Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has several budget airlines that make flying pretty affordable and, honestly, way more convenient than you’d think. Frontier Airlines stands out as one of the best budget options, offering low fares to over 50 destinations.
Allegiant Air is another solid pick, especially if you travel light—just a backpack and you’re good to go. Their round-trip flights can be shockingly cheap.
You’ll find other low-cost carriers flying out of Phoenix, but honestly, Frontier and Allegiant are where most folks start for saving money. If you know where to look and when to book, you can score some fantastic deals out of Phoenix.
Key Takeways
- Budget airlines like Frontier and Allegiant usually offer the lowest fares at Phoenix Sky Harbor.
- Booking smart and packing light helps you save even more on flights.
- Phoenix is well connected by affordable flights to lots of destinations.
Overview of Budget Airlines in Phoenix
Budget airlines in Phoenix give you affordable travel options from two main airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). These airlines keep costs low by trimming extra services, so they’re super popular for folks who just want cheap flights and aren’t looking for fancy perks.
You’ll spot carriers like Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor. They serve tons of domestic destinations, so if you don’t care much about amenities, you can save a bunch on airfare.
What Defines a Budget Airline?
A budget airline cuts ticket prices by skipping extras that traditional airlines include. So, no free checked bags, meals, or even seat assignments unless you pay up.
They’ll often use smaller or less crowded airports to keep fees down. In Phoenix, you’ll see them at Sky Harbor and sometimes at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, which is a bit quieter.
These airlines usually stick to short or medium-haul routes and keep their fleets simple. That helps them cut costs and turn planes around faster. Expect basic seats and not much in-flight service—no surprises there.
Benefits of Choosing Budget Carriers
Flying budget means you pay less for your ticket, plain and simple. If you’re flexible with your schedule and don’t need extras, you could save a lot, especially flying out of Phoenix.
Budget airlines run frequent sales and sometimes have fares as low as $35 from Phoenix Sky Harbor. Not bad, right?
You get to pick and choose what you pay for. Want a checked bag? Pay for it. Just need a seat? That’s all you’re charged for. This à la carte thing lets you control your total spend.
If you’re headed to a popular or nearby city, these airlines give you plenty of options. Just be prepared for fewer comforts and extra fees if you want more than the basics.
Major Budget Airlines Operating from Phoenix
There are several low-cost airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor offering solid deals. They focus on keeping prices low, covering the essentials, and flying to cities people actually want to visit.
Frontier Airlines Overview
Frontier Airlines is usually one of the cheapest options out of Phoenix Sky Harbor. You’ll often see flights to Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Salt Lake City for under $50 if you book early enough.
Sometimes, tickets start around $39. Frontier keeps things cheap by charging for seat selection and checked bags, so if you travel light and plan ahead, you’ll save a lot.
They use a modern fleet with comfortable seats, but don’t expect many free services. That’s how they keep the fares so low.
Key Facts About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is known for budget-friendly flights from Phoenix. It might not always be the rock-bottom cheapest, but you get solid value with two free checked bags and no change fees.
That’s huge if your plans are up in the air. Southwest flies to cities all over, especially in California, Texas, and Nevada.
You’ll get snacks and a more flexible cancellation policy, which is rare among budget airlines. Honestly, that flexibility can be a lifesaver.
Low-Cost Options with American Airlines
American Airlines isn’t always called a budget airline, but you can find competitive prices from Phoenix Sky Harbor—especially if you book ahead or catch a good sale.
American gives you a full-service experience and more daily flights. Even on the cheaper tickets, you’ll get free snacks and drinks.
It’s a good option if you want lower prices but aren’t ready to give up comfort or flight choices.
Tips for Finding the Best Cheap Flights to Phoenix
If you want to save money on flights to Phoenix, focus on when you book, how flexible you are, and which airports you’re willing to use. These details can make a big difference.
Best Time and Cheapest Month to Book
The cheapest time to fly to Phoenix is usually late winter or early spring, before summer crowds show up. Booking 1 to 3 months in advance is your best bet for low prices.
Try flying midweek—Tuesdays or Wednesdays are often cheaper. Prices tend to spike on weekends. Set up fare alerts or use comparison tools to catch price drops.
One-Way and Flexible Flight Options
Booking a one-way flight can actually save you money if you’re not sure about your return date. Some budget airlines offer great one-way fares, so you’re not stuck with a round-trip ticket.
If you’re flexible with your dates and times, you’ll usually find better deals. Early morning or late-night flights are often less expensive.
Flexibility also lets you take advantage of airline passes or special deals, like unlimited seasonal flight passes. Those can really cut your costs if you travel a lot.
Comparing Airports for Budget Travel
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the main hub, but it’s not always the cheapest. Check out Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) too—some budget airlines have better deals there.
You might even want to look at airports a bit farther from Phoenix for lower fares. Comparing all nearby airports and their flights can boost your chances of finding a bargain.
Using multiple search sites is a smart move to compare prices fast.
Additional Ways to Save on Phoenix Travel
You can cut your travel costs further with smart transportation choices. Getting around Phoenix doesn’t have to be expensive—group rides and car rental deals can help you save.
Car Hire and Transportation Deals
When you’re looking to hire a car in Phoenix, definitely compare prices from a few companies. Booking early? That usually shaves off a bit from the total.
Discount codes or memberships can sometimes snag you a better rate. It’s worth poking around for those before you pay.
Shared rides or shuttle services can really cut your transportation costs, sometimes by half compared to private rides. If you’re traveling alone or don’t mind waiting a bit, they’re a solid option.
Sticking around Phoenix for a few days? Renting a car might actually end up cheaper than grabbing taxis or rideshares every time. Oh, and check if your hotel has free or cheap parking—nobody wants surprise fees.