20 money-saving flight routes using alternative airports
Flying doesn’t have to be expensive! Choosing alternate airports near major cities can save you money with lower fares, fewer crowds, and better deals. Explore budget-friendly routes and enjoy a smoother travel experience while cutting costs on your next flight!
Travelling by air does not need to be expensive because alternatives exist. Choosing to fly from alternate airports remains one of the most effective methods to save money on flights. Secondary airport terminals located near major cities provide passengers with affordable prices, together with less passenger congestion and better discounts. Alternative departure and arrival points enable you to discover money-saving flight routes which provide great travel based on your convenience.
Why consider alternative airports?
Travel expenses become more manageable when people select secondary airports for their trips since this practice offers multiple advantages including:
- Lower airfare due to reduced demand
- The reduced passenger volume quickens security checks and speeds up check-in processes.
- Potentially cheaper parking and ground transportation options
- You can modify your travel plans easily due to expanded choices of flexible flight tickets.
The following routes highlight flight options that save money by using less congested, more affordable alternative airports
1. New York (JFK) vs. Newburgh (SWF) or Islip (ISP)
The fares at Newburgh Stewart International Airport (SWF) and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) tend to cost much less than what passengers pay at JFK or LaGuardia. The reduced airport taxes at these facilities enable customers to benefit from superior cost savings.
2. Los Angeles (LAX) vs. Burbank (BUR) or Ontario (ONT)
You should consider travelling from the calmer airports of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) or Ontario International Airport (ONT) instead of dealing with LAX's confusion. Travelers can benefit from both cheaper fares and minimal waiting times there.
3. Chicago (ORD) vs. Milwaukee (MKE)
The Milwaukee Airport provides travelers with enhanced fares and reduced travel complications compared to O'Hare International Airport's (ORD) abundant passenger traffic.
4. San Francisco (SFO) vs. Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC)
Passengers arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) experience long queues, yet Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) provide reduced fares together with quick check-in facilities.
5. Miami (MIA) vs. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or West Palm Beach (PBI)
Travelers often find MIA International Airport (MIA) to be expensive, mainly due to its high popularity. Flying through Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and West Palm Beach (PBI) provides the chance to save significantly on airfare.
6. Dallas (DFW) vs. Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Dallas Love Field (DAL) provides better services and shorter journey times to passengers but remains relatively smaller than the extensive Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
7. Washington D.C. (DCA) vs. Baltimore (BWI)
The cheaper Baltimore/Washington International airport (BWI) proves to be a better choice than Washington National Airport (DCA) because it lets you travel to the city through a short train connection.
8. Houston (IAH) vs. Houston Hobby (HOU)
Passengers should consider choosing Hobby Airport (HOU) instead of Bush Intercontinental (IAH) since it provides better pricing along with enhanced traveler convenience.
9. Boston (BOS) vs. Providence (PVD) or Manchester (MHT)
Travelers through New England should land at Providence PVD or Manchester MHT instead of Boston Logan BOS because doing so provides better deals along with shorter processing times.
10. Atlanta (ATL) vs. Birmingham (BHM)
Budget-conscious passengers should consider flying out of Birmingham (BHM) since it provides an excellent alternative to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL).
11. Philadelphia (PHL) vs. Trenton (TTN) or Atlantic City (ACY)
The Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) and Atlantic City Airport (ACY) operate as affordable options for travelers who need to avoid the crowded Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
12. Orlando (MCO) vs. Sanford (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) represents an excellent choice for Florida travelers because it provides cheaper prices than Orlando International Airport (MCO).
13. Denver (DEN) vs. Colorado Springs (COS)
Travelers can reach the Rockies by flying into Colorado Springs (COS) rather than using Denver International Airport (DEN) to secure budget-friendly fares.
14. Seattle (SEA) vs. Bellingham (BLI) or Everett (PAE)
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) and Everett’s Paine Field (PAE) offer cheaper alternatives to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
15. Las Vegas (LAS) vs. Reno (RNO)
Reno airport (RNO) frequently delivers cheaper flight options over Las Vegas (LAS) particularly when demand for tourism reaches its peak.
16. Detroit (DTW) vs. Toledo (TOL) or Flint (FNT)
When entering the Midwest, the pricing between Toledo Express Airport (TOL) and Bishop International Airport (FNT) is better than Detroit Metro (DTW).
17. Minneapolis (MSP) vs. Rochester (RST) or St. Cloud (STC)
Passengers travelling to the Twin Cities often save money by choosing Rochester (RST) or St. Cloud (STC) as their stopover airports instead of direct flights.
18. Phoenix (PHX) vs. Mesa (AZA)
Travelers get better prices on their flights at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) relative to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
19. Charlotte (CLT) vs. Greensboro (GSO) or Asheville (AVL)
North Carolina visitors will find better flight prices by choosing between Greensboro (GSO) and Asheville (AVL) rather than Charlotte Douglas (CLT).
20. Toronto (YYZ) vs. Hamilton (YHM) or Buffalo (BUF)
Travelers visiting Toronto will save money by choosing either the Hamilton (YHM) or Buffalo (BUF) airports instead of traditional Toronto airports, without sacrificing proximity to their final destination.
Extra ways to save money using alternative airports
Several more ways to get affordable flight prices involve selecting specific alternative airports in addition to choosing the right airport for departure.
Book flights with layovers
Travel through alternative airports by selecting connecting flight routes, as they tend to cost less than direct ones.
Be open to off-peak travel times
Travel during midweek or at night can help you save money on your airfares since these times offer discounts.
Look for airlines with lower fees
You should select airlines that provide reduced charges for baggage as well as flexible terms for bookings.
Consider different fare classes
You can cut down your travel expenses by selecting economy or basic economy fares as your flight option.
Opt for more fare flexibility
Choosing flexible fares during booking allows travelers to find better prices after initial bookings.
Using alternative airports lets travelers discover cheaper travel routes while keeping their travel expenses lower. Your flexibility regarding departure and arrival points allows you to get affordable airfares and lesser airport congestion and enhanced travel experiences. Before making travel reservations, always verify that other airports near your destination can help you save money on flights.
