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If you’re hoping to save some cash on flights out of McKinney, Texas, it pays to know which budget airlines are actually flying from here. There are a few affordable options, so you don’t have to empty your wallet just to get away.
Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are the main budget carriers linked to McKinney.
These airlines offer a mix of routes and prices for different needs. Sometimes you’ll spot flights as low as $39, which is honestly hard to beat.
Knowing these airlines’ strengths and where they actually fly from McKinney can help you plan smarter. Plus, you’ll be less likely to get tripped up by sneaky fees.
Key Takeways
- Several low-cost airlines fly from McKinney.
- Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest have some of the cheapest fares.
- Knowing your airline options makes budgeting for travel way easier.
Overview of Budget Airlines in McKinney
Budget flights in McKinney mostly operate through McKinney National Airport. If you’re looking to save, this is your main local option.
Nearby airports in Dallas give you more choice, though, and honestly, it’s hard not to look there if you want more routes. Texas in general is seeing budget airlines pop up more often than before.
Availability of Budget Flights
McKinney National Airport has pretty limited budget airline service. It’s mostly smaller, regional carriers here.
Major low-cost airlines like Southwest aren’t flying out of McKinney right now. So, your direct budget options are pretty slim.
You might find Spirit or smaller carriers offering flights here and there. But since the airport’s small, don’t expect tons of nonstop flights to big destinations.
Comparison with Nearby Dallas Airports
Dallas is honestly where the action is if you want budget airlines. Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) and Dallas Love Field are both within about half an hour from McKinney.
Southwest runs a lot of flights out of Love Field, and that’s a big plus if you’re chasing deals. DFW has even more airlines—including budget ones—and way more frequent flights.
If you’re fine with a short drive, flying out of Dallas can save you money and give you better schedules.
Growth of Low-Cost Carriers in Texas
Texas is seeing a steady rise in budget airlines, especially around Dallas. Southwest and Spirit have added more routes and planes in the region.
Newer carriers like Avelo and Breeze are starting to show up with more flights in Texas too. That means more affordable options, even if McKinney’s airport is still on the small side.
Top Budget Airlines Operating from McKinney National Airport
When you fly out of McKinney National Airport, there are a handful of low-cost options. The pickings are slim, but you’ll find value-focused flights to a few key U.S. cities.
Spirit Airlines Services and Destinations
Spirit Airlines is the main budget carrier you’ll see at McKinney National. They’re all about low fares and no-frills service.
From McKinney, Spirit connects you to places like Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (ORL), Atlanta (ATL), Washington D.C. (WAS), and Chicago (CHI). These cities are popular for both business and leisure trips.
Just a heads-up: you’ll pay extra for things like bags and snacks. Spirit’s schedules often match up with busy travel times, so you get more options during peak seasons.
Key Routes and Schedules
Spirit’s main routes from McKinney hit high-demand cities. Las Vegas and Orlando are classic vacation picks, so those flights usually run several times a week.
Flights to Atlanta and Washington D.C. are handy if you need to connect elsewhere. Chicago’s also a solid choice for family or business travel.
Flight times are usually in the morning or evening, so you’ve got some flexibility. Always check the latest schedules—things change.
Travel Tips for Flying Budget Airlines in McKinney
Flying budget from McKinney can be a great way to save, but it does take some planning. You’ll want to keep an eye on your spending, know what the airport offers, and figure out how to get to Dallas spots after you land.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Book early and keep an eye out for deals on Spirit, Frontier, or Southwest. Pack light—just a carry-on if you can—to dodge baggage fees.
Always check each airline’s baggage policy before you go, so you’re not caught off guard. Bring your own snacks and water, since you’ll probably pay for anything extra on board.
If you can, fly on less busy days or odd hours for better prices. Airline apps are actually pretty useful for tracking last-minute deals or changes.
Airport Facilities and Amenities
McKinney National Airport is small and usually not crowded, so check-in and security are quick. There’s free parking and a café, but not much else.
Wi-Fi is available, but it’s not always the fastest. There aren’t big lounges, so bring anything you need to stay comfortable while you wait.
The upside? You can get to your flight fast—no endless lines like at bigger airports.
Access to Dallas Attractions
From McKinney, getting to Dallas’s best cultural spots is actually pretty quick. The Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science sit about 35 miles away, and you can reach them by car or rideshare.
If you’re into the outdoors, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is just a short drive too. You’ll probably want to rent a car or catch local transportation from McKinney Airport to any of these places.
That way, you can check out Dallas without wrestling with airport crowds or shelling out for expensive airport parking.