Dallas is home to several budget airlines that make travel a bit easier on your wallet. If you’re hoping to save some cash, Frontier Airlines and Avelo Airlines are two of the top picks in the Dallas area, offering low fares to a bunch of destinations.
These airlines fly out of both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). That means you’ve got options, whether you live closer to the suburbs or right in the city.
Booking with budget airlines? Expect the basics—no-frills service, and you’ll probably pay extra for things like checked bags or picking your seat. If you plan ahead, though, you can really stretch your travel budget further.
From Dallas, these airlines connect you to popular U.S. cities at prices that are honestly hard to beat.
Key Takeways
- You can find budget flights from Dallas with airlines like Frontier and Avelo.
- Booking early helps you snag the best low fares and dodge extra fees.
- Budget airlines keep things simple, but the savings can be worth it if you plan well.
Overview of Budget Airlines Operating in Dallas Texas
If you’re after cheap flights in Dallas, several budget airlines serve the area. You can fly from a couple different airports, with plenty of direct routes and carriers focused on keeping things affordable.
Major Low-Cost Carriers Serving Dallas
The main budget airlines in Dallas are Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Southwest gets a lot of love for its low fares and straightforward pricing—no hidden fees, just what you see.
Frontier is another big player, especially out of DFW, and they’re all about keeping costs down per mile.
Other options like JSX and Vonlane are out there too, focusing on short, comfy flights at lower prices. It’s worth figuring out which airline matches your schedule and budget.
Airports in Dallas for Budget Travel
You’ve got two main airports for budget flights: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). DFW is the bigger one, serving a bunch of airlines, including Frontier and United.
It offers lots of flight choices, but it can be a bit of a maze if you’re not used to big airports.
Dallas Love Field is smaller and closer to downtown, which is pretty convenient. Southwest runs most of its flights out of here, making it a favorite for folks looking for cheap and easy travel.
Non-Stop and Direct Flights Offered by Budget Airlines
Budget airlines from Dallas often have non-stop flights on popular routes. Southwest, for example, runs tons of non-stop flights from Love Field to big U.S. cities.
From DFW, Frontier covers some less crowded routes with direct flights, so you can skip layovers and keep costs down. If you’re not a fan of long travel days, look for flights marked as non-stop or direct.
How to Find the Best Deals on Budget Flights from Dallas
Finding the best deals from Dallas means comparing prices, being flexible with your travel dates, and using price-tracking tools. It’s not rocket science, but it takes a little effort.
Comparing Flight Prices Across Airlines
Start by checking prices from all the budget airlines flying out of Dallas—Frontier, Spirit, you name it. Sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights let you compare fares from pretty much everyone at once.
Don’t just stick to one airline. Different carriers have their own promos and routes, so cast a wide net.
Use filters for nonstop or one-stop flights, depending on your patience level. And honestly, roundtrip tickets are usually cheaper than two one-ways.
Flexible Dates and Cheapest Months to Travel
Flight prices can swing a lot depending on when you fly. Tools with flight calendars or cheapest-date finders let you see how fares change by day or month.
Flying on weekdays or during off-peak times is usually cheaper. January and September, for example, tend to have lower prices since fewer people are traveling.
If you’re flexible, you can dodge those expensive weekends and holidays.
Leveraging Price Alerts and Everywhere Search Tools
Set up price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights so you don’t have to keep checking fares yourself. You’ll get a heads up when prices drop.
The “Everywhere” search tool is handy if you just want to go somewhere cheap from Dallas. It’ll show you the best deals to all kinds of places, which is great if you’re not set on a specific destination.
What to Expect When Booking With Budget Airlines in Dallas
Booking with budget airlines in Dallas is a bit different from traditional carriers. The tickets are cheap, but you’ll probably pay extra for things like bags or picking your seat.
Knowing what you’re getting—and what costs extra—can help you avoid surprises.
Hidden Fees and Fare Inclusions
Budget airlines are kind of infamous for extra fees. The base fare usually covers just your seat and a small personal item.
You’ll pay more for checked bags, carry-ons, and picking your seat. Sometimes there are fees for printing boarding passes at the airport or even for snacks.
If you’re booking a roundtrip, those fees can add up fast. Always double-check what’s included before you buy.
Compare fees for stuff like extra legroom or priority boarding—it can make a big difference if you’re trying to save.
Cabin Classes and Upgrade Options
Most budget airlines stick to one main cabin—economy. But some do offer premium options, like premium economy or even business class seats, if you want a little more comfort.
Upgrades cost extra and can get close to what you’d pay on a full-service airline. You might get things like wider seats or more legroom, and sometimes priority boarding.
If you want a quieter or comfier flight, check for upgrade deals while booking. Some loyalty programs might throw in a freebie or discount, but don’t count on it.
Flight Status and Change Policies
Budget airlines tend to have stricter rules about changing or canceling flights. Your ticket might be cheap, but changing plans can get pricey.
Refundable tickets are rare and usually cost a lot more. Non-refundable tickets often come with change fees and any fare difference.
Keep an eye on your flight status—budget airlines sometimes have less robust customer support. Use apps or airline websites for the latest updates on delays or gate changes.
Knowing the policies before you book can save you some headaches if your plans shift.
Travel Essentials and Tips for Dallas Budget Flyers
Flying budget out of Dallas? It pays to plan your ground transportation and hotel ahead of time. Sometimes using a different airport or booking a car rental early can save you more than you’d think.
Airport Transportation and Car Hire Options
Dallas has plenty of ways to get from the airport to wherever you’re going. If you land at DFW, you’ve got shuttle services, ride-shares, and taxis to get you downtown or out to the suburbs.
Car rentals are easy to find at both DFW and Love Field. Big names like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have counters right at the airport.
Booking your rental in advance usually means better prices. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore Dallas—or even head out to Houston if you’re feeling adventurous.
Just remember, budget airlines don’t usually include shuttle services, so figure out your ride before you land.
Hotels Near Dallas Airports
If you want to stay close to the airport, look for hotels nearby to cut down on travel time. Near DFW, places like the Hyatt Regency DFW and Marriott DFW Airport offer free shuttles and comfy beds.
By Dallas Love Field, budget-friendly options like Hampton Inn & Suites and Home2 Suites keep you close to both the airport and city sights.
A lot of these hotels throw in free parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast—little things that help keep your trip affordable.
If your travels take you through Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), hotels like the Marriott Houston Intercontinental and Hilton Houston are solid picks with easy airport and rental car access.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Routes
Besides Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), you might want to look at other airports nearby. Sometimes, that’s where the deals hide.
Take Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) for instance. It’s roughly 240 miles from Dallas, but you could stumble onto lower fares or different airlines like United or American.
If you’re open with your travel dates, using these airports could unlock more budget flights. Southwest Airlines, by the way, mostly runs out of Dallas Love Field—always a solid pick for cheap flights in the area.
Before you book, check flight times, prices, and how you’ll actually get to and from these alternative airports. It takes a bit more planning, but sometimes that’s what makes a trip doable.