific countries!
Everyone knows that there’s plenty to do in Seattle already. The Emerald City is home to such attractions as Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Space Needle. However, when you need a vacation from the familiarity of work and home, the world awaits! You can find plenty of cheap flights from Seattle. Yes, even from a perpetually bustling airport such as Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
This is actually one of the busiest airports in the United States. Given that, you might wonder how easy it really is to find the cheapest flights from Seattle. As I always like to say, cheap flights are possible from basically anywhere. It all comes down to finding them in the right ways.
That’s what I’m going to do here in this listicle of the cheapest places to fly from Seattle. I’ve searched far and wide to bring you seven of the most affordable and fun trips to take from Seattle. You might be surprised at how much diversity you can find just a plane trip away from Washington State.
So let’s get into it: whether you’re traveling on a budget or just want to save a buck wherever you can, here are the cheapest places to fly from Seattle.
My #1 tip for finding the cheapest places to fly from Seattle
If you’ve been wondering where to find actual cheap flights from Seattle, I’ve got you covered. Those flights may not be standing out there in the open, waving their hands up and down. It’s more of a game of knowing the right places to look for them.
How I use Going to save on cheap flights
Here’s my secret. For the last few years, I have been using Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to save tons of money on domestic and international flights. I’m talking some serious cash, sometimes hundreds of dollars.
The way it works is extremely easy. There are free and premium versions available. For the free version of Going, you just sign up and input your point of origin and destination. Going will then send you free email alerts telling you of all kinds of discounted fares to that place. The flights could be mistake fares or just other heavily slashed flight prices. In case you were wondering, these offers present some serious savings. I have literally saved thousands of dollars on flights using Going. One recent flight took me from Seattle to Los Angeles for around $100. I save an average of $350 on plane tickets when I use the offers from Going.
For many travelers, the free version of Going will be more than enough. But for all you frequent flyers out there, the site has a premium version, too. For $49 a year, you will get even more flights sent to you. They will also arrive in your inbox sooner than with the free version, so you can jump on them faster. Like I said, for many globetrotters out there, the free version of Going will be just fine. If you want to step up your cost savings on flights, though, the premium one could be for you.
Want to save money on airfare? Use my discount code Jon20 to save 20%!
Other considerations when finding the cheapest places to fly from Seattle
It’s worth noting for those who don’t know that finding cheap flights from Seattle also comes down to timing. You can definitely find tons of cheap flights from the city, but certain elements constantly affect those prices. Those elements could include the global economy and the time of year you’re flying. The same flight from Seattle to Puerto Rico could cost one price in winter and a different one in summer. In that case, that will be because so many people want to travel to warm climates during their own area’s winter season.
The other factor affecting flight prices is geographic distance. Obviously, a flight from Seattle to Sacramento, California, is going to cost less than one to Bismarck, North Dakota. The California trip costs less fuel and requires less overall effort to make.
Ultimately, you can expect your flights out of Seattle to fluctuate based on these factors. Don’t worry, though. Despite all of that, you can still find all the cheapest flights from Seattle using Going and some smart trip planning.
Cheapest places to fly from Seattle in 2023: the best flight deals
So, where are the cheapest places to fly from Seattle? You really have so many exciting options. In this listicle, I’m going to list off seven of the best places to travel to from Seattle, Washington. Each has its own local attractions and unique things to do. So, if you’ve moved onto the tarmac and are ready for takeoff, let’s get going!
1. Seattle to Las Vegas, Nevada ($51 roundtrip)
The first cheap flight from Seattle takes us to Sin City itself: Las Vegas, Nevada! Now, when most people think of Las Vegas, they think of the casinos, shops, and restaurants of the Strip. Most of the Strip is actually located not in Las Vegas but next door in Paradise, Nevada. But, presuming you’re just here to have some fun, let’s talk about it all!
You will probably fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), located in Paradise. Once you check into the themed hotel and resort of your choice, it will be time to head out and see all the sights!
What to do in Las Vegas
Where to begin with a conversation about things to do in Las Vegas? You could actually just wander the Strip and eventually come across some things you want to do. The Fountains of Bellagio are one of the most famous and perpetually popular attractions on the Strip. Every 15 to 30 minutes, you can walk by the large pool in front of the Bellagio resort and catch a delightful water show. The fountains are choreographed to music, and at night, you get the added benefit of lights.
When you’re ready to head indoors to check out some gambling and food, Las Vegas has you covered. Most of the big resorts have fun themes that run throughout your experiences there. From the fine Italian vibe of the Bellagio to the ancient Roman looks of Caesars Palace, you can enjoy yourself on the Strip without even spending a dime.
Of course, not everything in Las Vegas is centered around the nightlife. The city has plenty of daytime activities, too. For example, the museums in town are a lot of fun. Check out the Neon Museum to see all kinds of fun old casino signs. The Mob Museum is also a tourist favorite. Others include Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, the Pinball Hall of Fame, and the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is a desert city. As such, summertime can be oppressively hot, while winter offers some pleasant, even cool days. You will probably be best off heading to Vegas during spring or fall.
2. Seattle to Denver, Colorado ($76 roundtrip)
Next up on the list of cheapest places to fly from Seattle is Denver, the Mile High City itself. Denver is one of my favorite places to visit. The climate is pleasant, there’s plenty to do, and you get gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. And you can fly to Denver from Seattle for around $76 roundtrip. That’s a bargain!
It’s true that Denver is literally a mile above sea level. If you’re coming from a place such as Seattle, it might take you some time to adjust to the sudden change in elevation. Mostly what you’ll notice after disembarking at Denver International Airport (DEN) is that the air is cool, thin, and dry. For some travelers, it may take some time to adjust to this. So just be aware of what you’re in for.
What to love about visiting Denver
Once you’re there, though, you have so much to enjoy about Denver. Take a short road trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park. There, you can hike and take photos to your heart’s content. If you just can’t get enough of the natural beauty of the region, go skiing over at Echo Mountain, or catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
If you get tired out from all that exploring, Denver has plenty of urban activities you can check out. The Denver Art Museum offers lessons in art and history from around the world. If you’re traveling with kids, you might like spending an afternoon at the Denver Zoo to see animals from various ecosystems. Or, if you like beer, head over to Golden to tour the Coors Brewery.
As with many tourist destinations, the best time to visit Denver is during the shoulder seasons. That means April to early June and September to October. The weather is pleasant during these months, and just about always dry.
3. Seattle to Calgary, Alberta, Canada ($173 roundtrip)
When you’re looking for the cheapest places to fly from Seattle, it pays to consider destinations outside the country, as well. In this case, it’s a reasonably cheap roundtrip flight to Calgary, the largest city of Canada’s Alberta province. I always love writing about the Great White North because of the diversity of land, cities, and things to do.
Spending some time in Calgary
You will probably fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) to begin your journey. Calgary being a metropolis, it might make sense to kick things off with some urban adventures. You can go shopping at the trendy stores in the Kensington neighborhood of the city. Another ever-popular attraction is the Calgary Tower. The structure is more than 600 feet and is purely an observation tower. A climb up there will give you a beautiful panorama of the city and of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
When you come down, why not get in more visitation time at some other cool city locations? The Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park Historical Village come to mind. The latter is a living-history museum showing visitors how Alberta residents lived in the 19th century.
Now, since you’re already outside, you should probably hit up some of the natural wonders around Calgary. You can head into the Rocky Mountains for some hiking and gorgeous views. Or, if you love winter sports, drive the 90 minutes to Banff. There, you can enjoy plenty of skiing, as well as hiking, biking, and hot springs.
The best time to visit Calgary is from mid-spring to early fall. Calgary winters allow for some amazing winter sports opportunities but can also get absolutely frigid.
4. Seattle to Phoenix, Arizona ($79 roundtrip)
When you’re looking up cheap flights from Seattle, you sometimes have to stand in awe. For just a modest cost, you can fly from the Pacific Northwest all the way to the Southwestern United States. And what a world of difference that is! In this case, I’m talking about the roundtrip flight you can get from Seattle to Phoenix, Arizona, for around $79.
If you’ve never been to Arizona before, you’re in for a real treat. Once you’re on the approach to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), it will become crystal clear to you that you’re touching down in a giant, rocky desert. That’s the Sonoran Desert, and it’s one of the most photogenic places I’ve visited.
What to do in beautiful Phoenix
You may be so entranced by your new surroundings that you want to see them up close and personal. You’re in luck, because you can take a variety of off-roading desert tours right out of Phoenix! The touring companies know exactly where to go to show you the best of the Sonoran Desert. You’ll be delighted by any cacti and coyotes you come across.
The city of Phoenix itself also offers plenty to do for visitors. You can check out the Musical Instrument Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum for some culture. Or, if you’re looking for something exhilarating, there’s the amusement park Castles N’ Coasters. While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by some of the less touristy spots. You can see some pre-Columbian ruins at Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park. Or stroll along peacefully at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.
With so many opportunities for hiking and exploring in Phoenix, you’ll want to go when the weather is right for you. Being a desert, Phoenix can be brutal in summer. You’ll often see daily highs above 100° Fahrenheit. If you want to avoid that, head there from November to April. During those months, you’ll see highs in the 60s and 70s only.
5. Seattle to Sacramento, California ($99 roundtrip)
Next up, we have the relatively short trek from Seattle to Sacramento, the capital city of California. Your flight will likely last under two hours and come in at around $99. You’ll land at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and can then start exploring this expansive and historic town.
Sacramento has humble beginnings. It started as an expansion of the trade colony Sutter’s Fort in the late 1840s. Time and growth did their jobs, and now the city is the urban wonder you see today.
How to spend some time in Sacramento
You can kick off your visit to Sacramento by visiting Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. There, you’ll find wonderfully preserved buildings and grounds of the original Sutter’s Fort. If you want to continue your historic journey through the city, head over to the Old Sacramento neighborhood. Within that area, you’ll find Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Here again, you’ll get the chance to explore what life was like for Sacramento folks in the 1800s. From shopping and eating to the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum, there’s plenty to fill your day in Old Sacramento.
When you’re ready to make history history, why not take in some culture in other ways? There’s Fairytale Town amusement park for the kids. Or you can spend a few hours in the Crocker Art Museum. And don’t forget about the expansive McKinley Park, where you can relax and explore in the green areas and by the water.
There is so much more to do in Sacramento than is listed here. I couldn’t even begin to cover it all in this space. For now, it will suffice to say that I love visiting Sacramento and know you will, too.
The best times to visit are in the spring or fall. That’s when you’ll encounter fewer tourists and more moderate weather. Of course, there’s much more going on during the summer, including the annual California State Fair. But you also get some really hot summer temperatures, too. I’m talking highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s.
Sacramento offers so much for being one of the cheapest places to fly from Seattle. How can you say no?
6. Seattle to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ($263 roundtrip)
The most expensive cheap flight from Seattle on this list is the trip to Winnipeg. That’s the capital city of Canada’s Manitoba province. I love Winnipeg because it isn’t necessarily a place that tops a lot of people’s bucket lists, but there’s a lot of interesting things to do here.
Lots to do in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s main airport is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), also called Winnipeg International Airport. You’ll fly into there and will then want to hit up everything this city has to offer.
Winnipeg is located where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet. As such, you may want to start your journey at the Forks Historic Port and Riverwalk. There, you can walk along the water, take a guided boat tour of the rivers, and eventually pass in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building. Don’t forget to stop by the Forks Market for some good eating and shopping!
After that, why not set into all the urban wonders Winnipeg has to offer? Explore some natural history at the Manitoba Museum. Take in some culture at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Or visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a true architectural feat in its own right. If you still haven’t had enough of Winnipeg, take a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint, or get some photo ops at the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.
With Winnipeg’s climate, the best times to visit are through the summer and into the fall. Unless cold is your thing, the winters here can get pretty brutal. A summertime trip, though, will get you pleasant daily highs in the 70s and 80s.
7. Seattle to Boise, Idaho ($123 roundtrip)
Rounding out this list of the cheapest flights from Seattle is the flight to Boise, the capital of Idaho. I don’t know about you, but I love visiting destinations that typically don’t get a lot of press. Idaho is so much more than its famous potatoes.
How to have fun in Boise
You’ll land at Boise Airport (BOI) and probably notice immediately that the air is cool and thin. Much like Denver (but not nearly as high), Boise is thousands of feet above sea level. It’s a high-desert region, meaning you won’t be overly oppressed by heat and humidity here. If you love the outdoors, you might be drawn to explore Boise National Forest first. All in all, this is a gorgeous piece of land. With rivers, streams, steppes, and spruce-fir forests, it’s everything a hiker could want.
Heading into the city of Boise itself, you’ll find a bunch of fascinating sites that you won’t want to miss. You can tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary, visit the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, and spend some time in the Boise Art Museum. Following those things, you might want to relax in the Idaho Botanical Garden or Julia Davis Park.
And I would be remiss not to mention the Boise River Greenbelt. It’s a 25-mile pathway that takes you through natural landscapes along the Boise River. Definitely give this one some of your time.
You can’t go wrong with a Boise visit anytime from mid-spring through the fall. Summers are beautiful, with warm daily temperatures and not too much rain. However, if skiing is your thing, you may want to check out all the mountainous areas nearby over the winter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the cheapest places to fly from Seattle
So what else is there to know about finding all the cheapest places to fly from Seattle? Here are a few other things to think about.
What is the cheapest airport to fly out of Seattle?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the cheapest airport to fly out of Seattle. It’s the main airport for the city, and it serves about 136,000 passengers every day. That translates into more than 1,200 airplane arrivals and departures daily. They’re all served by more than two dozen airlines. Delta also has a hub at Sea-Tac, if they’re your preferred airline.
All of this is to say that Seattle-Tacoma is the cheapest airport to fly out of Seattle. It’s the busiest airport and has the most daily operations. This makes the hub efficient and more likely to have many options for cheap flights.
How can you save the most money on flights from Seattle?
When you’re looking for cheap flights from Seattle, you really do have a lot of available options. However, flight prices can fluctuate daily. That means there are still some things you can do to get the most for your dollar.
For example, summer is a popular traveling season, as you likely know. That’s when kids are out of school and parents take a week off to go somewhere as a family. For that reason, you often see more expensive flights between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Traveling outside of those months could land you better flight deals.
The day of the week matters here, too. Friday to Sunday is an expensive period to fly. It’s generally because weekends are more convenient and therefore more popular. You’ll find the cheapest flights between Monday and Wednesday.
What are the cheapest flights from Seattle?
As you might expect, proximity drives down flight prices. That means the cheapest flights from Seattle will take you to nearby U.S. locations. Right now, the most inexpensive flights from Sea-Tac include services to:
- Las Vegas
- Denver
- Phoenix
- Oakland
- Burbank
- Los Angeles
- Memphis
- Sacramento
Roundtrip flights to each of these places cost less than $100.
