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Choosing the best airline flying from Durham, North Carolina, means knowing which carriers offer the most convenient routes and reliable service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). With 19 airlines serving the airport, you have plenty of options for both domestic and international travel.
Delta often stands out as the top choice due to its strong network and nonstop routes from RDU.
You will find popular airlines like American, Southwest, and JetBlue alongside Delta, providing many nonstop flights to major cities such as Atlanta and Austin. Whether you value convenience, price, or flight options, understanding which airlines operate best from Durham can help you book smarter and travel easier.
Key Takeways
- You have many airline options with nonstop flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
- Some airlines provide more route choices and better coverage from Durham.
- Knowing your airline options helps you find better deals and convenient flights.
Overview of Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as a key hub connecting you to many domestic and international locations. It offers a range of amenities designed for convenience and has good transport links.
Understanding its location, facilities, and nearby alternatives can help you plan your trip better.
Location and Accessibility
RDU is located roughly midway between Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, about 14 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh and 10 miles southeast of Durham. This central location makes it convenient for travelers from both cities and the surrounding Research Triangle area.
You can reach RDU by car using Interstate 40 or by public transportation via local bus services. Several parking options are available, including daily, economy, and valet parking.
Ride-sharing and taxi services are also common at the airport, making drop-offs and pick-ups easy.
Terminals and Facilities
RDU has one main terminal divided into three concourses: A, B, and C. Concourse A mainly handles domestic flights for airlines like Delta and Southwest.
Concourse B serves other major carriers, and Concourse C handles international flights.
Inside the terminals, you will find various services such as restaurants, shops, car rental counters, and free Wi-Fi. The airport also has lounges for frequent flyers and business travelers.
Clear signage and accessible design help you navigate quickly between areas.
Nearby Airports
If you need alternatives, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is close to several other airports. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 130 miles southwest and offers more flight options.
Fayetteville Regional Airport is around 60 miles south but is smaller with fewer airlines.
Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport is about 70 miles northwest and can be useful if you want specific destinations or cheaper flights. These nearby airports provide you with additional choices depending on your travel plans.
Major Airlines Flying from Durham, North Carolina Airport
You have several strong airline choices at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. These airlines offer a mix of nonstop routes, frequent flights, and reliable service.
Your options include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, each with different strengths and destinations.
American Airlines
American Airlines operates many flights from RDU, connecting you to major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Philadelphia. This allows easy access to both domestic and international flights.
You can find several daily departures, making it convenient to plan your trip. The airline offers a frequent flyer program called AAdvantage, which helps you earn miles for future travel.
You can also benefit from American’s extensive network for connections beyond RDU. If you prefer a large airline with many service options, American is a solid choice.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is known for having some of the best routes from RDU. You can fly nonstop to Atlanta, which is a major Delta hub, giving you access to many destinations worldwide.
Delta also flies nonstop to Austin and other key cities, which is useful if you want fewer stops. Delta’s frequent flyer program, SkyMiles, is popular for offering rewards and upgrades.
The airline often scores well for customer service and on-time flights. If you want strong route options and good service, Delta is worth considering.
United Airlines
United Airlines connects you mainly through its hubs in Chicago and Washington D.C. While it has fewer nonstop flights from RDU compared to others, you can still reach many places with one connection.
United focuses on business travelers and has many flights to major U.S. cities. You can use United’s MileagePlus program to earn and redeem miles.
The airline offers flexible ticket options and access to United Club lounges if you travel frequently. United fits well if your travels require connections to the Midwest or East Coast.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines offers many flights from RDU, often focusing on affordable fares and no change fees. You can fly nonstop to places like Atlanta and other popular cities.
Southwest is praised for its simple boarding process and customer-friendly policies. The airline’s Rapid Rewards program is easy to use and helps you earn points toward free flights.
If you look for budget-friendly fares and straightforward service without many add-ons, Southwest is a strong choice at RDU. The airline often has multiple flights daily, giving you flexible scheduling.
Additional Airlines Serving Durham
You have several airline options from Raleigh-Durham International Airport that can take you to many places across the country and beyond. These airlines vary in their routes, services, and prices, giving you choices depending on your travel needs.
JetBlue
JetBlue offers service from RDU with a focus on comfort and good customer service. You can expect free Wi-Fi, snacks, and ample legroom on their flights.
JetBlue connects you mainly to major cities including popular spots on the East Coast like New York and Boston. This airline is a solid choice if you’re looking for a mix of affordability and perks.
JetBlue tends to provide competitive fares with a more comfortable experience than some low-cost carriers. Their schedule includes both business and leisure destinations.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier is known as a low-cost airline that serves RDU with routes to several major hubs. If you want budget-friendly travel and don’t mind paying extra for some add-ons, Frontier could work for you.
They fly to cities like Atlanta and Denver. However, you should prepare for fees on things like checked bags, seat assignments, and refreshments.
Frontier may appeal if you are looking for the lowest base ticket price and can travel light with minimal extras. Their flights often launch from convenient times for many travelers.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit is another budget option you’ll find at RDU. It focuses on offering cheap fares by charging for almost everything beyond a small personal item.
Spirit flies to a few nonstop destinations from RDU, making it suitable if your goal is low upfront cost and you don’t require many included services. If you travel with carry-on bags or want assigned seating, be ready for additional fees.
Spirit’s no-frills approach helps you save money if you only need a basic flight. Their routes from RDU can put you in touch with major cities in the Southeast and other regions.
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways is a growing airline offering new nonstop routes from RDU, including some destinations not served by others before. Starting in June 2025, Breeze connects you to places like Albany and Akron, expanding your options beyond traditional hubs.
Breeze focuses on providing affordable fares while maintaining a comfortable experience. You can expect newer planes and a straightforward booking process.
If you want to fly nonstop to smaller cities or less common routes, Breeze may be the best fit for your plans.
International Airlines and Destinations
You can fly internationally from Raleigh-Durham Airport to many key cities and countries. The airport offers direct flights on major international carriers.
These airlines connect you to Europe, Canada, and beyond with options for both business and leisure travel.
Air France
Air France operates direct flights from Raleigh-Durham, mainly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. This allows you easy access to France and other destinations across Europe through Air France’s extensive network.
The flights often use wide-body aircraft, providing comfortable seating and in-flight services such as meals, entertainment, and Wi-Fi. You can connect from Paris to cities like London, Milan, or Rome, making it a good option if you plan multi-city travel in Europe.
Air France also participates in the SkyTeam alliance, so you can earn and use frequent flyer miles if you fly with partner airlines on the same trip.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers direct service from RDU to Frankfurt, Germany’s major hub. From Frankfurt, you can reach many parts of Europe, including Berlin, Munich, and Zurich.
The airline’s flights typically provide high standards of service with options for business and economy class. Lufthansa’s extensive network also connects you to destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East if you have layovers.
You will benefit from Lufthansa’s Star Alliance membership, which helps with flight connections, baggage handling, and lounge access if you travel frequently on partner airlines.
Air Canada
Air Canada flies nonstop from Raleigh-Durham to Toronto Pearson International Airport. Toronto is a major gateway to Canada and a hub for travel deeper into North America and beyond.
Your flights on Air Canada usually feature modern aircraft and services such as complimentary snacks, entertainment, and loyalty rewards through their Aeroplan program. From Toronto, you can easily connect to cities across Canada like Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal.
Air Canada also offers connections to international destinations in Europe and Asia, making it a flexible choice for Canadian or global travel.
Icelandair
Icelandair connects RDU with Reykjavik, Iceland. This airline is ideal if you want to combine your international journey with a stopover in Iceland without extra airfare.
From Reykjavik, you have options to continue on flights throughout Europe and North America. Icelandair uses a hub-and-spoke model, which lets you break up your trip and explore Iceland on the way to your main destination.
Icelandair provides standard economy and a “Saga” premium class. The airline is known for friendly service, and flights include meals and personal entertainment screens.
This option is great if you want a unique travel experience with international reach.
Top Domestic Destinations from Durham
You can reach many key cities directly from Durham, NC, with flights serving business and leisure travelers alike. These routes offer frequent flights and connections to other major hubs, helping you get where you need to go efficiently.
Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the busiest and most popular domestic destinations from Durham. Delta Air Lines offers several daily nonstop flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
You’ll find Atlanta to be a major connecting hub if you want to travel to cities like Dallas, Miami, or Los Angeles. Flying to Atlanta puts you close to major cultural spots and business centers.
The flight is usually short and fares are competitive. You also benefit from frequent flight times, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.
Newark
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a key gateway for flights from Durham, served mainly by United Airlines. If you’re headed to the New York metropolitan area or connecting to international flights, Newark is a solid option.
Flights to Newark tend to be reliable and offer flexible scheduling. From Newark, you can easily reach New York City or connect to destinations like Boston, Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh.
This route is especially valuable for business travelers and those visiting family in the Northeast.
Baltimore
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is another popular nonstop destination from Durham. Southwest Airlines often operates flights here, with others like American Airlines also serving this route.
Traveling to Baltimore means quick access to Washington, D.C., which is just a short drive away. It’s a convenient choice if you want to connect to places like Syracuse or Burlington.
Flight options to Baltimore are regular, giving you decent choice in departure times.
Boston
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) connects you from Durham to the Northeast with regular nonstop flights, typically operated by Delta and American Airlines.
Boston is a top pick for business trips and tourism with its rich history and universities. Nonstop flights reduce travel time and get you closer to cities such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, which you can reach via a short connection.
Flight frequency varies but is generally good for planning flexible trips.
Direct and Nonstop Flight Options
You can find many direct and nonstop flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. These flights save you time by avoiding layovers and give you more travel choices.
Several airlines offer nonstop routes to popular cities across the U.S. and beyond.
Popular Direct Routes
From Raleigh-Durham, direct flights connect you to many key cities. Frequent nonstop flights fly to Atlanta (ATL) with Delta, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines.
Austin (AUS) is another popular nonstop destination, mainly served by Delta. Newer nonstop routes include Bermuda (BDA) with BermudAir, and Pensacola, Florida (PNS) via Breeze Airways.
Kansas City (MCI) is also a direct destination offered by Delta Air Lines. These options let you reach vacation spots or business hubs without connecting flights.
Nonstop Airline Partners
You’ll find about 20 airlines serving Raleigh-Durham with nonstop flights. Some major carriers are Delta, American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Frontier.
International carriers like Air France and Aer Lingus also offer direct flights. Breeze Airways and BermudAir have added new nonstop routes starting mid-2025.
Airlines at RDU provide you with daily nonstop flights to a range of domestic and some international locations. Multiple choices mean you can pick the most convenient airline for your schedule.
Direct Flight vs. Connecting Flight
Choosing a direct or nonstop flight means you avoid changing planes. This lowers the risk of delays or lost luggage.
Your travel time is shorter because you don’t wait between flights. Connecting flights sometimes cost less, but they add time and stress.
Direct flights may charge a bit more but offer better convenience. You can fly with fewer hassles and more predictability when you choose a nonstop route.
This is useful if your time is limited or your schedule is tight.
Finding the Best Flight Deals from Durham
You can save money flying out of Durham by using tools and services designed to track and compare fares. Knowing where to look and how to use these tools helps you spot cheap tickets faster.
Using Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Price alerts notify you when flight prices from Durham drop or rise. You set your route and travel dates, then get updates by email or app.
This keeps you informed without checking constantly. Flight calendars display ticket prices for a full month or longer.
This helps you see which days have the lowest fares. By being flexible with your travel dates, you increase your chance of buying the best fare.
Both tools work well together. Use flight calendars to find low-price windows, then set price alerts to track changes around those dates.
This strategy makes booking cheap flights easier and more efficient.
Leveraging Travel Providers
Travel providers like Expedia, Travelocity, and Kayak specialize in flight deals from Durham. They gather offers from many airlines to show you good options in one place.
These platforms often have filters to compare prices by airline, flight duration, or departure time. You can also find bundled deals with hotels or car rentals if needed.
Using a trusted travel provider saves time and helps ensure you find competitive fares. Checking multiple providers gives you a broader view of available flights and prices.
Saving with Cheap Tickets and Fare Comparisons
Cheap tickets from Durham start around $27 one way, depending on your destination and timing. Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Delta regularly offer low prices on routes from Raleigh-Durham Airport.
Use fare comparison websites to view prices across several airlines at once. This helps you spot the best rate quickly.
Remember to check different dates and times, as fares can vary widely. Booking early or last-minute deals can also affect costs.
By comparing fares and staying flexible, you improve your chances of finding the cheapest flights from Durham.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights from Durham
Finding a low fare from Raleigh-Durham Airport takes planning and flexibility. You want to know when to buy your ticket, when to fly, and how to adjust your travel dates or airports to get the best deal.
Cheapest Time to Book a Flight
Booking your flight about 6 to 8 weeks before your trip often secures the lowest prices. Prices can rise quickly if you wait until a few weeks before departure.
Midweek bookings tend to be cheaper than weekend purchases. Airlines often release deals early in the week, so Tuesday or Wednesday are good days to check for discounts.
Set fare alerts and compare prices regularly. This helps you spot price drops and avoid paying too much.
Best Time and Month to Fly
Flying in off-peak months like January or February usually costs less. Demand is lower after the holidays, pushing ticket prices down.
Avoid flying around major holidays or popular school vacation weeks, as prices often spike due to higher traveler volume. Midweek flights on Tuesday or Wednesday are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Early morning or late-night flights can also save you money.
Flex Your Dates and Add Nearby Airports
If you can shift your departure or return date by a few days, you can save significantly. Use flexible date search options when booking online.
Check flights from nearby airports like Charlotte Douglas International or even Greensboro’s airport. Sometimes a short drive can get you a cheaper flight.
Combining flexible travel dates with alternative airports widens your options and can lower overall trip costs.
Booking Options for Every Traveler
You can find flight tickets at Raleigh-Durham International Airport that fit many travel needs. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a longer journey, options are available that suit your schedule and budget.
One-Way Flights and Round-Trip Choices
If your plans are flexible or you just need to travel one way, you can book one-way flights from RDU. These tickets allow you to buy only the flight that suits your current trip without committing to a return date.
Round-trip tickets are a good choice if you already know your return date. They often cost less than two one-way tickets combined.
Many airlines like Delta, American, and Southwest offer both options. Booking early usually helps you get better prices, especially for one-way flights.
You can compare prices on travel sites to find affordable flight tickets.
Business Class Flights
Business class flights from RDU offer more comfort and amenities if you want a better travel experience. These flights usually include larger seats, extra legroom, and priority boarding.
You can book business class tickets on major airlines such as Delta or American Airlines. The prices are higher but come with services like premium meals and access to airport lounges.
Choosing business class is helpful if you need to stay productive or want more relaxation during your flight. Consider the cost and benefits before booking to see if it fits your travel needs.
Understanding Fees and Policies
When booking flights from Durham, NC, you need to pay close attention to fees and rules. Some costs are not obvious at first, and airlines have different policies for changes or cancellations.
Knowing what to expect helps you avoid surprises and plan better.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Many airlines add extra fees that don’t show up in the ticket price. These can include charges for checked bags, carry-ons, seat selection, or even printing boarding passes.
At Raleigh-Durham Airport, some airlines like Delta may include basic carry-on bags, but checked bags can cost $30 or more each way. Low-cost or budget airlines often charge for almost every extra service, so watch for these before you book.
Seat choice fees vary widely. If you want to pick a specific seat early, you might pay $10 to $50 depending on the flight and airline.
Also, some airlines charge fees for in-flight amenities like WiFi or snacks.
Change and Cancellation Policies
Airline change and cancellation rules differ a lot. Many major carriers flying out of RDU offer flexible options but may charge a fee depending on your ticket type.
If you want to change your flight, you could pay between $75 and $200, plus any difference in fare. Some airlines offer free changes for certain ticket classes or during special promotions.
Cancellations often carry fees too. Some refundable tickets allow you to get a full or partial refund.
Non-refundable fares usually get credit for future travel instead of cash back. Make sure to read the rules carefully when booking to choose the best option for your needs.