If you’re hoping to travel without blowing your whole paycheck, budget airlines serving Meridian, Idaho, have some surprisingly solid choices. Frontier, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines all offer affordable tickets that can help you save on your next trip.
Frontier and Spirit are especially famous for their low base fares, so they’re often top picks for budget flyers out of Meridian.
Booking cheap flights from Meridian isn’t as tough as it might seem at first glance. You can snag good deals by comparing prices across these airlines and being a little strategic with your travel dates.
Sticking with basic cabin classes usually keeps your costs down. Of course, some airlines have upgrades if you want a bit more comfort without splurging.
Key Takeways
- You’ll find affordable flights from Meridian on several budget airlines.
- Comparing prices and booking early usually helps you score the best deals.
- Basic cabin options save money, but upgrades are available if you need them.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Meridian Idaho
There are a handful of budget airlines with flights to and from Meridian, Idaho, mainly using the Boise Airport nearby. These airlines offer both direct flights and connections to major cities, making it easier to travel on a budget.
You’ll find a mix of well-known low-cost carriers and a few regional or newer airlines.
Major Low-Cost Carriers
Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air are two of the big names serving the area near Meridian. Frontier runs nonstop flights from Boise to places like Denver and Las Vegas.
Allegiant Air focuses more on seasonal or less frequent routes, often connecting Boise and nearby airports to vacation spots.
Both airlines keep ticket prices low by charging extra for things like checked bags or picking your seat. It’s worth checking their flight schedules closely, since routes can change with the seasons.
Alaska Airlines isn’t strictly a budget carrier, but it does offer some competitive fares and several direct flights from Boise, which is just a short drive from Meridian.
Popular Regional Airlines
Regional airlines like Horizon Air also serve the Boise area. Horizon Air works as a partner for Alaska Airlines, connecting smaller cities to bigger hubs.
That makes it easier to reach more destinations if you’re flying in or out of Meridian via Boise.
These carriers usually balance price and comfort pretty well. You’ll find reasonably priced tickets with more flexibility and frequent departures, which is handy if you’ve got a tight schedule.
Emerging Airline Options
New budget airlines like Avelo and Breeze are starting to pop up, including at some nearby airports. They might not have tons of direct flights from Meridian or Boise yet, but their arrival could mean more affordable options soon.
These newer carriers often keep things simple with lower fees and straightforward pricing. If you’re flexible about which airport you use and when you travel, you might catch some great deals as these airlines expand in Idaho and the surrounding region.
How to Find and Book Cheap Flights From Meridian
Scoring the lowest price on flights from Meridian is all about using the right tools and booking at the right time. Comparing prices on different websites and being open with your travel dates can save you a fair chunk of change.
Best Websites to Compare Flights
Websites like Google Flights, Expedia, Kayak, and Skyscanner are your friends here. They pull fares from a bunch of airlines, so you can spot the cheapest options fast.
Google Flights is great for quick searches and lets you see prices across a range of days. Expedia and Kayak sometimes toss in bundled deals or discounts. Skyscanner is handy if you want to set up price alerts or search with flexible dates.
Always check fares on more than one site. Prices can bounce around a bit, and one site might have a better deal. Remember to look at the total cost, including any sneaky fees or baggage charges, before you click “book.”
Timing Your Flight Ticket Purchase
When you buy your ticket matters. Generally, booking about 3 to 6 weeks before your trip can help you snag cheaper fares from Meridian.
Try not to book at the very last minute unless you spot a sudden price drop. Oddly enough, buying super early—like more than three months out—doesn’t always mean you’ll save, since airlines sometimes bump up prices for really distant dates.
Midweek flights and purchases are often cheaper. Airlines like to release deals on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Flying on weekdays instead of weekends can also shave a bit off your ticket price.
Using the Flight Calendar for Deals
A flight calendar shows you prices for different days, so you can pick the most affordable travel dates. On Google Flights and Skyscanner, you’ll see a monthly calendar of fares.
Check different departure and return dates to hunt for the lowest prices. Flying midweek or during off-peak hours usually costs less.
If you can be flexible with your plans, the flight calendar is your secret weapon. It helps you spot price patterns and nab a deal without missing out on your trip.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Trip
Saving on flights, hotels, and car rentals really adds up. A few smart moves can help you stretch your travel budget without giving up too much comfort.
Traveling on a Budget
Start looking for cheap flights early, but don’t ignore flash sales or last-minute deals—they pop up more often than you’d think. Using airline miles or credit card points can also knock down your costs.
Budget airlines are great for saving money, but watch out for extra charges on snacks, blankets, or checked bags. Packing your own snacks and headphones is a good move.
If you can, use a debit card to pay for budget flights. Some credit cards tack on extra fees for low-cost carrier purchases.
Flying on weekdays or at odd hours—like super early mornings—can bring the price down. It’s not always convenient, but your wallet might thank you.
Bundling Hotels and Car Hire
Booking hotels and car rentals together through travel sites can save you some cash. Bundled deals sometimes offer discounts you won’t get by booking each one separately.
Still, compare the bundle price against booking things on their own. Sometimes it looks like a deal but isn’t actually cheaper.
Stick with trusted hotel and car rental companies to avoid hidden fees or sketchy service. Always check the cancellation policy before you lock anything in.
If you’re staying longer, look for hotels with weekly rates or free shuttle service—it can cut down on transportation costs. Reading reviews is always a smart move to make sure you’re getting good value.
Watch for packages that throw in extras like parking or gas discounts when you rent a car. Those little perks can add up.
Choosing Cabin Classes and Upgrades on Budget Airlines
When you’re flying from Meridian, Idaho, budget airlines give you a few cabin class options. Usually, you’ll pick between economy, premium economy, and sometimes business or first class upgrades.
Each choice affects your comfort, the service you get, and—of course—the price.
Business Class Flights
Business class on budget airlines is pretty limited, but you’ll find it on some routes. Expect more legroom, wider seats, and sometimes perks like priority boarding or better meals.
Business class prices on budget airlines are usually lower than what you’d see on full-service carriers. If you want to upgrade, check if the airline offers it during booking or at check-in.
Sometimes you can use loyalty points for upgrades. Don’t expect true lie-flat seats, though—most budget airlines just have reclining ones.
Premium Economy vs. Economy
Premium economy on budget airlines usually means a little more space—think extra legroom or a wider seat. You might get early boarding or a free checked bag, too.
This cabin sits between basic economy and business class in both price and comfort.
Economy class is the standard, with tighter seating and fewer frills. If you want to stretch out a bit, premium economy is often the most affordable way to get extra comfort without the business class price tag.
Accessing First Class on Budget Airlines
First class? That’s a rare find on most budget airlines flying out of Meridian. If you do spot it, expect bigger seats, maybe a free drink, and the perk of getting on the plane before everyone else.
A lot of these airlines don’t even have a true first class cabin. But if you’re craving those little luxuries, sometimes you can snag an upgrade with miles or pay a bit more when you book.
Just remember, it’s not going to be the full-on first class experience you’d get with the big carriers. Still, it’s a step up from economy, and honestly, sometimes that’s all you need.
Some budget airlines only let you upgrade one level at a time. So if you’re starting in basic economy, first class might be off the table unless you move up cabin by cabin. Kind of annoying, but that’s how it goes.