Rochester International Airport has a handful of airlines ready to get you where you need to go, whether you’re traveling for work or just escaping for a bit.
Delta, Southwest, American, and JetBlue are the heavy hitters here, offering reliable flights and a decent range of destinations. You’ll find both direct and connecting flights to major cities, so you’ve got options.
What matters most—price, schedule, or just getting there with the least hassle? Some airlines have more nonstop routes, while others are all about saving you a few bucks.
Knowing which airline actually fits your trip can make things easier (and cheaper).
You’ll see several nonstop flights from Rochester to big hubs around the country. That means quicker connections if your final stop isn’t one of the main cities.
The airport’s setup makes ground transportation a breeze, so you won’t be stuck waiting around.
Key Takeways
- Multiple major airlines serve Rochester with direct and connecting flights.
- You can find options based on convenience and budget.
- The airport supports easy access and transfers for your journey.
Overview of Major Airlines Operating from Rochester
You’ve got a few solid airline choices when flying out of Rochester, NY.
Major carriers connect you to important U.S. cities and hubs. Some offer frequent daily flights, while others are better if you’re just looking for a decent fare.
Delta Air Lines Services
Delta Air Lines is a frequent flier at Rochester, making it a favorite for many travelers. You can get to hubs like Detroit, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.
These are perfect for easy connections to just about anywhere in the U.S.—or even abroad.
Delta is especially popular with business travelers. Schedules are consistent, and you’ll usually find early morning and evening flights.
If you want flexibility and a big network, Delta’s a pretty safe bet out of ROC.
JetBlue Airways Routes
JetBlue gets you straight to New York City with a direct route that clocks in around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Comfort’s a big deal for JetBlue—think more legroom and free Wi-Fi on most flights.
If you’re headed to the Northeast, JetBlue’s a solid pick. Folks seem to like the service, and those nonstop flights mean you skip the dreaded layover.
JetBlue’s non-stop from Rochester can really save you time.
Most Popular Airlines by Region
From Rochester, your airline choice often depends on where you’re headed. For the Northeast and big eastern cities, JetBlue and Delta are often the go-tos.
Southwest and American tend to cover more mid-sized and southern U.S. destinations.
If you’re flying for business, Delta is usually the top pick out of Rochester. For budget trips or southern routes, Southwest and Allegiant are worth a look.
| Airline | Key Regions Served | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | National hubs, business destinations | Large network, frequent flights |
| JetBlue Airways | Northeast, New York City | Direct routes, more comfort |
| Southwest | Southern U.S., regional | Budget fares, good coverage |
Direct and Connecting Flights to Major New York Destinations
You can fly either nonstop or with a connection from Rochester to key New York airports.
Flight options change depending on which New York airport you’re eyeing—and how many flights run each week.
Flights to New York LaGuardia (LGA)
LaGuardia is a popular target for Rochester flyers. There are plenty of direct flights each week, mostly on Delta.
LaGuardia’s close to Manhattan, so it’s handy for business or just getting into the city.
Delta runs about 39 nonstop flights per week from Rochester to LaGuardia. That makes it easy to find a flight that fits your plans.
Return flights from LaGuardia to Rochester are just as frequent.
Traveling to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Getting to JFK from Rochester usually means a connecting flight—no regular nonstops here. You’ll probably connect through a hub like Atlanta or Detroit.
JFK is a bit farther from Rochester, but it’s the gateway for international flights.
You can still book one-stop flights that link up through the big airline hubs. This opens up more options, especially if you’re heading overseas.
Average Flight Times and Frequency
The average nonstop flight from Rochester to LaGuardia is about 1 hour 15 minutes. Quick and painless.
Flights to LaGuardia usually run 5 to 6 times per day. Lots of flexibility for your schedule.
For JFK, since it’s a connecting route, the total trip can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours or more, depending on layovers.
Here’s a quick look:
| Route | Flight Type | Flights Per Week | Average Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester to LGA | Nonstop | ~39 nonstop | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Rochester to JFK | Connecting | Multiple options | 2 to 4+ hours total |
Tips for Booking the Cheapest and Most Convenient Flights
Scoring a cheap, easy flight from Rochester isn’t rocket science, but a few tricks help. Timing, price tracking, and choosing the right ticket type can save you some cash—or just make the trip smoother.
Best Times and Cheapest Months to Travel
June is usually the cheapest month to fly from Rochester. Early summer fares tend to be lower before the real travel rush kicks in.
You might find flights for as little as £95 if you book a few weeks ahead.
Weekdays are your friend—Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often cheapest. Avoid holidays and big events if you can; prices jump fast.
If you’ve got wiggle room with your dates, you can pick times when fewer people are flying. Early morning or late-night flights are sometimes less crowded (and less expensive).
How to Use Flight Calendars and Price Alerts
Flight calendars are a great way to spot cheap days to fly. You can see prices for every day of the month at a glance.
Setting up price alerts is a no-brainer. You’ll get notified when fares drop, so you don’t have to keep checking.
Most travel sites and apps offer price alerts for free. Set them up a few weeks before you want to travel to catch the good deals.
Finding Return and One-Way Deals
Always compare return and one-way flights. Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than a round trip. Other times, round-trip tickets win out.
Check airlines that offer direct flights from Rochester, like Spirit, Delta, and Breeze Airways. Direct flights might cost a bit more, but they’ll save you time and hassle.
If price trumps convenience, consider nearby airports or even mixing in a bus or train ride. Sometimes, the cheapest route isn’t the most obvious one.
Essential Airport and Ground Transport Information
When you fly from Rochester, you’ll use Greater Rochester International Airport. It’s got the basics covered, plus a few extras for convenience.
There are several ways to get to and from the airport, including public buses and car rentals.
Greater Rochester International Airport Facilities
Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is compact, so you won’t get lost. Baggage claim, ticket counters, and security are all in one building.
You’ll find a few cafes and quick eats if you’re hungry. Free Wi-Fi covers the terminal, which is always a plus.
If you need help or accessibility services, the airport’s got you covered. Parking options include short-term and long-term lots, both close to the terminal.
The airport is set up to help you move through quickly and comfortably, though you might still want to give yourself a little extra time—just in case.
Public Transport and Car Rentals
Public transport to and from ROC is handled by Regional Transit Service (RTS) buses. These buses link the airport with downtown Rochester and nearby spots.
Definitely check the bus schedules ahead of time. On weekends or holidays, they might not run as often as you’d hope.
If driving’s more your style, there are several rental car companies right at the airport. The big-name agencies have plenty of options, so you can pick whatever fits.
Parking rates? Not too bad—whether you’re just dropping by or staying a while. Booking your rental online before you arrive can save you some hassle.