Detroit is served by several budget airlines that help you save money while traveling. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are two of the best budget carriers operating from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), offering low fares to many U.S. destinations.
These airlines provide options for travelers who want affordable flights without sacrificing convenience.
Finding cheap flights from Detroit can be a lot easier if you know where to look. Airlines like Sun Country and WestJet sometimes pop up with surprisingly good prices, and booking sites or deal alerts can help you catch those bargains.
Understanding how these airlines operate at DTW can help you plan your trip better and get the most value for your money.
You don’t need to spend hours searching to find budget-friendly flights. Knowing which airlines fly from Detroit and when to book can make your travel experience smoother and cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- You can save money flying from Detroit with Spirit and Frontier Airlines.
- Knowing when and where to book helps you find better flight deals.
- Understanding airport options improves your travel experience.
Top Budget Airlines Operating in Detroit Michigan
If you’re hunting for affordable flights from Detroit, you’ll find several low-cost carriers with competitive fares. These airlines focus on keeping prices low while serving popular routes.
Some provide basic services with optional add-ons to help you save even more.
Spirit Airlines Overview
Spirit Airlines is well known for its very low base fares from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). You can sometimes spot flights to U.S. destinations starting at just $29.
However, Spirit uses a no-frills model. You’ll pay extra for things like carry-on bags, seat selection, and snacks.
If you’re flexible and don’t need much, Spirit can be a solid choice. Their cheap fares help you stretch your travel budget, but watch out for those extra fees.
Spirit often runs sales and promotions, so it’s worth checking their website now and then for deals.
Southwest Airlines Highlights
Southwest Airlines offers good value for travelers leaving Detroit. Unlike Spirit, Southwest includes two free checked bags with every ticket, which is a nice perk if you’re not a light packer.
You also get free flight changes and no hidden fees. Southwest flies to many popular cities across the U.S., making it a convenient choice for budget-conscious folks.
The airline is known for friendly service and a straightforward booking process. If you want to avoid extra charges but still pay less than big names like Delta, Southwest is a solid pick.
Additional Low-Cost Carriers
Besides Spirit and Southwest, other budget airlines serve Detroit. Frontier Airlines has plenty of low-fare flights to over 50 U.S. locations.
Frontier’s “all you can fly pass” can be a steal if you’re planning multiple trips. Some airlines, like WestJet and Lufthansa, offer affordable options on certain international routes.
When searching for cheap flights, compare these providers. Look at baggage policies, seat selection costs, and schedules to see what works for your trip from Detroit.
Essential Airport and Flight Information
When flying to or from Detroit, you’ll mostly use Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. There are direct and indirect flight options, plus a few nearby airports that might change your travel plans.
Transportation choices to and from the airport help you reach central Detroit or surrounding areas efficiently.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Guide
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the main airport serving Detroit. It handles both domestic and international flights.
The airport has several terminals, with budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier operating from there. You’ll find car hire counters, ride-sharing pickup spots, and public transportation links at DTW.
The airport is about 20 miles from central Detroit, so travel time to the city is usually 30-40 minutes by car.
For security and check-in, arrive early—DTW can get busy. There are return and one-way ticket options on many airlines, giving you flexibility.
Direct and Indirect Flight Options
DTW offers a range of direct flights to many U.S. cities and some international spots. Budget airlines like Spirit often provide lower fares, making direct flights more affordable.
If your destination isn’t served directly, you can book flights with layovers. These might take longer, but sometimes the price or timing works out better.
Direct flights save time but may cost more. Indirect flights require a bit more planning, since you might need to switch planes or deal with longer travel times.
Nearby Airports and Transportation
Besides DTW, nearby airports like Capital Region International Airport in Lansing can be an option. These airports have fewer flights but might be less crowded.
Getting to and from Detroit Metro Airport is pretty straightforward. Public buses, ride-sharing apps, and rental cars are all available.
Many travelers prefer ride-sharing for convenience and fixed pickup spots. If you’re planning to explore beyond Detroit, consider renting a car from the airport.
Public transport is available but may take longer, especially if you’ve got luggage or you’re traveling outside peak hours.
How to Find the Best Flight Deals
Finding cheap flights takes a bit of work—comparing prices, checking booking options, and making sure you know the full cost.
You’ll want to compare prices across sites, track price changes, and know what taxes and fees might sneak up on you.
Comparing Flight Prices and Booking Methods
Always compare flights on multiple websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. Each site pulls data from different airlines, so you might spot a deal on one that you’d miss on another.
Check both round-trip and one-way fares. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper, oddly enough.
Look at budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier, since they often have the lowest base fares from Detroit. Booking directly through the airline’s website might save you money or give you better customer service.
Some booking sites offer bundles or deals the airlines themselves don’t have, so it’s worth poking around.
Flight Calendar and Price Alerts
Use flight calendars on booking sites to see prices across different dates. This helps you find the cheapest days to fly, which are often midweek.
Set up price alerts through Google Flights or other tools. These will send you emails when ticket prices drop for your preferred route.
Price alerts help you buy tickets at the right time, instead of just guessing when fares might dip. Cancel alerts once you’ve booked, or if prices stop being competitive.
Understanding Taxes and Charges
The ticket price you see isn’t always what you’ll pay at the end. Taxes and extra charges can add up fast.
Common fees include airport taxes, security fees, and fuel surcharges. Budget airlines may tack on extra charges for checked bags, seat selection, or even carry-ons.
Always check the full price before booking. Most search tools let you see the total, including all fees, so you’re not surprised at checkout.
Knowing these charges helps you find the best overall deal—not just the lowest base fare.
Travel Tips and Experience in Detroit
When planning your trip, think about the best flight times, weather, places to stay, and how you’ll get around. Detroit has plenty of accommodation options and easy transport.
The city’s got some cultural gems that are worth checking out while you’re there.
Best Time to Fly and Weather Considerations
The cheapest month to fly into Detroit is usually January or February, when fewer people are traveling. Prices tend to rise in busier months like May and June.
Detroit’s average temperatures range from freezing in winter to warm summers around 80°F (27°C). Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, which makes getting around easier.
Booking flights mid-week can save you money. Also, consider airports like Flint, which often have lower fares and less hectic terminals.
Where to Stay and Getting Around the City
Detroit has a range of places to stay, from budget motels to mid-range hotels near downtown or Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). Staying downtown puts you close to dining and attractions.
Public transport includes buses and the QLine streetcar along Woodward Avenue. Ride-sharing services and taxis are common, too.
If you rent a car, parking at DTW and in the city center is generally pretty convenient. Nearby suburbs like Dearborn offer quieter stays while keeping you close to Detroit’s core.
Top Attractions and Cultural Highlights
You really shouldn’t skip the Detroit Institute of Arts. It’s packed with art, including those stunning Diego Rivera murals.
The Motown Museum is another iconic spot. If you’re curious about the roots of soul music, this place is a must.
The Detroit Riverwalk is worth a stroll—great views, a bit of fresh air. The Henry Ford Museum over in Dearborn? That’s a whole other layer of Detroit’s story.
A lot of these attractions are surprisingly walkable. Public transport gets you close from most hotels, so you don’t have to stress about getting around.