3
Are you looking for the cheapest airlines to Florida? Whether it be for business or pleasure, saving money while traveling always feels like the right move, especially with all the extra expenses that come along with travel. As such, finding cheap flights to Florida is a priority if you’re looking to save big on the overall trip.
Cheap also doesn’t necessarily mean low quality, although it tends to get marked as a dirty word. To me, cheap just means affordable—nothing more, nothing less. Cheap airfare to Florida can be luxurious, and it can be bare bones, but ultimately, you’ll get to your destination safely and timely without break the bank. Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary to spring for the extra bells and whistles when it means saving more money to spend on future travel.
There’s no shortage of fun activities, beautiful beaches, and other hidden gems in Florida. That makes it a great vacation destination at any price point. When looking at the cheapest airlines to Florida, it’s important to remember that ticket price comes down to much more than just the airline you choose. It also depends on where you’re heading, leaving from, and what time of year you’re flying. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap airports in Florida with low fees and great services.
If you’re getting ready to travel and looking at the cheapest airfares to Florida, here are some of the airlines you need to be looking at. Let’s dive into all the cheap flights to Florida that you should know about.
Quick tip on how to find the cheapest airlines to Florida
When shopping around for cheap airlines to Florida, you’ll probably come across a slew of different websites promising the best deal. However, not all of these sites are created equal. There are some that are much more reliable at getting you the best price every time.
One of my favorites is Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). It’s so easy to create a free account and get started. Simply put in your starting point and destination and Scott’s will send free email alerts for your destination highlighting the lowest prices. Sometimes these deals are due to empty flights. Sometimes the airline makes a mistake and significantly lowers the cost of a flight. Either way, you benefit. It’s saved me thousands of dollars in the last year. I’m happy to share such an incredible free tool with you all.
For frequent travelers able to spend a little extra (to save a lot), Scott’s Cheap Flights also has a premium version that costs just $49 a year. With premium, you receive email alerts about cheap flights more frequently. This will give you an even better chance to score the best deal.
One more quick tip before we get started. Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) is now offering a discount! Readers can use coupon code JON20 to save 20% on a premium subscription. See for yourself why Scott’s is truly one of the best places to find flights to Florida (and beyond).
Cheapest Airlines to Florida from Anywhere in the U.S.
For the purpose of this post, I’m going to focus on flights to Florida from elsewhere in the United States. We’re also going to be looking at a range of options from low-cost airlines to ones that are considered “more expensive.” However, if there’s anything I’ve learned after all this time, it’s that you should never judge a book by its cover. When it comes to which airlines are the least expensive, the results may surprise you.
No matter whether you’re flying from Portland, Oregon, or Portland, Maine, there’s sure to be an inexpensive flight to Florida calling your name. Here are seven airlines you should be checking out when looking for the cheapest tickets to Florida.
1. Allegiant Air
We’re going to kick off the list with the most budget airlines first, starting with Allegiant. Allegiant is one of those airlines that everyone has an opinion about one way or another, but let me tell you, with the amount of money you’ll save flying Allegiant, it’s hard to have an opinion that’s anything but positive.
Allegiant does things a little differently than most airlines, but that works to the benefit of the passenger, as well as the airline staff. One way Allegiant is able to save you money is by flying only on certain days of the week in most areas. While other airlines scramble to lower their fares to fill half-empty planes, Allegiant sells out the planes they do have running on peak days, and employees get to take some much-deserved time off during the slower days.
Their business model isn’t ideal for someone who has to fly last minute to get to an unexpected work conference or run home for a family emergency, but that’s not what Allegiant is for. However, it’s a great airline to choose when you have some time to plan travel ahead of time, have flexibility with dates, and aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles of first class during your travel.
Allegiant currently flies out of over 30 cities around the U.S. These cities may not always be the closest to your destination, but with a little pre-planning, the entire process is pretty seamless. Plus, I never mind renting a car with the money I’ve saved and driving around to explore a new travel destination.
2. Spirit
Often one of the first choices for cost-conscious flyers, passengers know that the amenities are fairly bare-bones on a Spirit flight. If you’re taking a short flight to Florida, though, it’s better to get there quickly and cheaply so you can start enjoying the beach or riding the rides at Disney, right?
While Spirit is known for being incredibly inexpensive, it’s also known for tacking on lots of fees for things like seat selection and carry-on bags. In fact, their carry-on fees are some of the most expensive in the industry.
With all that being said, Spirit isn’t a terrible choice of airline. While it does get a lot of heat for these extra fees, overbooking flights, and charging for things like a simple glass of water during a flight, it’s the perfect choice for a quick, short trip. If you’re spending a weekend in Florida, it’s pretty easy to pack a swimsuit, shorts, and a pair of sandals into a small backpack, which can be used as your personal item. Personal items are always free, even on budget airlines, and with a little bit of packing magic, you can cut tons of extra fees on budget airlines like Spirit. Pro tip: vacuum-seal bags are your friend when it comes to Spirit Airlines.
3. Frontier
To those who have traveled both airlines, Frontier is quite similar to Spirit—low-cost, expensive add-ons. But just like with Spirit, if you can pack light and hold off on an in-flight glass of wine, you can use the cheap prices of Frontier to your advantage.
If you’re traveling for an extended period of time and absolutely need to pack a suitcase, I’d recommend checking a bag to save a few bucks. A lot of people, myself included, love to take a carry-on because of the convenience of not waiting at baggage claim, but Frontier, along with other budget airlines like Spirit, actually charges less for checked bags than carry-ons. If you have the time to spare to wait at baggage claim, it’s worth it to save some of your hard-earned cash. On a round-trip flight, this could equal at least $20-30 in savings, if not more.
One more baggage tip—if you’re flying with a friend, you can opt to share a checked bag and split the cost instead of paying for two carry-ons. This is one of my favorite things to do when traveling with friends, especially for places like Florida where we’re packing tons of sunblock and aloe—no limitations on bottle size!
Frontier is one of the cheapest airlines for flying to Florida in a lot of major cities in the U.S. You can easily find a budget flight to Florida on Frontier from major cities like Las Vegas, Denver, and Detroit.
4. JetBlue
Moving on from the super-budget airlines, we come to JetBlue, which I would consider more mid-grade. I often use JetBlue when flying to Florida from Boston because there’s almost always an inexpensive 3-hour direct flight to Orlando, perfect for a quick beach getaway to beat the cold New England winters. These flights can be as low as $150-200 depending on when you’re traveling.
If you haven’t flown JetBlue and haven’t heard a lot of hype about them, you’re not alone. One way they keep their ticket costs down is by traveling to less competitive airports, similar to Allegiant’s model. However, even as one of the cheapest airlines on this list, you’re still getting some perks you may not get on other airlines.
While my 3-hour flight to Florida isn’t very long, JetBlue makes the time fly (pun not intended) by more quickly with in-flight WiFi and live television. That, combined with comfy accommodations—JetBlue offers some of the most legroom for an economy seat in the airline industry—makes this one of the best airlines when flying to Florida on a budget.
5. American
Now, we’re going to look at airlines that are considered more expensive. Paying a little more tends to mean higher-level amenities and services. And that brings us to American Airlines. American quite literally has a network like no other. One quick Google search for a flight from wherever you’re at to anywhere else in the country (if not the world), and American is guaranteed to be one of the top choices for that destination. When it comes to fleet size and the number of passengers carried, American Airlines is quite literally the largest airline in the world.
With that being said, what’s surprising about American is that it can also be the most affordable. When doing a little preliminary research for this post, I searched for many destinations around the country. I looked at everything from major cities to small rural towns. American Airlines was one of the top choices for almost every destination. They have some of the least expensive flights, and mostly direct ones, too. This may be surprising to those who consider American a more “high-cost” airline. It goes to show that it’s more about where and when you’re flying than what airline you choose.
6. Delta
For cheap flights to Florida, look no further than Delta!
Ask anyone what their favorite airline is, and a lot of people will swear by Delta—and for good reason. From comfy seats to plenty of onboard amenities, what’s not to love? Delta is so beloved, it was actually named World’s Most Admired Airline by Fortune. What’s more, it ranked higher than any other airline on the list.
What makes Delta so special? For starters, it’s pretty high up when it comes to reliability. Delta flights are on time 84% of the time, falling second only to Hawaiian Airlines. The only reason Hawaiian didn’t make the cut for this list is that it’s not always the easiest or most affordable choice for a trip to Florida, but if you’re looking for flights to Hawaii from the continental U.S. or vice versa, they’re always a great choice. Now, back to Delta.
It may be surprising that Delta made the cut for most affordable airlines. Delta may rank high in favorability. However, it ranks low in affordability, at least in the eyes of the public. But, if you get the timing right and keep an eye out for deals, Delta may be your best and cheapest option.
One great benefit to Delta is that carry-on bags are included in the ticket price. Additionally, onboard snacks and drinks come at no charge to you. While the Delta ticket may be $100+ higher than another lower-cost airline, consider how much you’re paying in extra fees. If you’re paying for a carry-on anyway and plan to purchase snacks during your flight, Delta may end up being less money overall.
7. Alaska
If you’re living on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines is a great one to check out when looking for the cheapest tickets to Florida. Alaska is based in Seattle and has other hubs in Alaska, California, and Oregon. Direct flights from the Pacific Northwest to Florida are not always easy to come by. Luckily, Alaska has you covered on that front.
Like Delta, Alaska is a fan favorite because of its reliability. Not only are they known for being notoriously punctual with flight times, but their baggage handling is often touted as one of their best features. When it comes to affordability, Alaska certainly won’t break the bank. Carry-ons are included with every ticket and checked bags are relatively cheap compared to other airlines.
Another great additional feature they offer is their frequent flyer program, called “Mileage Plan.” Alaska’s Mileage Plan is one of the best airline loyalty plans in the industry, if not number one. They also offer one of the best credit card programs in the airline industry, both offering you extensive benefits. Alaska Mileage Plan points can also be redeemed with American Airlines, as they are partners under the Oneworld alliance. The Oneworld alliance includes airlines all over the globe, making it easier than ever for you to travel abroad. These additional perks are a great way to save money in the long run.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) when finding the cheapest airlines to florida
Here are some popular questions and answers about finding cheap flights to Florida in 2023.
Which airlines have hubs in Florida?
Because Florida is a popular destination, it has plenty of hubs at airports around the state. One of the largest, however, is American Airlines, which has a hub at Miami International Airport (MIA). It also flies to and from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, and Jacksonville International Airport in Jacksonville.
How can I save even more money on a flight to Florida?
If you can save even more money on already low airfare, there’s no reason not to. I think of it as just more money to spend on my next adventure. Saving even more on your next flight is easy with Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). As I mentioned before, this website lets you sign up for free email alerts chock-full of insanely cheap airfare options. You can get the free version of the service, or pay $49 a year for the premium. Don’t forget—if you’re opting for the premium version, make sure to use coupon code JON20 to save 20% right away. Your wallet will thank you later!
What airlines fly non stop to Florida?
When it comes to non-stop flights to Florida, the airline gods have blessed us with an array of options to choose from. Let me unveil some of the major players in this Floridian extravaganza.
First up, we have the mighty Delta Air Lines, whisking you away to the land of oranges with their non-stop flights to FL from various cities across the United States. JetBlue, the superhero of low-cost carriers, offers a plethora of non-stop flights to Florida, making it easy to satisfy your craving for sunshine.
But wait, there’s more! United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines are also part of this Floridian fiesta, connecting you non-stop to popular Florida destinations. They’ll have you trading your winter blues for beach vibes in no time.
So, whether you’re dreaming of Miami’s glamorous nightlife, Orlando’s enchanting theme parks, or the laid-back vibes of Tampa or Fort Lauderdale, these airlines to FL have got your back. Which airline will you choose to be your winged companion on this epic Floridian journey?
What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Florida?
Florida is a pretty inexpensive place to fly as it stands, and with the best deals, you’ll be paying next to nothing for your flight. With that being said, some of the cheapest airports to fly into in Florida are Miami (Miami International Airport), Orlando (Orlando International Airport), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach International Airport), Tampa (Tampa International Airport), and Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport).
What is the best time to book a flight to Florida?
Timing can be everything when it comes to saving money on plane tickets to Florida. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question—there are many tips for booking the cheapest flights when it comes to timing, but here are some important things to keep in mind.
First, if you can be flexible with your travel days, you will be able to find better deals. Weekday flights are the least expensive, with most travelers coming or going sometime between Friday and Monday.
Next, remember that the best time is not too early and not too late. Booking One to two months before departure should yield the best results on average. Just don’t forget to take peak travel season into account.
The rules change for peak travel seasons vs. off-season. If you’re traveling off-season, the best idea is to book last minute. I know it might be scary, but trust me. You’re going to get the best rate this way. If there are flights that aren’t filled yet because it isn’t peak season, airlines will drop prices to fill seats.
If you’re traveling during peak travel seasons, book as early as possible. The more time passes, the more airlines can (and will) charge because demand is so high during these times. Don’t stress about getting the timing right. Do some research and keep an eye on pricing across multiple platforms, and you’ll be good to go!
What is the least expensive month to fly to Florida?
If you’re itching for a budget-friendly getaway to sunny Florida, listen up! The least expensive month to spread your wings and fly to the Sunshine State is… drumroll, please… September!
Yep, that’s right. As the summer crowds disperse and the temperatures start to cool down just a smidge, the airlines unleash their wallet-friendly fares, giving you the chance to snag some sweet deals. So, grab your shades and get ready to bask in the sunshine without burning a hole in your pocket. September is your golden ticket to an affordable Florida adventure!
Cheap flights to FL in 2023: Recap
When it comes to finding the cheapest flights to Florida in 2023, it’s clear that the budget-friendly airlines offering non-stop routes are your ticket to savings and a fabulous Florida adventure. Airlines to FL like Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines have you covered. This is thanks to their competitive fares and convenient non-stop flights.
While these airlines may be classified as “budget-friendly,” don’t let that fool you. They may be light on your wallet, but they’re heavy on value. These airlines prioritize your comfort, safety, and overall experience, ensuring that your journey to the Sunshine State is smooth and enjoyable.
So, why break the bank when you can embrace these cheap flights to Florida in 2023? It’s truly a win-win situation. With the money you save on flights, you can splurge on exploring Florida’s attractions, savoring mouthwatering cuisine, or treating yourself to a memorable experience.
From the glamorous beaches of Miami to the enchanting theme parks of Orlando, these airlines to FL make it possible for you to embark on your dream Florida getaway without draining your savings. Embrace the affordability and convenience they offer. And let them be your trusted companions as you embark on an unforgettable journey to the land of sunshine and smiles.
Hope you enjoyed reading about these cheaper flights to Florida in 2023. The Sunshine State will be worth every penny saved. Bon voyage!
