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If you’re hoping to save some cash on flights out of Columbus, Ohio, it helps to know which budget airlines are actually flying from there. Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Breeze Airways are among the top affordable choices at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
These carriers make it possible to reach a bunch of U.S. destinations on the cheap, which—let’s be real—can make travel a lot less stressful for your wallet.
Columbus has a handful of airlines that really lean into affordable travel, with nonstop flights that are often surprisingly well-priced. Picking the right budget carrier can mean snagging a good deal and flying at a time that actually works for you.
You don’t have to give up comfort or convenience just because you want to fly cheap from Columbus.
Key Takeways
- Columbus has several budget airlines offering low-cost flights.
- Nonstop flights are available on many budget carriers from Columbus.
- Knowing the main budget airlines helps you spot the best airfare deals.
Leading Budget Airlines Serving Columbus, Ohio
If you’re trying to find cheap flights out of Columbus, focusing on low-cost airlines is a good move. There are a few solid options at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Here’s a quick look at some of the main budget airlines you’ll encounter.
Spirit Airlines Overview
Spirit Airlines is famous (or maybe infamous?) for offering really low fares from Columbus. They keep prices down by charging extra for things like checked bags and seat selection, so you only pay for what you actually want.
Spirit flies to a bunch of popular cities and vacation spots from Columbus. Book early, pack light, and you’ll probably save a fair bit.
Just watch those baggage rules—if you’re not careful, the fees can sneak up on you.
Other Low-Cost Carriers
Besides Spirit, there are a couple of other budget-friendly choices at Columbus Airport. Southwest Airlines is a go-to for many travelers since you get two free checked bags and their pricing is pretty transparent.
Frontier Airlines is another contender, with a similar model to Spirit—low base fares, pay for extras. Breeze Airways is in the mix too, though it’s smaller and only flies to select destinations for now.
| Airline | Baggage Policy | Route Variety | Pricing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | Fees for all bags | U.S. and some vacation | Ultra-low base fares |
| Southwest | Two free checked bags | Broad U.S. network | No hidden fees |
| Frontier | Fees for bags and seats | Growing domestic routes | Low base fare model |
| Breeze Airways | Fees for bags and seats | Limited destinations | Low-cost structure |
Which one’s best? Depends on what matters to you—bag space, where you’re headed, or how much you care about avoiding extra fees.
Top Airports for Budget Airlines in Columbus
There are two main airports in Columbus where you’ll find these budget carriers. Each has its own vibe and options.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is where most budget airline travelers in Columbus start out. You’ll find Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and sometimes others.
The airport’s got nonstop flights to a bunch of U.S. cities, so it’s pretty easy to find something affordable. Facilities are decent, and the airport’s not too hard to get to whether you’re driving or hopping on public transit.
Frontier, for example, flies from CMH to more than 50 destinations at wallet-friendly prices. Delta, American, United, and Southwest all operate here too, but if you’re watching your spending, Southwest and Frontier are probably your best bets.
Rickenbacker International Airport
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)—sometimes called Columbus Rickenbacker—is mostly a cargo hub, but it’s starting to see more passenger flights. It doesn’t have as many budget airline choices as John Glenn, but that could change as it grows.
It’s a bit farther from downtown, so plan for a longer drive or ride if you’re heading there. On the plus side, it’s less crowded and parking’s usually pretty easy.
If you’re hunting for deals or new routes, it’s worth checking what’s coming out of Rickenbacker.
How to Find the Best Budget Fares
Timing and flexibility go a long way when you’re looking for cheap flights from Columbus. If you can plan ahead and aren’t locked into certain dates, you’ll have a better shot at snagging a bargain.
Best Time to Book Cheap Flights
Generally, the sweet spot for booking cheap flights from Columbus is 6 to 8 weeks before you want to go. If you wait until the last two weeks, prices almost always go up.
Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually means lower fares—midweek flights just tend to cost less than weekends. Off-peak seasons like late January or early February can also offer some of the best deals.
It’s smart to keep an eye on prices and sign up for fare alerts. Spirit and Frontier, for example, often drop sales in the middle of the week.
If you see a great price, don’t overthink it—just book. Those deals don’t stick around for long.
Top Routes and Destinations
You’ll usually spot the cheapest flights from Columbus on routes to nearby hubs and popular cities. Flights to places like Chicago, Atlanta, and Orlando? Those are often pretty affordable.
These routes have plenty of flights, which keeps prices competitive. It’s worth checking airlines like Spirit Airlines and Frontier—they’re known for budget options out of Columbus.
They cover over 50 destinations across the U.S. That includes vacation hotspots and big business cities.
If you’re hunting for deals, roundtrip tickets are usually the way to go, especially for busy routes. Don’t ignore flights with stops, either. Sometimes a layover saves you more than you’d expect.
| Popular Budget Routes from Columbus | Notes |
|---|---|
| Columbus to Chicago (ORD) | Frequent flights, lower prices |
| Columbus to Orlando (MCO) | Popular for vacations |
| Columbus to Atlanta (ATL) | Large hub, multiple airlines |
| Columbus to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Budget leisure destination |