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If you’re hoping to get out of Milwaukee without emptying your wallet, picking the right budget airline honestly makes a world of difference. Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is home to several low-cost carriers, and they’ll get you to plenty of big-name U.S. spots for a fraction of what you might expect.
Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines stand out as top budget picks at MKE, opening up lots of cities with super low fares and not too many sneaky fees. Southwest’s affordable flights and handy stops make it a solid option too, especially if you’re watching your spending.
Knowing which airlines serve Milwaukee and where you can fly for cheap really helps you plan smarter. If you keep an eye out for flash sales, you might even snag a deal that feels too good to be true.
Key Takeaways
- Milwaukee’s airport has several budget airlines with low fares to tons of U.S. cities.
- Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest are your best bets for affordable flights from MKE.
- Watching for deals is the trick to getting the lowest prices.
Top Budget Airlines Serving Milwaukee
You’ll find a handful of budget airlines at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. Each has its own quirks—some offer rock-bottom fares, others throw in a few extra perks.
Spirit Airlines Overview
Spirit Airlines is famous (or maybe infamous?) for ultra-low fares out of Milwaukee. You’ll pay extra for bags, seat choices, and even snacks, but the base price is often tough to beat.
If you’re okay with no-frills travel, Spirit can really save you money. But once you start adding extras, the price ticks up. Spirit usually flies to vacation hotspots and lets you change plans pretty flexibly.
United’s Affordable Flight Options
United Airlines isn’t always thought of as a budget airline, but it does offer some wallet-friendly flights from Milwaukee. You’ll get snacks, drinks, and access to a bigger network of routes than the ultra-low-cost carriers.
United runs sales where prices drop to nearly budget levels. Nonstop flights to major hubs can save you time and hassle. Their frequent flyer program is a nice bonus if you’re a regular traveler.
WestJet and Other Low-Cost Carriers
WestJet, a Canadian airline, offers low-cost flights near Milwaukee (usually with a connection). Their fares often compete with U.S. budget airlines, especially if you’re heading to Canada.
Frontier and Southwest also serve Milwaukee, each with their own perks. Southwest’s two free checked bags policy is a lifesaver if you pack heavy. Prices and routes change a lot, so it’s worth checking often.
| Airline | Key Feature | Typical Destinations | Extra Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | Ultra-low base fares | U.S. cities, vacation spots | Bags, seats, food |
| United | More included amenities | Major U.S. hubs | Few extra fees |
| WestJet | Budget flights to Canada | Canada, some U.S. cities | Extra for bags and seats |
Popular Budget Flight Destinations From Milwaukee
There are plenty of affordable flights from Milwaukee to cities you might actually want to visit. Minneapolis, Detroit, and Phoenix are three that come up a lot—they each offer something different, depending on your plans.
Flights to Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a quick hop from Milwaukee—about an hour in the air. Several budget airlines run this route, so prices usually stay reasonable.
It’s a lively city with lots to do, from museums to parks. If you book early or can travel on less popular days, you’ll probably score a better deal.
For short trips or last-minute getaways, Minneapolis just makes sense. Multiple daily flights keep things flexible.
Traveling to Detroit Affordably
Detroit is another spot where you can often find cheap flights from Milwaukee. Some airlines have fares under $100, which is honestly hard to beat.
It’s a quick trip, so it works for business or a spontaneous weekend. Detroit’s got a mix of sports, museums, and a growing food scene.
If you want the best price, check airlines flying this route regularly. Some even let you pay over time, which can be handy.
Low-Cost Options to Phoenix
Phoenix is a favorite for Milwaukee travelers craving sunshine. It’s a longer flight, but budget airlines sometimes offer deals starting at $59 one-way (or less, if you get lucky).
There’s plenty to do—think hiking, golf, and desert views. Winter is a popular time to go, so watch for seasonal discounts from airlines like Spirit and Southwest.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates and keep an eye out for sales, you can really stretch your travel budget. Phoenix is a solid pick if you want affordability and a change of scenery.
How to Find the Best Deals on Budget Airlines
Scoring the best fares usually means being flexible and knowing where to look. Booking directly with the airline can sometimes unlock exclusive prices or flash sales.
Comparing Fares by Travel Dates
Ticket prices out of Milwaukee jump around a lot—sometimes even day to day. Flying midweek or at odd hours is usually cheaper.
Try to avoid holidays and the height of summer if you want the lowest fares. Flexibility with your travel days can save you up to 30% on some routes.
Set up price alerts so you’ll know as soon as fares drop. Don’t forget to compare across airlines—you never know which one will have the surprise deal.
Booking Directly with Airlines
Booking your flight straight from the airline’s website can actually save you a decent chunk of change. Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest all fly out of Milwaukee, and they tend to stash their best deals on their own sites.
Third-party sites? They sometimes tack on sneaky fees or just skip showing you certain discounts. By booking direct, you usually get better access to customer service and it’s less of a hassle if you need to change your flight.
Poke around airline websites every so often for flash sales or promo codes. Sometimes, they’ll even toss in package deals if you book your flight along with a hotel or rental car.