Finding an airline ticket can seem daunting, but with some research and flexibility, you can often find great deals. Here are some tips for finding affordable tickets for flights within the state of Florida:
Check Multiple Airlines
Before booking on the first site you visit, explore all your options. Compare fares across different airlines like Delta, American Airlines, United, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit. While one airline might have the cheapest fare on a particular route one day, another airline could win out the next day. Sign up for email alerts and check back regularly as prices fluctuate.
Know Your Departure Airports
The more airports you’re willing to depart from near your location, the more options you’ll have. Sometimes an airport 45 minutes away could have much cheaper fares than the one 15 minutes away. For Florida residents, consider looking at flights from all major airports including Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), Jacksonville (JAX), and Fort Myers (RSW).
Be Flexible on Time
If your schedule allows, consider flying on off-peak days and times. Early morning and late night flights are often cheaper than peak daytime hours. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights tend to be less expensive than Monday and Friday flights. Avoiding holidays and school breaks also helps.
Check Alternate Destination Airports
Rather than only looking at flights to a specific Florida airport, see if you can fly into a different airport that’s within driving distance of your intended destination. For example, Palm Beach Airport (PBI) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are just an hour apart. Flying into a smaller regional airport can sometimes save you money.
Use Flexible Date Search Tools
If you don’t have firm dates, use search tools that look across a whole month or season. Google Flights and Skyscanner let you see the cheapest days to fly over an extended period at a glance. Being open to flying on the least expensive day within a range of weeks gives you the best chance at a deal.
Check Budget Airlines
Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant advertise themselves as ultra low-cost carriers. While you’ll pay extra fees for things like seat selection and carry-on bags, their base fares are often much cheaper than major airlines. Just be sure to factor in those additional fees when comparing the bottom line cost.
Use Travel Aggregator Sites
Search engines like Kayak, Expedia, and Travelocity compile airfare data across most major carriers and online travel sites. This lets you quickly compare all your options in one place. But always double check the airline’s site directly as aggregators don’t include every fare.
Book Directly with Airlines
Booking directly through the airline’s website ensures you won’t miss out on any sales. Many carriers now offer discounted “basic economy” fares exclusively through their own site. If you run into any issues with a booking, it’s also easier to make changes when you book directly.
Wait for the Right Sale
Sign up to receive sale alerts from go-to sites like The Flight Deal, Airfare Watchdog, and Secret Flying. Jump on limited-time promo codes and mistaken fares when they pop up. Scott’s Cheap Flights finds and shares incredible airfare sales that typically only last 2-3 days.
Use Miles and Credit Card Points
If you’ve been saving up credit card rewards or airline miles, flights within Florida can be a great opportunity to tap into them. Domestic U.S. flights usually have lower mileage rates than long-haul international flights. Check if you can get enough miles for a free ticket.
Consider Hidden City Ticketing
This advanced hack involves booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination and simply getting off there instead of taking the second flight. So you could book Tampa – Orlando – Miami but deplane in Orlando if that’s your goal. While controversial, it’s not illegal.
Bid on Unsold Seats
Priceline’s Name Your Own Price tool and United’s website allow you to bid for unsold seats close to the departure date. If accepted, you can get steep discounts. But there’s a risk your bid gets rejected if it’s too low.
Use Student and Senior Discounts
Seniors over 65 and students under 25 often qualify for discounted airfare. Make sure to inquire about age-based discounts when contacting airlines and travel agencies directly.
Conclusion
Finding affordable Florida flights takes a bit of work, but the savings can be substantial if you’re flexible and persistent. Try mixing and matching the tips above to uncover the best deals. With the right approach, you should be jetting across sunny Florida without busting your budget!
Airline | Typical Discounts |
---|---|
Southwest | Tuesday and Wednesday flights, off-peak times |
Delta | Red-eye and early morning flights |
United | Discount Den fares, bidding on unsold seats |
American | Off-peak flights, seat sales |
Frontier | Ultra low-cost base fares |
Spirit | Low basic fares, Tuesday-Wednesday sales |
This table summarizes the types of discounted fares commonly offered by major airlines flying within Florida. Checking these carrier’s sites directly can uncover deals based on advance purchase, day of week, time of day, and limited sales.
Finding affordable flights doesn’t have to be an exercise in frustration. With some strategic planning and smart shopping, Florida residents can take advantage of the many bargains available if you know where and how to look. Don’t settle for the first price you see – persistence and creativity pays off. Happy travels across the Sunshine State!