Table of Contents
Mesa, Arizona is actually served by a handful of budget airlines that keep flying affordable and, honestly, pretty convenient. The best budget airlines operating in Mesa include Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
These carriers offer low fares and lots of options for travelers who’d rather save their cash for the trip itself.
You’ll find most of the affordable flights out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which is the main airport for Mesa. These airlines cover a bunch of popular destinations and really do provide a mix of options for different budgets.
Knowing which airlines fly out of Mesa can help you plan smarter and maybe even snag a better deal.
Key Takeways
- You can fly affordably from Mesa with several budget airlines.
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport offers low-cost flights to many destinations.
- Choosing the right airline helps you save money and find convenient routes.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Mesa, Arizona
Flying out of Mesa means you’ve got a handful of budget airlines that focus on keeping things simple and cheap. The main ones run most of their flights from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Their destinations are usually popular for vacations or business, but you’ll see more leisure routes than anything.
Major Carriers at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
At Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, the two main budget airlines are Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. Allegiant Air is the big player here, known for affordable tickets to vacation spots.
Sun Country is smaller, but it’s still worth checking for low-cost routes. Unlike Phoenix Sky Harbor, this airport is really geared toward budget travel and less toward the business crowd.
Spirit Airlines doesn’t currently fly out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, but you’ll find them at Phoenix Sky Harbor. If you’re looking for a cheap flight from Mesa, Allegiant Air is usually your best bet at this airport.
Flights to Key Destinations
Budget airlines at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway mostly fly to vacation spots. Allegiant Air offers flights to places like Las Vegas, some California cities, and a few beach destinations.
These flights can be seasonal or based on demand, so the schedule isn’t always the same.
Sun Country Airlines runs fewer routes, focusing on the Midwest and some southern cities. If you want more cities or international flights, you’ll probably need to check Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Comparison With Sky Harbor Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is much bigger and serves more airlines, including low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Southwest. You’ll get a lot more destinations and frequent flights there.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway is smaller, way less crowded, and mainly for budget travelers using Allegiant Air and Sun Country. You might pick it if you live closer to Mesa or just want to skip the crowds.
Sky Harbor, though, is the go-to for international flights and business routes.
| Feature | Phoenix-Mesa Gateway | Phoenix Sky Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| Main Budget Carrier | Allegiant Air, Sun Country | Spirit Airlines, Southwest |
| Number of Destinations | Limited, mostly leisure | Wide, includes business & international |
| Airport Size & Traffic | Smaller, less crowded | Large, busy hub |
| Accessibility | Closer to Mesa residents | Central Phoenix, more transport options |
Best Deals and Cost-Saving Tips
If you want to save money on flights from Mesa, you’ll need to plan ahead and keep an eye out for those sneaky extra charges. Comparing prices is a must.
Finding Cheap Flights
Start your search early. Prices usually climb as your travel date gets closer, so booking in advance can make a real difference.
If you can, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on weekdays or at weird hours is usually cheaper.
It’s smart to check both Phoenix-Mesa Gateway and Phoenix Sky Harbor. Sometimes flying in or out of a different airport in the area will save you more than you’d expect.
Don’t forget about flash sales or special deals from airlines like Allegiant Air. You might find flights from Mesa starting at just $38, which always feels like a win.
Top Platforms for Flight Deals
Use flight comparison sites—they’re your friend here. Skyscanner and Expedia let you check a bunch of airlines at once so you can spot the cheapest flights.
Skyscanner is great for seeing prices across different days or even months. Expedia has package deals if you need a hotel or rental car, too.
Set up price alerts so you don’t have to keep checking every day. That way, you’ll know if there’s a price drop.
Avoiding Hidden Fees
Budget airlines love to tack on fees for bags, seats, or even snacks. Always read the airline’s policies before you book.
If you can travel with just a backpack or small bag, you’ll dodge checked bag fees. Some airlines even charge for picking your seat in advance, so watch for that.
There might be charges for things like printing your boarding pass at the airport or using certain credit cards. Knowing about these ahead of time really helps you stick to your budget.
Popular Routes and Travel Classes
Mesa offers a handful of direct flights, mostly through Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. These get you to major cities, and you can pick from different cabin classes depending on how much comfort (or frugality) you want.
Direct Flights From Mesa
You’ll mainly fly direct on budget airlines like Allegiant Air. The most popular direct routes are Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA).
Both cities are big hubs with plenty of connecting flights if you’re going farther.
Direct flights tend to focus on shorter routes in the western U.S. That keeps both your flight time and cost down.
Allegiant Air is especially known for these direct, no-frills services with starting prices that are honestly hard to beat.
Most Traveled Destinations
The busiest routes from Mesa are definitely Los Angeles and Seattle since those airports have tons of connections. They work for both leisure and business travelers.
You’ll also find flights to some smaller cities that are getting more popular. This mix means you can usually find something that fits your travel plans—no need for endless layovers.
If you book early, you’ll usually lock in the best prices on these routes.
Economy and Premium Cabin Options
Most budget airlines flying out of Mesa stick with economy class as their main offering. Economy seats have basic amenities and the lowest fares, which is great if you’re looking to save some cash.
A few airlines do throw in premium economy or even business class on certain flights. These cabins mean a bit more legroom, maybe priority boarding, and some extra perks—but yeah, you’ll pay more.
If you’re after first class, well, that’s a tough find on budget carriers from Mesa. First-class usually pops up only with the big airlines or at larger airports.
Honestly, it’s worth taking a look at the airline’s seating options before you book. That way, you can figure out what level of comfort actually makes sense for your trip.