Looking to save a few bucks on flights from McAllen, Texas? You’ve got a handful of budget-friendly airlines to pick from.
Allegiant Air, American Airlines, United, and even Delta all make stops here, and you’ll see pretty competitive prices on many routes. Allegiant Air, though, really stands out as the main low-cost player for travelers flying out of McAllen.
Flight prices jump around, but roundtrip fares can start as low as $69 and go up to $179. If you’re flexible with your dates, you’ll probably score better deals.
It definitely pays to keep an eye on these airlines and compare what they’re offering. Sometimes, just shifting your trip by a day or two can make a big difference.
There are other airports in the area, but McAllen International Airport (MFE) is just plain convenient. You get access to several budget airlines without having to drive for hours or pay for extra transportation.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple budget airline options fly out of McAllen International Airport.
- Comparing prices and playing with your travel dates can help you snag great deals.
- Direct flights from low-cost carriers make McAllen a pretty convenient jumping-off point.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving McAllen
Flying out of McAllen? You’ll find a few solid budget airline options.
These carriers offer direct routes and keep prices in check, which is always nice if you’re watching your wallet. Knowing which airlines serve McAllen International and where they fly can take some stress out of planning.
List of Budget Airlines Operating at McAllen International Airport
At McAllen International Airport (MFE), your main budget picks are Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Allegiant Air is kind of famous for its low fares and simple, no-frills flights on smaller planes. Delta has some service nearby, but it’s not really in the budget airline category.
Allegiant is the go-to for cheap, direct flights out of McAllen. These airlines tend to compete hard on price, especially for flights inside Texas and to nearby states.
Sometimes you’ll see ultra-low-cost carriers running routes between McAllen and cities like Dallas, usually about four times a week. They keep things affordable by sticking to the basics.
Major Destinations and Routes Offered by Low-Cost Carriers
Budget airlines from McAllen mostly offer nonstop flights to main cities in Texas and the surrounding region. For example, Allegiant Air flies to spots like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston.
These routes get you to big airports fast, without annoying layovers. Once you’re in Dallas or Houston, you can connect to pretty much anywhere.
If you’re after cheap, simple travel from McAllen, your best bets are usually major Texas cities or nearby states. The routes are set up for short, affordable hops.
How to Find the Best Cheap Flights From McAllen
Scoring the lowest fares from McAllen isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little work. It’s all about comparing, timing, and knowing where to hunt for deals.
Tips for Comparing Flight Options
Start with flight comparison sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google Flights. They’ll show you prices from United, American, Allegiant, and whoever else is flying out of McAllen.
Play around with dates and even check nearby airports. Sometimes, a small tweak saves you a chunk of cash.
Use those filters—sort by price, flight length, or airline. Watch out for sneaky extra fees like baggage or seat selection, though. They add up.
If you’re not in a hurry, connecting flights can be cheaper than direct ones. Jot down your options before picking so you don’t miss a better deal.
Securing Cheap Tickets and Exclusive Flight Offers
Sign up for airline newsletters and flight deal alerts. Sometimes, the best discounts only go out to subscribers.
Set up price alerts for McAllen flights. You’ll get a heads-up when fares drop, but you have to move fast—cheap seats go quick.
Think about booking one-way tickets if it saves you money. Some airlines price each leg differently. Also, peek at the airlines’ own websites, since some deals never show up on comparison sites.
Best Times to Book Budget Airline Tickets
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the sweet spot for booking cheap flights out of McAllen. Airlines drop new deals midweek, for whatever reason.
Try to grab domestic tickets 4 to 6 weeks before you fly. For international trips, start earlier—2 to 3 months out is usually smart.
Steer clear of booking right before holidays or during peak seasons unless you’re okay paying more. Early morning or late-night flights are almost always cheaper and less packed.
Essential Information for Budget Travelers in McAllen
If you’re flying budget from McAllen, you’ve got some good one-way options and a few things to watch out for—especially with baggage rules. Knowing the details can save you from surprise fees.
One-Way Flight Options
One-way flights from McAllen can start at about $50, usually with low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air or smaller regional airlines.
One-way tickets are great if you’re not sure when you’ll be back. But sometimes, they cost more per leg than a round-trip, so always compare.
You might not find as many nonstop options for one-way flights, so you could end up with a layover. Double-check the flight times and connections so you don’t get stuck with a long wait somewhere.
Understanding Baggage Policies With Low-Cost Carriers
Budget airlines flying out of McAllen usually charge extra for checked bags. Sometimes, even a carry-on will cost you.
It’s smart to look at baggage fees before you book. These extra charges can sneak up on you and bump up your ticket price.
Key points about baggage:
- Most airlines let you bring a free personal item, like a small backpack or purse.
- Carry-on bags typically cost somewhere between $20 and $40 if they’re not included.
- Checked bag fees can run from $30 to $50 per bag, per flight segment.
- The weight limits are pretty strict, so packing light is a good idea if you want to dodge overweight fees.
Honestly, just bring what you really need in your carry-on. It’s worth double-checking the airline’s baggage rules before you head to the airport—nobody wants a last-minute surprise.