Mesa Arizona Airport is a solid pick if you’re hoping to skip the hustle at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The best airlines flying from Mesa Arizona Airport are Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, offering several key routes and affordable options.
These airlines focus on direct flights to travel hotspots, which just makes things easier.
If you’re tired of long lines and packed terminals, flying out of Mesa might just save your sanity. The airlines here mainly serve leisure travelers, so you’ll find budget flights to vacation spots.
Knowing which airlines actually operate can help you plan and, honestly, avoid headaches.
Key Takeways
- You can fly budget-friendly with key airlines at Mesa Arizona Airport.
- The airport offers convenient routes to popular destinations.
- Choosing this airport can make your travel easier and less crowded.
Top Airlines Operating from Mesa Arizona Airport
There aren’t a ton of airlines at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Allegiant Air is the main player, running direct flights to a bunch of popular spots.
Allegiant’s presence really shapes the airport’s vibe—smaller, less chaotic, and more focused on getting you where you want to go without fuss.
Allegiant Air Overview
Allegiant Air is basically the go-to airline at Mesa Gateway. They’re all about budget flights, mostly for folks heading on vacation.
You’ll see smaller planes and fewer flights per day, which honestly means less crowding and a more relaxed experience.
One thing Allegiant nails is direct flights. If you hate layovers (who doesn’t?), you’ll appreciate the straight-shot routes.
If Mesa’s your starting point, Allegiant will probably be your best bet for getting somewhere fast and cheap.
Comparison with Major Carriers
Unlike Phoenix Sky Harbor, you won’t find the big names like American, Delta, or Southwest at Mesa Gateway. Here, it’s Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines running the show.
Major airlines have bigger fleets and more flights, sure, but they stick to the bigger airports.
So, if convenience and price matter more than endless route options, Mesa’s budget airlines are a pretty good tradeoff.
Direct Flight Options
Most direct flights out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway are thanks to Allegiant Air. They connect you to vacation destinations without the usual layover drama.
Direct flights are just easier—less waiting, less stress.
You’ll spot flights to places like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and other sun-soaked cities. Keep an eye on Allegiant’s seasonal route changes, though—they don’t always stick to the same schedule.
If you’re after a smooth trip, direct flights with Allegiant out of Mesa are hard to beat.
Best Destinations and Flight Routes
Mesa Arizona Airport has a surprising number of direct routes to major cities. It mostly serves U.S. destinations, but you’ll see some seasonal flights pop up too.
Popular Domestic Routes
From Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, you can fly nonstop to around 41 places. Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines cover most of these routes.
Top picks include:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Portland, Oregon
- Vancouver, Washington
Las Vegas is by far the most popular—over a quarter of all flights head there. Nonstop flights to these cities are usually affordable, making them perfect for a spontaneous getaway or a longer stay.
Seasonal and Return Flight Schedules
Flight schedules at Mesa Gateway change with the seasons. You’ll see more flights to vacation spots when demand spikes.
Return flights often line up with weekends and holidays, so you can plan around peak travel times.
Checking the flight calendar on the airline or airport website is a smart move. Flexibility helps you snag better fares and more choices.
How to Find the Cheapest Flights from Mesa Arizona Airport
Scoring cheap flights from Mesa Arizona Airport isn’t rocket science. Timing, price alerts, and a little flexibility can save you a chunk of change.
Cheapest Month to Fly
January is usually the cheapest month to fly out of Mesa, right after the holiday rush. You’ll often see fares 20-30% lower than in busy months like summer or December.
Late fall and early spring are also good for deals. Try to avoid weekends—mid-week flights are generally cheaper.
If you’re not locked into specific dates, play around with the calendar to spot the best prices.
Using Price Alerts and One-Way Tickets
Price alerts are your friend. Plenty of apps and travel sites will ping you when fares drop, so you don’t have to check constantly.
Sometimes, booking one-way tickets instead of roundtrips can save you money. Mixing airlines and dates can lead to better deals, though always watch out for baggage fees.
Tips for Booking the Lowest Prices
For the best prices, book 3 to 6 weeks ahead for domestic trips. Last-minute flights usually cost more—no surprise there.
Being flexible with your travel dates helps a lot. Use tools that let you compare prices over a week or month.
Budget airlines like Allegiant Air or Frontier often have the cheapest tickets from Mesa.
Always double-check for extra fees before you pay. Watch for sales, especially around holidays or when airlines run promotions.
Travel Planning and Airport Services
Mesa Gateway Airport keeps things straightforward. You’ll find practical options for getting around, a few handy features, and some nice places nearby if you’ve got time to kill.
Car Rental and Ground Transportation
Several car rental companies operate at the airport. Alamo is a popular pick for smooth pickups and drop-offs.
Renting a car is usually the best way to see more of the Phoenix area.
You’ve also got taxis, Uber, Lyft, and shuttles. If you’re connecting to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, there are affordable shuttle services for easy transfers.
Booking your rental ahead of time can save you money and hassle.
Airport Amenities and Accessibility
Mesa Gateway is designed for quick, no-nonsense travel. There’s free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and clean waiting areas.
Accessibility is solid: elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are all here. Staff can help if you let them know in advance.
Dining and shopping options are basic—don’t expect a mall. The airport’s small enough that finding your gate never turns into a marathon.
Exploring Phoenix and Nearby Attractions
Once you land, it’s pretty easy to get to Phoenix or the nearby sights by car or shuttle.
The Desert Botanical Garden is a favorite for checking out desert plants. It’s about a half-hour drive from the airport—not too far, honestly.
Phoenix’s downtown has restaurants, museums, and parks. If your layover is long or you just got in, maybe give it a shot.
Renting a car from Mesa Gateway gives you more freedom to explore. Sometimes you just want to go where you want, right?
If you’d rather stick close, Mesa has local shops and places to eat right by the airport. Fast options for food and something to do are always nice.