The Best and Worst US Airports for Cheap Domestic Flights

Key takeaways

• Many factors impact the number of deals from an airport, including the amount of airlines serving the airport and the amount of competition on various routes from that airport.
• The best airports in the US for cheap domestic flights: Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Boston (BOS), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP), Nashville (BNA), Phoenix (PHX). 
• The worst airports in the US for cheap international flights: Baltimore (BWI), Houston (IAH), Chicago Midway (MDW), Philadelphia (PHL), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), Washington Reagan (DCA), Austin (AUS), Salt Lake City (SLC), Charlotte (CLT). 
• If you live near one of the best US airports, you won't have a hard time finding good deals, as long as you don't have too many restrictions over when and where you fly. But if you live near one of the worst US airports, there are some tactics that you can use to increase your chances of scoring a cheap domestic flight. 
• With a Going Limited membership, you can get notified about the cheapest flight prices throughout the Lower 48. By upgrading to Premium, you can set flight alerts so we alert you when prices drop to your dream destinations. 

At Going, we know cheap flights. It’s kind of our thing. Our team spends hundreds of hours every week searching for flight deals departing from more than 200 US airports.

In mid-2020, we expanded our service to include domestic flights, and since then we’ve sent thousands more domestic deals to our members with prices as low as $29 roundtrip—and no, that’s not on Spirit. We don’t send any deal that doesn’t meet our standards, which means no brutally long layovers or terrible airlines with lots of extra fees. Our members save an average of $200 (and often a lot more) on each domestic trip.

Of course, we can only send our members the deals available, and some airports simply see more frequent flight deals than others. Factors like the amount of airlines serving the airport and the amount of competition on routes from that airport can affect how frequently deals pop up.

To help members find more deals, we ran the numbers to see which airports offer the most frequent deals on domestic economy class flights—and which major airports offer the least. We looked at the airports the FAA deems “large” based on the number of enplanements and collected data on how many deals we sent to Going members for cheap domestic flights departing from each airport over the past year.

Here are the results.

The best US airports for cheap domestic flights

If you’re a Premium member and you live near one of the best airports, you probably receive 1–3 domestic economy class deals from us each week. Even if your home airport isn’t in the top ten, it may still be a sweet spot for deals.

New Orleans (MSY), Portland (PDX), Raleigh (RDU), Los Angeles (LAX), and Detroit (DTW) are just a few of the airports where we reliably find a few domestic economy deals per week. Even airports further down the list like San Diego (SAN) and Charleston (CHS) generally get at least a deal or two per week on average.

10. Phoenix (PHX)

Phoenix is the largest airport in Arizona and a major hub for American (Southwest also has a strong presence). Between the two, travelers can reach more than 120 domestic destinations nonstop, including smaller regional airports and major hubs across the US.

The abundance of service from both a full-service legacy carrier and a major low-cost airline keeps competition strong on many routes, which drives frequent fare drops. PHX is also well-positioned for convenient connections west to California and east to Texas, making it a strategic jumping-off point for travelers looking for cheap one-stop itineraries.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from PHX:

• Phoenix to Austin for $48 roundtrip
• Phoenix to Seattle for $97 roundtrip
• Phoenix to Atlanta for $115 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Phoenix

9. Nashville (BNA)

Nashville has grown quickly in recent years, both in passenger numbers and flight options. Southwest dominates the market here, but the airport is also served by Delta, American, United, Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, JetBlue, and Avelo, giving travelers access to more than 100 nonstop domestic destinations.

Southwest’s strong presence—combined with competition from ultra-low-cost carriers—helps keep fares competitive, especially to cities in the Midwest, East Coast, and Texas. As BNA expands its terminal and adds new routes, deal frequency is only expected to grow.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from BNA:

• Nashville to New York City for $49 roundtrip
• Nashville to Chicago for $58 roundtrip
• Nashville to Denver for $135 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Nashville

8. Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP)

Minneapolis–St. Paul is the 17th-busiest airport in the US and a major hub for Delta, which operates an extensive network of nonstop flights to cities across the country. It’s also home to Sun Country, which continues to offer a mix of leisure-focused routes alongside service from other big players like American, United, Southwest, and Alaska.

MSP’s domestic deal volume has climbed in recent years thanks to more competitive pricing on key Delta routes, occasional flash sales from low-cost carriers, and strong connections to both coasts. Once absent from our top 10 entirely, it’s now a steady contender—proof that even Delta-heavy hubs can produce great domestic fares when competition heats up.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from MSP:

• Minneapolis–St. Paul to Orlando for $115 roundtrip
• Minneapolis–St. Paul to Asheville for $119 roundtrip
• Minneapolis–St. Paul to Tucson for $188 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Minneapolis–St. Paul

7. Miami (MIA)

While MIA is better known for its international connectivity, it doesn’t skimp on domestic travel. American Airlines operates one of its largest hubs here, offering nonstop flights to nearly 70 US cities. Alaska, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Sun Country, and Frontier also operate domestic service, giving passengers a wide range of fare options.

Competition from nearby Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Palm Beach (PBI) helps keep prices in check, especially for East Coast and Midwest routes. The variety of carriers and the sheer number of flights means Miami travelers have frequent opportunities to grab a cheap ticket—sometimes even to far-flung domestic spots like Alaska or Hawaii.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from MIA:

• Miami to Boston for $58 roundtrip
• Miami to Cincinnati for $89 roundtrip
• Miami to Houston for $119 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Miami

6. Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

As the fourth-busiest airport in the US, a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, and an operating base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit, it’s not surprising that Chicago ranks highly on our list. Plus, a little bit of competition from nearby Midway Airport (MDW) doesn’t hurt. 

While Southwest dominates the game at MDW, it also introduced service out of ORD in the past few years, which continues to put downward pressure on domestic prices and ensure the deals won’t stop anytime soon.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from ORD:

• Chicago O'Hare to New York City for $78 roundtrip
• Chicago O'Hare to Memphis for $107 roundtrip
• Chicago O'Hare to Seattle for $109 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Chicago

5. Boston (BOS)

Boston is New England’s busiest airport and a focus city for Delta and JetBlue, with strong domestic coverage from American, United, Southwest, Spirit, and Alaska as well. Travelers here have access to more than 75 nonstop US destinations.

One standout feature is the sheer frequency of flights to major East Coast business hubs like New York City and Washington, DC—sometimes running hourly on multiple airlines. That kind of competition on short-haul routes not only keeps fares low but can also lead to sales on other domestic destinations. Add in the mix of both legacy carriers and low-cost airlines, and BOS is well-positioned for frequent domestic flight deals.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from BOS:

• Boston to Fort Myers for $77 roundtrip
• Boston to New Orleans for $97 roundtrip
• Boston to Portland (PDX) for $117 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Boston

4. Las Vegas (LAS)

Las Vegas has one of the busiest airports in the US and is a magnet for low fares, thanks to a heavy presence of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers. Southwest is the largest airline here, but Frontier, Spirit, Allegiant, Sun Country, and Avelo also operate numerous routes, alongside full-service carriers like Delta, American, United, and Alaska.

LAS offers nonstop flights to more than 100 US destinations, and because so many airlines compete for the same leisure-focused travelers, fares often drop—especially on off-peak travel days. Add in the fact that Las Vegas draws steady year-round demand, and it’s no surprise the airport sees frequent domestic deals across the country.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from LAS:

• Las Vegas to San Francisco for $62 roundtrip
• Las Vegas to Dallas for $133 roundtrip
• Las Vegas to Fort Lauderdale for $137 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights to Las Vegas

3. Denver (DEN)

Denver is the third-busiest airport in the US by passenger numbers and a major hub for both United and Frontier, as well as a base for Southwest. That combination of legacy carriers, low-cost airlines, and ultra-low-cost carriers creates plenty of competition on routes, keeping fares down.

DEN offers nonstop service to more than 180 US destinations—more than almost any other airport in the country—making it easy to get just about anywhere with one stop or less. Its central location also works in travelers’ favor, as it’s a key connection point for flights between the coasts. The result: a steady stream of cheap domestic fares, from short regional hops to cross-country trips.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from DEN:

• Denver to Indianapolis for $37 roundtrip
• Denver to Albuquerque for $58 roundtrip
• Denver to Palm Springs for $97 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Denver

2. Orlando (MCO)

Over the past decade, Orlando has transformed into one of the country’s biggest playgrounds for low-cost airlines. In addition to long-standing service from JetBlue and Southwest, MCO has become a major base for Frontier, Spirit, Avelo, Breeze, and even smaller upstarts like Silver Airways. The result is fierce competition and a sprawling network of 100+ nonstop domestic destinations, from small regional airports to major coastal cities.

When it comes to domestic fares, Orlando clearly beats out Miami—where American dominates and international deals are king—but MCO’s abundance of budget carriers means lower prices and more frequent domestic deals across the board. That said, both were overshadowed this year by a surprise winner just a stone’s throw away. 

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from MCO:

• Orlando to Chicago for $38 roundtrip 
• Orlando to Charleston for $78 roundtrip 
• Orlando to Los Angeles for $157 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights from Orlando

1. Tampa (TPA)

Floridians, rejoice! It’s not every year you get three airports on the list of best airports for cheap domestic flights. Tampa takes the ultimate prize, thanks to its mix of legacy carriers, low-cost airlines, and ultra-low-cost carriers. Southwest has a major presence there, and Frontier, Spirit, Avelo, Breeze, and Silver all operate numerous routes alongside Delta, American, United, and Alaska.

This diverse airline lineup serves more than 90 nonstop domestic destinations, from small regional airports to major hubs across the country. The competition is fierce, especially on popular leisure routes, which keeps prices low year-round. For travelers in Florida, TPA is one of the best bets for frequent, affordable domestic trips.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from TPA:

• Tampa to Raleigh for $38 roundtrip
• Tampa to Providence for $78 roundtrip
• Tampa to San Diego for $162 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Tampa

Wondering which airports to fly out of for cheap international flights? Check out our guide!

The worst US airports for cheap domestic flights

If you live near one of the worst airports, it doesn’t mean you need to give up your dreams of affordable flights. For each airport on the list, we give examples of the types of deals you’ll see from your airport and tips on how you can score even more cheap domestic flights without moving to a new city.

10. Charlotte (CLT)

Charlotte is a major hub for American and shines for connecting passengers to destinations across the US—but when it comes to cheap domestic fares, it doesn’t see nearly the same level of competition as airports with multiple major carriers. 

American’s dominance here helps with route coverage, but it can also keep prices higher than average. For travelers looking to snag more domestic deals, Atlanta (ATL) is less than four hours away and offers far more competition across multiple airlines.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Charlotte:

• Charlotte to Tampa for $48 roundtrip
• Charlotte to Kansas City for $106 roundtrip
• Charlotte to Denver for $119 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Charlotte

9. Salt Lake City (SLC)

Salt Lake City is a major hub for Delta, which means it offers excellent connectivity across the US—but the lack of airline competition keeps domestic fares on the higher end compared to other airports. 

For more frequent domestic savings, consider repositioning through Denver (DEN) or Las Vegas (LAS), both of which see significantly more price competition.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Salt Lake City:

• Salt Lake City to Los Angeles for $38 roundtrip
• Salt Lake City to Portland (PDX) for $77 roundtrip
• Salt Lake City to Chicago for $129 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Salt Lake City

8. Austin (AUS)

Austin has grown quickly over the past decade, attracting low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, and expanding its route map. But while AUS does see occasional domestic deals, they’re far less frequent than at nearby Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW). 

AUS also performs better for international deals than domestic, especially for flights to Mexico. If you’re hunting for budget-friendly US fares, consider the three-hour drive to DFW for a much bigger menu of cheap options. (And although both Houston airports received fewer deals than Austin over the past year, it’d also be wise to keep an eye out for deals there to expand your options.)

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Austin:

• Austin to New Orleans for $77 roundtrip
• Austin to Charlotte for $106 roundtrip
• Austin to Yellowstone for $196 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Austin

7. Washington Reagan (DCA)

Reagan National is the most convenient DC-area airport for downtown travelers, but its short-haul focus and federal restrictions on long-haul flights limit its domestic deal potential. It’s great for quick hops up and down the East Coast, but for broader—and often cheaper—domestic coverage, it falls short. That being said, it’s likely your best bet for a domestic deal in the DC metro area. 

Given their proximity, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye out for deals from Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI), to increase your chances of snagging a bargain. International deals are almost nonexistent from DCA, so if you need both domestic and global bargains, IAD is the most versatile option.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Washington Reagan:

• Washington Reagan to Columbus for $98 roundtrip
• Washington Reagan to Atlanta for $117 roundtrip
• Washington Reagan to Nantucket for $137 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Washington Reagan

6. Washington Dulles (IAD)

IAD is a star player on our best international deals list, thanks to its long-haul network and airline competition, especially for transatlantic routes. Domestically, it’s overshadowed by nearby DCA (but just barely). Many travelers flying within the US opt for DCA’s convenience or BWI’s abundance of low-cost carriers. 

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Washington Dulles:

• Washington Dulles to Miami for $78 roundtrip
• Washington Dulles to Detroit for $137 roundtrip
• Washington Dulles to San Antonio for $163 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Washington Dulles

5. Newark (EWR)

Newark shines for international deals (it ranks in the top 10 for those), but domestically, fares tend to skew higher. That’s partly due to its role as a major United hub, with less low-cost carrier competition than you’d find at New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) or even Philadelphia (PHL). 

If you’re chasing budget-friendly US flights from the NYC area, LGA and JFK often offer better and more frequent domestic pricing. While domestic deals are not altogether frequent from Philadelphia (you’ll understand better in a second), it’s always worth keeping an out for deals from Philly—and it’s only about 1.5 hours by train away. 

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Newark:

• Newark to Charleston for $98 roundtrip
• Newark to Dallas for $137 roundtrip
• Newark to Phoenix for $139 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Newark

4. Philadelphia (PHL)

PHL has a decently impressive international network as an American hub, but it underperforms on cheap domestic fares compared to nearby competitors. Southwest serves the airport, but its limited presence doesn’t create the kind of price pressure you’d see at Baltimore (BWI) or New York’s LaGuardia or JFK. 

If you’re looking for cheap US travel, opt for NYC metro area’s JFK, LaGuardia, or even Newark—just 1.5 hours away by train—as they often produce more frequent domestic deals.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Philadelphia:

• Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach for $78 roundtrip
• Philadelphia to Nashville for $107 roundtrip
• Philadelphia to Las Vegas for $139 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Philadelphia

3. Chicago Midway (MDW)

Southwest dominates MDW’s domestic schedule, with a few other carriers sprinkled in. While that’s great for nonstop coverage across the US, the lack of competition often keeps fares from dipping as low as they do at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). ORD’s mix of United, American, Delta, Alaska, JetBlue, and budget carriers offers far more opportunities for cheap domestic travel—sometimes even to the same destinations Southwest serves.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Chicago Midway:

• Chicago Midway to Louisville for $58 roundtrip
• Chicago Midway to Seattle for $109 roundtrip
• Chicago Midway to Salt Lake City for $124 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Chicago Midway

2. Houston (IAH)

Houston (IAH) is one of the busiest airports in Texas and a hub for United, which makes it great for international connections and long-haul domestic routes. But it falls short for frequent cheap domestic deals. While not quite as common at Houston Hobby (HOU), you may find that deals to HOU, where Southwest has a stronghold, can skew on the cheaper side. 

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Houston:

• Houston (IAH) to Pensacola for $97 roundtrip
• Houston (IAH) to Philadelphia for $105 roundtrip
• Houston (IAH) to Jackson Hole for $158 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Houston (IAH)

1. Baltimore (BWI)

Despite having a large Southwest presence and a decent mix of other carriers, Baltimore sees fewer deal-worthy domestic fares than many similar-sized airports. Internationally, BWI does have a few bright spots—particularly to the Caribbean and Europe—but for travelers who want more frequent domestic bargains, nearby Washington National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), or even Philadelphia (PHL) can deliver better prices.

Actual deals we've flagged for Going members from Baltimore:

• Baltimore to Charlotte for $77 roundtrip
• Baltimore to Dallas for $134 roundtrip
• Baltimore to Seattle for $196 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights from Baltimore

Methodology

To reach our conclusions of the best and worst airports, we looked at the airports the FAA deems “large” based on the number of enplanements.

Once we had our list of airports, we tallied up the total number of domestic deal emails we sent to members departing from those airports between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The airports that received the highest number of domestic deals per year were deemed to be the best airports for cheap domestic flights. And the airports that received the lowest number of deals were deemed to be the worst airports for cheap domestic flights. 

If two airports had the same number of deals, the tie was broken by which airport had the cheapest average economy flight price in that time frame.