Best Airlines Flying from Milwaukee Wisconsin Airport for Convenient and Reliable Travel Options

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has a pretty solid lineup of airlines, making it easy to find flights that actually work for you.

The busiest and most popular airlines flying from Milwaukee include Southwest, Delta, American, Frontier, and Sun Country. Each one offers different flights to a bunch of destinations, so you’ve got some real choices.

Busy airport terminal at Milwaukee Wisconsin Airport with airplanes at gates and passengers walking nearby.

Southwest stands out for its many nonstop flights and usually affordable fares.

Delta and American serve big hubs with reliable schedules.

Frontier and Sun Country are more budget-friendly, which is great if you’re trying to save a few bucks.

Honestly, knowing the airline that matches your travel style makes planning a lot less stressful.

Key Takeaways

  • Multiple airlines serve Milwaukee with a variety of nonstop routes.
  • Southwest, Delta, and American are the largest carriers at this airport.
  • Budget-friendly choices are available with Frontier and Sun Country.

Overview of Milwaukee Wisconsin Airport Airlines

A busy airport terminal with airplanes parked at gates and taxiing, travelers moving through the terminal, and a city skyline in the background.

Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) serves both low-cost and major airlines.

You’ll find flights to a bunch of U.S. cities, whether you’re after cheap fares or something more traditional.

Major Airlines Operating from General Mitchell International Airport

The main airlines at Milwaukee’s airport are Southwest, Delta, American, Frontier, and United.

Southwest has the most flights, so finding an affordable trip is usually pretty easy.

Delta and American offer several daily flights.

Frontier is all about low-cost fares and flies to over 50 destinations.

United connects you to a bunch of hubs, which is helpful if you’re heading farther.

You can call most airlines for reservations or help if you need it.

Popular Destinations and Direct Routes

From MKE, you can fly straight to cities like Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, and Dallas.

Southwest covers a lot of routes to places like Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Delta mainly connects you to its hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit.

American offers flights to Charlotte and Philadelphia.

Frontier’s network covers some vacation spots and smaller cities.

You can reach most major U.S. regions without a layover, which is pretty convenient.

Top Airlines Flying from Milwaukee

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport gives you a variety of airline choices.

You can pick based on price, where you want to go, or what kind of service you like.

Each airline brings something different to the table.

Delta Air Lines

Delta is one of the main carriers at Milwaukee.

You’ll mostly find flights to big hubs like Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Detroit.

This setup makes it easier to connect to a ton of other destinations.

Delta’s known for solid customer service and on-time schedules.

You get a mix of economy and first-class seating, and if you’re in the SkyMiles program, you can rack up points pretty quickly.

Most of their planes are newer, and you usually get inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is the busiest airline at Milwaukee.

They run a lot of flights to cities like Chicago, Denver, and Las Vegas.

Southwest’s fares are usually affordable, and you don’t pay for checked bags.

Their boarding system is a bit different—no assigned seats.

You just pick your spot when you get on.

It’s flexible, but some folks don’t love it.

If you’re big on saving money and like short trips, Southwest is a strong pick.

Their Rapid Rewards points never expire, which is honestly a nice perk.

American Airlines

American Airlines flies from Milwaukee to its hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Chicago-O’Hare.

That gives you access to a bunch of domestic and international routes.

You’ll find basic economy, main cabin, and business class seating.

Since American is part of the Oneworld alliance, you can use your miles with partner airlines.

They’re especially good for East Coast and Latin America flights.

You might spot some seasonal deals too, depending on when you fly.

Spirit Airlines and Frontier

Spirit and Frontier are the go-to budget airlines at Milwaukee.

They focus on cheap flights to U.S. cities and a few vacation spots.

Both charge extra for things like checked bags, seat selection, and even carry-ons.

So, it’s smart to plan ahead to dodge surprise fees.

Spirit flies to places like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

Frontier goes to Denver and other main hubs.

If you’re traveling light and want the lowest price, these two aren’t a bad call.

AirlineKey DestinationsNotable Features
Spirit AirlinesOrlando, Fort LauderdaleUltra-low fares, many fees
FrontierDenver, various U.S. citiesLow base fares, extra fees

You can save a lot with Spirit or Frontier, but just be ready for those extra charges.

They’re a good fit if you care more about price than perks.

Tips for Booking the Best Flights

Getting a good deal on flights means knowing when to book, tracking prices, and being flexible with travel dates.

It helps to compare your options, especially when you’re looking for cheap tickets or flights to Milwaukee.

Finding the Cheapest Month to Fly

The cheapest month to fly to or from Milwaukee really depends on where you’re headed.

Usually, January and February have lower prices.

Try to skip peak times like summer or holidays—tickets jump up then.

Off-peak months can save you real money, whether you’re flying out or coming in.

Flights with connections at ORD or Atlanta might be cheaper in the winter.

It’s always worth checking a few months at once to spot the best deals.

Using Price Alerts for Lowest Fares

Setting up price alerts is a smart move.

Travel sites and apps will ping you when fares drop.

It’s especially handy for flights with connections or if you’re eyeing a trip to Canada.

Alerts let you catch deals on both one-way and round trip flights.

They help you see price trends if you keep them on for a few weeks.

Selecting Travel Dates and One-Way Flights

Being flexible with your travel dates can make a big difference.

Midweek flights are usually cheaper than weekends.

Sometimes, booking two one-way flights costs less than a round trip, especially for international routes.

If you can, avoid flying Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons—they’re the busiest (and priciest).

Mixing outbound indirect flights with a one-way back can sometimes save even more.

Always check if big hubs like ORD or Atlanta connect well to your final stop.

Comparing Cheap Flights to Milwaukee

When you’re booking flights to Milwaukee, compare the airlines and routes.

Southwest has lots of direct flights and decent prices, but other airlines might have better deals if you don’t mind a layover.

Look at options with connections at ORD or Atlanta.

Sometimes, indirect flights are cheaper than direct ones.

Use comparison tools and weigh travel time against the price.

Always watch for hidden fees on cheap tickets—sometimes “cheap” isn’t such a bargain.

Travel Essentials and Local Highlights

Flying from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport? There are a few details to keep in mind.

That includes airport alternatives, getting around, and where to stay nearby.

Nearby Airports and Ground Transportation

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is Milwaukee’s main airport.

The closest alternatives are Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW), about 80 miles away.

You’ll get more flight choices there, but expect a longer trip to Milwaukee.

From MKE, you can get downtown by taxi, rideshare, or public bus.

The Milwaukee County Transit System runs bus routes from the airport to the city center.

A taxi or Uber ride usually takes about 20 minutes.

Parking at the airport comes in short-term and long-term options if you need to leave your car.

Hotels and Car Rentals Near the Airport

There are several hotels close to General Mitchell International Airport.

Popular picks include the Hilton Milwaukee Airport and Holiday Inn Express.

These are handy if you’ve got an early flight or a late arrival.

If you want to explore the area or just like having your own wheels, there are plenty of car rental agencies at MKE.

Big names like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis are right there.

Booking in advance can save you some cash and guarantee you’ll have a car ready.

Exploring Milwaukee: Top Attractions

Milwaukee’s got plenty of sights to check out. Miller Park, where the Milwaukee Brewers play, is a must for baseball fans.

If you’re around during the season (April to September), the energy’s infectious. The Pabst Mansion is another spot—think old-school brewing history and some pretty impressive architecture.

Prefer something a bit more cultural? The Milwaukee Public Museum has exhibits about natural history and the city’s local roots.

Honestly, late spring through early fall is probably the sweet spot for a visit. Temperatures hang around 60°F to 80°F, which feels just right.

Winters here? Well, they’re cold and snowy—so outdoor plans might take a hit.