These 10 Smaller Airports Offer Some of the Cheapest Flights in the U.S.

"Many of the lowest fares came from regional and secondary airports rather than the country's largest hubs. That's partly because smaller airports operate a little differently, with lower costs, fewer delays, and more low-cost carrier routes. They're also less likely to see the sharp price jumps that hit major hubs as flights fill up, which helps keep fares steadier-even during busy travel periods."

"The tradeoff, of course, is convenience. Many of these airports require travelers to drive past a larger hub, rethink their usual departure point, or connect through another airport to reach their final destination. But for those willing to make the schlep, the savings can be substantial. In some cases, the difference in airfare is enough to cover parking, gas, or even an extra night at the destination."

"With all this in mind, these are the U.S. airports where travelers are most likely to find affordable fares. Prices reflect average round-trip economy airfare and are subject to change. The Most Affordable U.S. Airports for Flights Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Florida: $155 St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Florida: $161 Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), New Jersey: $178 Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Connecticut: $188 Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), New Jersey: $202 Provo Airport (PVU), Utah: $218 Stewart International Airport (SWF), New York: $250"

Airfare searches from Kayak between September and December 2025 for travel in the first half of 2026 show many of the lowest average round-trip economy fares originate at regional and secondary U.S. airports rather than the country's largest hubs. Smaller airports tend to have lower operating costs, fewer delays, and more low-cost carrier routes, which helps keep fares steadier and avoids sharp price jumps as flights fill. The primary tradeoff is convenience, since travelers may need to drive past a larger hub, change departure points, or add connections. For willing travelers, savings can cover parking, gas, or an extra night. Examples include Orlando Sanford ($155) and St. Pete-Clearwater ($161).

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