Looking for airports that have cheap flights? Or wondering why some airports charge high prices for airfare?

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), flying out of certain U.S. airports can be surprisingly cheap—while others will empty your wallet faster than a luxury vacation.

Let’s dive into the the airfare at different airports in the U.S. for 2025, plus tips to help you find our best deals on airfare!

5 Cheap U.S. Airports to Fly From

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of these airports, you’re in for some great travel savings.

In 2025, the national average domestic airfare is $366, but these airports offer fares below that price.

1. San Bernardino, CA (SBD) – Average Fare: $98

• San Bernardino has low-cost carriers like Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines.
• It serves as a cheaper alternative to LAX for Southern California travelers.

2. Santa Maria, CA (SMX) – Average Fare: $108

• Small regional airport with budget-friendly airlines like Allegiant Air.
• Low airport fees keep ticket prices competitive.

3. Ogden, UT (OGD) – Average Fare: $112

• Serves as an alternative to Salt Lake City (SLC).
• Limited but affordable domestic routes, mainly on Allegiant Air.

4. Provo, UT (PVU) – Average Fare: $115

• Direct competition with Salt Lake City International Airport.
• Home to several low-cost airlines, including Avelo and Allegiant.

5. Stockton, CA (SCK) – Average Fare: $120

• Located near the San Francisco Bay Area, but with lower operational costs.
• Serves budget-conscious travelers looking to avoid SFO’s higher fares.

Pro Tip: If you live near Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Salt Lake City, check these nearby airports before booking your next flight—you could save hundreds of dollars!

5 Expensive U.S. Airports to Fly From (2025 Update)

At the other end of the spectrum, these airports may cost more.

1. Aniak, AK (ANI) – Average Fare: $1,733

• Tiny, remote airport with very few flights.
• Only a handful of airlines serve the area, driving prices up.

2. Guam (GUM) – Average Fare: $1,650

• Limited competition (United Airlines dominates the market).
• Long-haul flights make ticket prices higher than domestic routes.

3. Unalaska, AK (DUT) – Average Fare: $1,500

• Another extremely remote location with scarce flights.
• High demand for fishing industry workers, leading to premium pricing.

4. Pago Pago, American Samoa (PPG) – Average Fare: $1,450

• Only a few flights per week from the U.S. mainland.
• Distance from major hubs makes tickets pricey.

5. Sand Point, AK (SDP) – Average Fare: $1,400

• Small Alaskan communities rely on air travel, so prices remain high.
• No alternative travel options (no highways or rail systems).

Pro Tip: If you ever need to fly to Alaska, American Samoa, or Guam, try booking flights months in advance and check for frequent flyer redemptions—otherwise, expect higher pricing.

Why Are Some Airports Cheaper Than Others?

Several factors influence airfare pricing, including:

• Airport Size & Location: Large hubs (like LAX, JFK, and ORD) have more competition, which lowers prices. Small or remote airports? Not so much.
• Airline Competition: When multiple airlines compete, ticket prices drop. If only one or two airlines serve an airport, expect higher fares.
• Operational Costs: Some airports charge lower landing fees, allowing airlines to pass savings to customers.
• Demand & Seasonality: High-demand airports (like ski destinations in winter or beach towns in summer) will typically have fluctuating prices.

How to Find Cheap Flights (No Matter Where You Live!)

• Be Flexible with Travel Dates – Midweek flights (Tuesday & Wednesday) are often cheaper.
• Use Nearby Airports – Consider driving an extra 30-90 minutes to a cheaper departure airport.
• Compare Airlines – Low-cost carriers (Spirit, Southwest, Frontier) often fly from secondary airports, leading to great deals.
• Book Early – Cheaper fares typically appear 2-4 months before departure for domestic flights.

FAQs About U.S. Airports & Airfare Prices

Q. Why are flights cheaper at some airports?

Ans: Airports with low-cost airlines, fewer fees, and strong competition tend to offer cheaper fares. Smaller airports near major hubs often undercut big-city pricing.

Q. Can I save money by flying from a different airport?

Ans: It’s possible. If you live near a major metro area, check for alternate airports—they often offer better deals on airfare.

For example:

• Los Angeles flyers can check Burbank (BUR) or Ontario (ONT).
• San Francisco travelers can compare San Jose (SJC) or Oakland (OAK).
• NYC residents should check Newark (EWR) or Islip (ISP).

Q. Are remote airports always expensive?

Ans: Most of the time. Alaska, American Samoa, and Guam have limited airline service, so tickets are priced higher due to low availability and high demand.

Q. Which airlines offer the cheap flights?

Ans: Cheap airlines in the U.S. include:

• Spirit Airlines (low-cost)
• Frontier Airlines (budget-friendly)
• Southwest Airlines (low fares)
• Allegiant Air (cheap but limited routes)
• Breeze Airways (affordable new airline)

Final Thoughts: Where Will You Fly in 2025?

If you want to save on airfare, it helps to know your departure airport. Whether you’re near a budget-friendly airport or one of the most expensive, there are always ways to find deals.

Where are you flying next? Drop your travel plans in the comments!