Lois Larson
The airport you fly out of can significantly impact the cost of your trip. While choosing the airport in the next city over could save you hundreds of dollars, the best airports for cheap international flights are usually among the busiest airports in big cities. For instance, St. Pete Clearwater International Airport in Florida is the cheapest US airport to travel out of, with an average flight cost of $147. On the other hand, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City has some of the highest average airfare costs in the country. Additionally, factors such as the resurgence of international tourism, investment in airport infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives can also influence flight prices.
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What You'll Learn
Cheapest airports in the US
The cheapest airport in the US is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida, with an average flight cost of $147. The airport serves the Tampa Bay area and is a destination for low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air. Orlando Sanford International Airport, also in Florida, is the second cheapest, with an average flight cost of $147. It is a base for Allegiant Air. Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina is the third cheapest, with an average flight price of $240.
Other inexpensive airports include Mobile, Alabama ($98.75), Columbus, Ohio ($124.36), Provo, Utah ($126.15), and Phoenix, Arizona ($132.37). Florida also has other affordable airports, such as Lakeland ($131.55) and Punta Gorda ($129.30).
When it comes to affordability, it is worth considering airports that are airline hubs. Using an airport where low-cost carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, or Allegiant Air, have a strong presence may save you money. Flying from a major airline's hub can also be cheaper. For example, American Airlines' largest hub is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
In Chicago, Midway International Airport (MDW) is generally cheaper than O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Similarly, when travelling to or from Washington, D.C., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is typically more affordable than Washington Dulles (IAD). LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the cheapest option for those flying to or from the New York City region.
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Most expensive airports in the US
The cost of air travel has been impacted by inflation, with unadjusted prices in 2024 being the highest they have been since 1979. The cost of flying out of a particular airport can vary widely depending on factors such as baggage fees, seat ticket costs, and "landing fees" that airlines must pay. These fees vary significantly from airport to airport. For example, La Guardia Airport (LGA) in New York charges $17.72 per thousand pounds of maximum gross landed weight (MGLW), while John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), 10 miles away, charges only $6.76 per thousand pounds of MGLW.
Some of the most expensive airports in the US include:
- Telluride Regional Airport, Colorado: With an average fare of $818 in 2024, more than double the national average of $366.
- Dothan, Alabama: $799 on average.
- Pocatello Regional Airport, Idaho: $795 on average.
- Albany, Georgia: $741 on average.
- Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Colorado: $769 on average.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): The third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $434.
- Detroit Metro Airport (DTW): Average airfare from Detroit cost $432 last year.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Despite having lower landing fees than La Guardia, JFK still makes the list of most expensive airports, with an average airfare of $427.
- Dulles International Airport (IAD): While it has some of the best airport lounges in the country, offering free food, drinks, and recharging stations, Dulles has been ranked as the most expensive airport in the US in terms of ticket costs.
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT): Airfare costs at this airport increased by more than $16 on average last year.
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Airports with the most international destinations
When it comes to finding the airports with the most international destinations, there are several factors to consider, including the number of destinations served and the frequency of flights. Here is a list of airports with a high number of international destinations:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York City
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK, is located in New York City and is the airport with the most international destinations in the United States. With around 200 destinations in approximately 80 countries, JFK offers a wide range of options for travellers. However, it is also one of the most expensive airports in the country, with relatively high average airfare costs.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, often referred to simply as Atlanta Airport, is a megahub that has ranked as the busiest airport in the world for 26 out of the past 27 years. The airport's hometown carrier, Delta, operates over 1,000 daily flights to more than 200 destinations around the globe, including both domestic and international locations. Atlanta serves as a connecting hub for travellers due to its strategic position between North America, Europe, and Latin America.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, is the most well-connected airport in the United States. With about 270 nonstop destinations served, O'Hare offers a vast network of travel options. It is a major hub for both American and United Airlines and has an impressive number of runways, allowing it to handle a significant volume of passengers and flights.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the United States, seeing a 17% increase in passengers in 2024 compared to 2019. American Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the world, operates from this hub and flies to nearly 250 destinations worldwide. From Dallas, travellers can even find nonstop flights to Australia through American's partner airline, Qantas.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a 41% increase in traffic compared to 2023 levels. This surge has propelled it into the top 10 busiest airports globally, and it serves as a busy international hub for travellers, particularly in the resumption of international flights and visa policy expansion.
Dubai International Airport, Dubai
Dubai International Airport is a prominent hub for global travel, ranking as the second busiest airport in the world in 2024 with a record 92 million passengers. Over 100 international airlines fly into this airport, reflecting Dubai's increasing importance as a centre for business and investment. A $35 billion project is underway to develop Al Maktoum International Airport, which is expected to become the world's largest airport when completed by 2034.
While these airports stand out for the number of international destinations they serve, it's worth noting that the cheapest airport to fly out of in the United States is reported to be St. Pete Clearwater International Airport in Florida, with an average flight cost of $147. Orlando Sanford International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport also offer highly affordable flights.
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Airports with the most frequent domestic deals
When it comes to finding the airports with the most frequent domestic deals in the US, there are a few factors at play. Firstly, larger airports in big cities tend to have more deals, and their busy schedules and high passenger traffic mean that they are likely to offer competitive prices. Airports in coastal cities, as well as those in the Midwest and the South, are also good places to start.
One source suggests that the Dallas-Fort Worth airport is the second busiest in the US, and it is the largest hub for American Airlines. Atlanta is the busiest airport in the US, with the most passenger traffic, so it is likely to offer frequent deals. Denver International Airport is the third busiest airport in the world, so it is worth looking out for deals from there.
Orlando International Airport is the 17th busiest airport in the world and is a popular destination for families, so it is worth considering for deals. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also a good option for deals, as it is a busy airport with low prices. If you live in California, San Francisco International Airport is a good option, as it is served by 50+ airlines, which helps to keep prices down. Oakland International Airport is another California airport with good deals, served by 11 airlines.
Chicago Midway International Airport is another airport with frequent deals, offering nonstop flights to about 80 domestic airports on five different airlines. Chicago O'Hare is the most well-connected airport in the US, with about 270 nonstop destinations served, so it is likely to have good deals.
If you are looking for an East Coast airport, Washington Dulles International Airport serves Baltimore and Washington, DC, and has the most international passenger traffic of any airport in the Mid-Atlantic region outside of New York. It is a hub for United Airlines and is served by over 40 airlines, so there is plenty of competition to keep prices down.
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Airports with the best lounges
While there is no centralized information on which airport has the best prices, there are a few airports that stand out for their affordable flight deals.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida is considered the cheapest US airport to fly out of, with an average flight cost of $147. Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida also offers similarly priced flights, with an average cost of $147. Meanwhile, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has the fourth-lowest average airfare costs in the country, at $307.
Now, when it comes to airport lounges, there are several airports that offer exceptional experiences. Here are some of the best airport lounges around the world:
Al Safwa Lounge, Hamad International Airport, Qatar
The Al Safwa Lounge in Hamad International Airport is a massive and elegant space, resembling a contemporary art museum. It offers ample seating, rest areas, and delicious food. It is accessible to first-class passengers flying with Qatar Airways and other Oneworld airlines.
The Pier and The Wing Lounges, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Cathay Pacific, the hometown airline at HKG, operates multiple lounges, including The Pier and The Wing. The Pier features a tea room in its business class section and a spa for first-class passengers. Meanwhile, The Wing has a coffee bar for business class and cabanas for first-class passengers.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London Heathrow
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow offers a range of amenities, including Peloton bikes, a chic cocktail bar, and rooftop seating.
Air France La Première Lounge, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
The Air France La Première Lounge spans 10,000 square feet and offers a luxurious experience. It includes a private sitting area, a cocktail bar, a spa with treatments by Sisley, and a dining room featuring cuisine crafted by star chef Alain Ducasse, along with wine pairings.
Qantas International First Lounge, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The Qantas International First Lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX offers incredible service and food and drink options. Eligible travelers can enjoy a full-service sit-down meal and handcrafted cocktails from an extensive liquor selection.
Centurion Lounges, Various Locations
Centurion Lounges, operated by American Express, are available at multiple airports, including New York-LaGuardia and Harry Reid International Airport. These lounges offer sleek designs, ample seating, and access regardless of the airline you're flying.
American Airlines and British Airways First Class Lounge, New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
American Airlines and British Airways opened a new first-class lounge in Terminal 8 at JFK as part of a $400 million investment.
So, while I cannot definitively state which airport has the best prices, I hope this information on airports with highly-regarded lounges is helpful!
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Frequently asked questions
St. Pete Clearwater International Airport in Florida is the cheapest US airport, with an average flight cost of $147.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City is the best airport for cheap international flights, with around 200 destinations in 80 countries.
Chicago Midway International Airport is cheaper than its neighbour, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with an average fare of $296.80. Other airports with good prices include Oakland International Airport, Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, and New Orleans International Airport.
