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Looking for cheap flights out of Murrieta, California? Picking the right budget airline really can make or break your travel plans. There are a handful of low-cost carriers flying in and around the Murrieta area, so you have options for saving money without giving up too much convenience.
Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United are among the best budget airlines flying near Murrieta. They’re known for competitive prices and a decent range of routes.
Most flights from Murrieta use French Valley Airport, which hosts a mix of these budget airlines. You can usually score better deals in months like May and June.
These airlines connect you to popular cities and vacation spots while keeping your travel costs low. Not bad, whether you’re traveling for work or just getting away for a bit.
Key Takeaways
- You can save money flying with budget airlines near Murrieta.
- Several low-cost carriers offer routes from French Valley Airport.
- May and June are good months for finding budget flight deals.
Overview of Budget Airlines in Murrieta, California
Murrieta is connected to several airports, so finding affordable airline options isn’t too hard. Sometimes you’ll need to look at nearby cities like San Diego or even San Francisco.
Knowing where to fly from—and weighing a few key factors—can help you get the best fares.
Major Airports Serving Murrieta
Murrieta doesn’t have a big commercial airport of its own. The closest major one is Ontario International Airport (ONT), about 30 miles away.
You can also use San Diego International Airport (SAN), roughly 70 miles south, which has a solid lineup of budget flights.
If you’re up for a longer drive, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has even more cheap options. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is there too, especially if you’re heading north.
These airports give you access to airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest. Checking a few different airports can really boost your odds of finding the lowest prices.
Criteria for Choosing Budget Airlines
Don’t just look at the ticket price when choosing a budget airline. Watch out for extra fees—baggage, seat selection, food, all those little things add up.
Some budget airlines keep fees lower, so the total cost ends up better than it looks at first glance. Think about flight routes too; Spirit and Frontier, for example, hit a lot of popular destinations near Murrieta.
It’s worth checking on-time performance and customer service scores. Budget airlines can save you cash, but some are more reliable than others. It’s a balancing act—cost versus reliability.
Top Budget Airlines Operating in the Region
You’ll find a handful of budget airlines serving Murrieta, each with their own take on low fares and basic services. The choices vary by price, comfort, and route network.
Alaska Airlines: Affordable Options
Alaska Airlines is a solid choice for budget-friendly tickets to and from the Murrieta area, especially if you book well in advance. They manage to combine low prices with decent service, which is honestly not that common among budget carriers.
You still get free snacks and drinks on a lot of flights. That’s a nice touch, considering most budget airlines charge for everything.
Alaska covers key cities and offers easy connections. Their economy class is surprisingly comfortable for short and medium trips. If you care about reliability and a couple of perks without paying a fortune, Alaska’s a good bet.
Comparing Economy Offerings
Economy class can really differ between airlines. Alaska Airlines usually gives you more legroom and fewer surprise fees than other budget options.
Spirit or Frontier might offer cheaper base fares, but then they turn around and charge you for carry-ons and picking a seat. With Alaska, you get free entertainment and snacks, which can make a difference on longer flights.
Other budget airlines go for the absolute lowest fare, but then tack on fees for just about everything. Always check the final price—including all the extras—before you book.
Popular Budget Destinations Accessible from Murrieta
From Murrieta, you can get to several major cities on the cheap. There are nonstop routes for quick trips, plus options to hubs where you can connect just about anywhere.
Some cities have direct flights, while others are perfect for connecting to more distant spots.
Nonstop Routes to Key Cities
You can fly nonstop from Murrieta to cities like San Francisco, San Diego, and Phoenix. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier usually cover these.
- San Francisco flights can start as low as $33.
- San Diego is a quick, affordable hop—great for a weekend escape.
- Phoenix nonstop flights get you to the Southwest fast, no layovers needed.
Nonstop flights are a lifesaver if you hate waiting around or paying extra for connections.
Travel to San Francisco, San Diego, and Phoenix
San Francisco is a big draw from Murrieta, with lots of budget flights. It’s a solid pick for both business and leisure.
Booking early and sticking with airlines that keep fees down can save you a chunk of change.
San Diego’s close enough for a weekend trip, and budget airlines keep fares low—often under $50.
Phoenix is another popular budget destination, especially if you want to explore Arizona or connect further into the Southwest. The nonstop options make the whole process quicker and less stressful.
Exploring Connections to Denver, Chicago, and Fresno
If you’re itching to travel farther, Murrieta links you up with bigger hubs like Denver, Chicago, and Fresno. Sure, you might not find a nonstop flight, but connections are usually pretty hassle-free.
Denver opens up the Rockies and a good chunk of the Midwest. Budget airlines head that way, so you can reach all sorts of places without breaking the bank.
Chicago’s a huge hub in the Midwest. It’s kind of the go-to spot if you want to branch out to other cities across the country.
Fresno’s another option from Murrieta. Handy if you’re thinking about California’s Central Valley or just want to get closer to some nature. Flights might have a stop or two, but the fares are usually reasonable.