Where Is the Cheapest Place to Fly Into Florida? 2025 Guide
Dec, 1 2025
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If you're planning a Florida vacation in 2025 and want to save the most on airfare, you’re not just looking for any flight-you’re looking for the cheapest place to fly into Florida. The truth is, not all Florida airports are created equal when it comes to price. Some airports are packed with discount airlines and competitive routes, while others charge premium prices just because they’re near the beach. Where you land can save you hundreds-even before you factor in car rentals or hotel costs.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) Is Still the Budget King
Orlando International Airport (MCO) remains the cheapest major airport to fly into Florida, especially if you’re booking in advance. In 2024, the average round-trip fare from major U.S. cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Philadelphia hovered around $189. That’s $60-$90 cheaper than flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Why? MCO serves more budget carriers than any other Florida airport. Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and Allegiant all have major hubs here, and they compete hard on price.
Even better, MCO has direct flights from over 150 cities across North America. If you live in a mid-sized city like Columbus, Nashville, or Pittsburgh, you’re likely to find a nonstop deal to Orlando that doesn’t exist to other Florida airports. And since Orlando is the heart of Florida’s tourism-home to Disney, Universal, and dozens of resorts-you’ll find tons of package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and tickets.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) Is a Close Second
Fort Lauderdale is where budget travelers go when they want to skip the crowds of Orlando and still get a great deal. In 2024, average round-trip fares to FLL were about $205, just slightly higher than Orlando. But here’s the catch: FLL is only 30 minutes from Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Everglades. If you’re planning a beach-focused trip, this airport gives you more bang for your buck.
Spirit Airlines runs more flights out of FLL than any other airport in Florida. That means you’ll find ultra-low base fares-sometimes under $89 one-way-if you’re willing to pack light and skip checked bags. Southwest also flies here, offering free bags and no change fees, which can make a big difference if your plans shift.
Pro tip: Book a flight to FLL and rent a car. The drive to Miami is easy, and you’ll save hundreds compared to flying directly into Miami International (MIA), where fares are often $50-$100 higher.
Avoid Miami International (MIA) Unless You Have to
Miami International is the busiest airport in Florida for international travelers, and that drives up domestic prices. In 2024, the average round-trip fare from U.S. cities was $275-nearly $90 more than Orlando. Airlines charge more here because of high demand, limited competition, and the fact that MIA is a major hub for Latin American routes. That means fewer budget airlines, more connecting flights, and higher fees.
There are exceptions. If you’re flying from New York, Washington D.C., or Toronto, you might find a decent deal on JetBlue or Delta. But if you’re flying from anywhere else-especially the Midwest or West Coast-you’re better off flying into Orlando or Fort Lauderdale and driving down. The drive from Orlando to Miami takes about 4 hours, and gas and rental cars are cheap.
Other Hidden Gems: Tampa, Jacksonville, and Pensacola
If you’re looking to fly into Florida on a tight budget and don’t mind a longer drive, consider these lesser-known airports:
- Tampa International (TPA): Average round-trip fare: $215. Great for families heading to Clearwater Beach or Busch Gardens. Southwest and Allegiant offer regular low-cost flights from cities like Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Louisville.
- Jacksonville (JAX): Average round-trip fare: $195. Perfect for travelers heading to the Atlantic coast or the Georgia border. Spirit and Frontier fly here from midwestern cities at rock-bottom prices.
- Pensacola (PNS): Average round-trip fare: $180. Yes, you read that right. This small airport on the Florida Panhandle often has the cheapest fares in the state-especially from cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham. It’s a 2.5-hour drive to Destin or Panama City Beach, but if you’re okay with a scenic road trip, this is the ultimate budget hack.
These airports don’t have the same level of tourist infrastructure as Orlando or Miami, but if you’re renting a car and don’t mind being a little off the beaten path, you’ll save big.
When to Book and How to Find the Best Deals
Timing matters more than the airport. In 2025, the cheapest time to fly into Florida is still between January and early March, right after the holiday rush. Flights during this window are often 30-40% cheaper than summer prices. Avoid February break, Easter, and Thanksgiving-those are peak times.
Use these tricks to find the lowest fares:
- Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Hopper for MCO, FLL, and TPA.
- Search for flights to multiple Florida airports at once. Google Flights lets you compare all of them side by side.
- Book on Tuesday or Wednesday-those are the cheapest days to buy tickets.
- Use incognito mode to avoid price hikes from tracking cookies.
- Check Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant directly-they often have sales not listed on third-party sites.
Also, don’t assume the cheapest flight is the cheapest trip. Factor in baggage fees. Spirit charges $35 just to check a bag. Southwest includes two free checked bags. If you’re traveling with kids or gear, that $150 flight could turn into a $250 trip once fees add up.
What About International Flights?
If you’re flying from Canada, the UK, or elsewhere, your cheapest option is still Orlando. Air Canada and WestJet offer direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to MCO for under $400 round-trip in off-season. From the UK, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways fly into Orlando and Fort Lauderdale-often cheaper than flying into Miami.
Don’t overlook connecting flights through Atlanta or Charlotte. Sometimes a $200 flight to Atlanta plus a $120 connecting flight to Orlando is cheaper than a direct flight to Miami. Use Kiwi.com or Skyscanner to test those combinations.
Real Example: How I Saved 0 on a Florida Trip
Last January, I wanted to take my family to Florida for a week. We live in Vancouver. A direct flight to Orlando on Alaska Airlines was $680 per person. A direct flight to Miami was $820. I searched for flights to Tampa and found a $410 round-trip on Allegiant. I rented a car for $25 a day and drove to Clearwater Beach. Total cost for four people: $1,800. If we’d flown direct to Miami? Over $3,000. That’s $1,200 saved-enough for a week of ice cream, beach towels, and a dolphin tour.
It’s not magic. It’s just knowing where to land.
Final Checklist: Where to Fly Into Florida for the Best Deal
Here’s a quick reference for 2025:
| Airport | Avg. Round-Trip Fare (U.S.) | Best For | Top Budget Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando (MCO) | $189 | Families, theme parks, all-in-one deals | Spirit, Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | $205 | Beach lovers, Miami day trips | Spirit, Southwest |
| Tampa (TPA) | $215 | Clearwater, Busch Gardens, quieter vibe | Southwest, Allegiant |
| Jacksonville (JAX) | $195 | Atlantic coast, off-season travelers | Spirit, Frontier |
| Pensacola (PNS) | $180 | Quiet beaches, road trippers | Allegiant, Delta |
| Miami (MIA) | $275 | International travelers, luxury stays | JetBlue, Delta |
Bottom line: If your goal is to spend less on airfare and more on fun, fly into Orlando or Fort Lauderdale. If you’re willing to drive a few hours, Pensacola or Jacksonville can cut your flight cost even further. Skip Miami unless you’re staying there.
Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Miami?
Orlando is almost always cheaper. In 2025, round-trip flights to Orlando average $189, while Miami averages $275. Even with a 4-hour drive, you’ll save hundreds by flying into Orlando and renting a car.
What’s the cheapest month to fly to Florida?
January and early March are the cheapest months. Prices spike during winter holidays, spring break, and summer. Avoid February, Easter, and June-August if you’re on a budget.
Do budget airlines fly to all Florida airports?
No. Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant mostly serve Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Pensacola. Miami, Naples, and Key West have very limited or no budget airline service. Always check the airline’s route map before booking.
Should I rent a car if I fly into a cheaper airport?
Yes, almost always. Florida’s attractions are spread out, and public transit is limited. A rental car costs $25-$40 a day. That’s far less than the $50-$100 you’d save by flying into a cheaper airport. Plus, you’ll have freedom to explore beaches, state parks, and small towns.
Is it worth flying into a smaller airport like Pensacola?
If you’re okay with a 2-3 hour drive to your final destination, yes. Pensacola often has the lowest fares in Florida, especially from Midwest cities. You’ll save money on the flight, and the beaches there are quieter and just as beautiful.
Next Steps: How to Book Your Cheap Florida Flight
Start by opening Google Flights and typing in your departure city. Then, type "Florida" in the destination box. The map will show you prices for every airport. Sort by price, not distance. Look for flights to MCO, FLL, TPA, JAX, and PNS. Set a price alert for $199 or lower. When it drops, book immediately-these deals disappear fast.
Don’t forget to check the airline’s website directly. Sometimes the cheapest fare only shows up on Spirit or Allegiant’s own site. And always read the fine print-baggage fees, change fees, and seat selection can turn a $120 flight into a $250 trip.
Florida is one of the most affordable vacation spots in the U.S.-if you know where to land. Fly smart, drive smart, and you’ll have more money left for sunscreen, shrimp tacos, and beachside sunsets.