Everything from the airline you choose, to the time of year and time of day you fly, to even the cost of fuel can affect the price of your next flight. Another critical factor that can dramatically impact the cost of airfare—and one that fliers often overlook yet can oftentimes control—is the departure airport. Yes, the airport you choose to fly out of can have a big impact on the price of your plane ticket.
The most affordable airports in the US
So, it's worth noting where the most affordable airports in the US are. You may even find yourself lucky enough to live near one. But if you don't, you may have a chance to route through one on your travels. Using data from the US Department of Transportation’s 2023 Average Domestic Airline Itinerary Fares report, FinanceBuzz analyzed average domestic airfares from the "45 busiest airports in the US." The findings show that the five least-expensive airports to fly from in the US are as follows:
1. Orlando International Airport in Florida (MCO)
2. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida (FLL)
3. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
4. Oakland International Airport in California (OAK)
5. Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois (MDW)
The report also shows that the average airfare at MCO was $266, more than $200 cheaper than the most-expensive airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), in Washington, DC.
Compare alternative nearby airports
Many metro areas, including major cities such as Chicago and DC, are served by more than one airport. Using an airport that tends to be cheaper can help you maximize your savings while traveling.
In Chicago, for example, Chicago Midway (MDW) tends to be cheaper to fly out of than O’Hare International Airport (ORD). If traveling through the Nation’s Capital, try to return home from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) instead of IAD. DCA is closer to the city center and is typically a more affordable alternative to Washington Dulles.
Three airports serve the New York City region, giving fliers even more convenient choices. Of these, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the cheapest on average. LGA ranks as the seventh most-affordable airport out of the 45 busiest airports. Less affordable, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is well down the list at number 36, followed by John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 39th place.
Leverage the efficiency of airline hubs
Another smart strategy for finding affordable airfare is to consider airports that are airline hubs. For example, using an airport where one of the low-cost carriers (such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines or Allegiant Air, just to name a few) has a strong presence may save you money as you benefit from the cost efficiencies of their hub-and-spoke business model. Keep in mind, though, that low-cost carriers often start and stop routes frequently, so their operations at any given airport may change significantly over time.
Flying from a major airline’s hub may also help you land cheaper airfare. Many of the big airlines have multiple hubs, with their largest hub offering travelers the best chance for landing lower airfares. For example, American Airlines’ largest hub is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Delta’s largest hub is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). And United Airlines’ is Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Not all airlines have hubs, but those that do not often have focal cities where you may also be able to reap cheap airfare.
Consider costs beyond your airfare
The price gap from one airport to another isn't always as significant as, say, it is between LGA and JFK. So, before going out of your way to travel to a farther airport, calculate driving and parking costs to ensure those expenses don’t outweigh the potential savings on airfare.
Also, consider related costs that can make a trip expensive beyond just the flight price. For example, getting to your hotel can be less expensive if an airport is served by a train linking directly to the city. Transport costs can add up quickly when airports are located farther away from the city or in a location lacking good rideshare coverage and, as a result, eat away at any savings on airfare you may have found otherwise.
Cheap airfare is never a guarantee, but tapping your travels into some of the best airports in the US for affordability can be a good start to a great trip.