Best Airlines Flying from Albany New York Airport

Albany International Airport (ALB) serves as the gateway to Upstate New York and the Capital Region. Whether you’re heading to a major city, planning a tropical getaway, or connecting to a long-haul international flight, Albany Airport offers a strong lineup of airlines and convenient routes. This guide will break down the best airlines flying from Albany, New York, and how you can make the most of your travel experience.

Overview of Albany International Airport (ALB)

Located just north of Albany in Colonie, New York, Albany International Airport (ALB) is the major airport serving the Capital District and surrounding areas. It’s known for its user-friendly layout, efficient security checkpoints, and easy access from I-87.

With more than 1.5 million passengers passing through annually, ALB strikes a balance between the comfort of a regional airport and the connectivity of a major travel hub.

Airlines Operating from Albany International Airport

Albany Airport is served by several national and low-cost carriers, giving travelers a diverse range of options. The airlines currently operating scheduled flights from ALB include:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Allegiant Air

These airlines offer flights to dozens of destinations, with both nonstop and connecting service available.

American Airlines – East Coast and Beyond

American Airlines connects Albany to its major hubs, including:

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Washington National (DCA)

These connections make it easy to access both domestic and international destinations with one stop. American also offers reliable service and a solid frequent flyer program (AAdvantage®), ideal for business and international travelers.

Delta Air Lines – Fast Connections Through the Northeast

Delta provides service from Albany to:

• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Both of these are major Delta hubs, offering hundreds of connections across the U.S. and internationally. Delta is known for its customer service, comfortable aircraft, and a strong SkyMiles loyalty program.

United Airlines – Midwest and West Coast Gateways

United Airlines operates flights to:

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

These routes open up convenient one-stop access to the Midwest, West Coast, and international destinations. United is a smart choice for travelers looking for flexible connection options and MileagePlus® benefits.

Southwest Airlines – Low-Cost Nonstop Options

Southwest Airlines is a favorite for affordable, no-frills service with two free checked bags. From ALB, Southwest offers direct flights to cities such as:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Tampa (TPA)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Chicago (MDW)

Southwest’s transparent pricing and frequent sales make it a go-to airline for leisure travelers and families.

JetBlue Airways – Comfort and Coastal Travel

JetBlue brings comfort and perks like free Wi-Fi and more legroom to travelers flying from Albany. Common destinations include:

• New York City (JFK)
• Boston (BOS)

These routes are perfect for connecting to international flights or taking quick domestic trips. JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program and customer satisfaction ratings also stand out.

Allegiant Air – Budget-Friendly Nonstop Travel

Allegiant Air offers limited but valuable nonstop routes to sunny vacation spots. Examples include:

• Myrtle Beach (MYR)
• Punta Gorda (PGD)

This ultra-low-cost carrier is great for travelers seeking budget travel to warm-weather destinations. Keep in mind that Allegiant operates on a limited schedule, usually 2–3 times per week.

How to Find the Best Flights from Albany

To get the most value and convenience from your flight out of ALB, consider the following:

• Use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights.
• Set up fare alerts for your preferred routes.
• Be flexible with dates and nearby airports for better prices.
• Book early during holiday seasons and school breaks.

Alternatives to Albany International Airport

If your ideal flight isn’t available from ALB, nearby airports include:

• Bradley International Airport (BDL) – ~1.5 hours south in Hartford, CT
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) – ~2 hours west
• New York City area airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) – ~2.5–3 hours by car or train

These larger airports may offer more international or long-haul nonstop routes but with added travel time and complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many airlines fly out of Albany International Airport?
As of now, six major airlines operate from ALB: American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Allegiant.

Can I fly internationally from Albany?
There are no direct international flights, but easy connections through major hubs make international travel simple.

Which airline is cheapest from Albany?
Allegiant and Southwest often offer the lowest base fares, but total cost may vary based on baggage and extras.

Is Albany International Airport busy?
Compared to large metro airports, ALB is relatively calm and efficient—ideal for stress-free travel.

Final Thoughts

Albany International Airport is a highly accessible and well-connected airport for travelers throughout Upstate New York. Whether you prioritize affordability, comfort, or loyalty perks, there’s an airline at ALB to match your needs. From business trips to weekend getaways, the options from Albany make flying both easy and enjoyable.

Before booking your next flight, take a look at what ALB has to offer—it might be the perfect starting point for your next adventure.