Raleigh, North Carolina, has a handful of budget airlines that make getting away a little easier on your wallet. If you’re looking to save on flights but don’t want to deal with endless layovers, the best budget airlines at Raleigh-Durham International Airport are Southwest, Frontier, and Breeze Airways.
These airlines offer plenty of nonstop routes to popular spots across the U.S. You’ll have a lot to pick from for your next trip.
Each airline has its own perks. Southwest is famous for friendly staff and flexible policies.
Frontier is all about those ultra-low fares, while Breeze pops up with new nonstop routes at pretty solid prices. Picking the right airline for your style—and your budget—can really help you snag the best deals out of RDU.
Key Takeaways
- You can keep flight costs down from Raleigh by flying budget airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Breeze.
- Many of these carriers offer nonstop flights to big U.S. cities.
- Comparing airlines is the best way to find a cheap fare that actually works for you.
Key Budget Airlines Operating in Raleigh, North Carolina
At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, you’ll find several budget airlines with affordable flights to all sorts of destinations. These carriers focus on low prices, direct flights, and schedules that fit real life.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is known for cheap base fares and a pretty big network out of Raleigh-Durham. You can book direct flights to a bunch of cities, often for less than what you’d pay on the big names.
Frontier uses a pay-for-what-you-need approach. You’ll pay extra for bags or picking your seat, but if you travel light, it’s a great way to save.
The planes are modern, and you get the basics onboard. If extras aren’t a big deal to you, Frontier can be a solid money-saver.
They also run sales pretty often, so it’s worth checking their site before you book.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is another go-to for low fares out of Raleigh-Durham. Like Frontier, the base price is low, but you’ll want to budget for bags and seat choices.
Spirit mostly flies short to medium-haul routes—think Florida and the East Coast. It’s a decent pick for quick trips or spontaneous getaways.
You’ll want to plan for the extra fees if you need a checked bag or a specific seat. The service is simple, and boarding tends to be quick, which is always nice.
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways is newer to Raleigh-Durham, but they’re making a splash with low-cost tickets and a bit more comfort than some other budget airlines.
You can fly nonstop to less crowded airports, which might save you some travel time. Breeze is known for friendly staff and newer planes, sometimes with a little extra legroom.
If you’re after affordable travel but don’t want to feel totally cramped, Breeze is worth a look. Their direct routes to smaller cities are a nice bonus.
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines keeps things affordable and straightforward from Raleigh-Durham. Fares can start as low as $40, which is hard to beat for a quick trip.
They fly to over 50 destinations, including a bunch of vacation spots and regional cities. Booking online is simple, and you’ll usually pay fewer fees compared to some other budget carriers.
The service is basic, but it gets the job done. Avelo’s growing at RDU, so if price is your top concern, they’re definitely one to watch.
Popular Destinations and Nonstop Routes
From Raleigh, you’ve got direct options to a lot of major U.S. cities and even a couple of international spots. Budget airlines focus on these nonstop routes, saving you time and hassle.
Domestic Cities Served
You can fly nonstop from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Baltimore.
Budget airlines like Southwest and Frontier cover a lot of these routes. Nonstop flights to Atlanta or Orlando put you close to major hubs and vacation destinations.
Cities like Boston and Philadelphia are easy for business or leisure trips. Even smaller places like Burlington and Syracuse are on the map if you want to head to the Northeast.
These affordable routes make it easier to skip layovers and keep costs in check.
International Destinations
Raleigh also has a few direct international flights. You can get nonstop service to San Juan (Puerto Rico) and The Bahamas—perfect for a quick escape.
These aren’t as frequent, but if you’d rather not mess with connections, they’re a good option. Keep an eye out for seasonal changes, though, since airlines sometimes add or drop routes depending on demand.
Nonstop and Direct Flight Options
Nonstop flights take you straight from Raleigh to your destination—no stops. Direct flights might pause somewhere but you don’t have to change planes.
From RDU, there are over 45 domestic nonstop flights and about 7 international ones, either direct or nonstop. Airlines like Delta, Southwest, and Breeze run many of these routes.
Nonstop flights to places like Miami, Dallas, Newark, and Minneapolis make it easy to reach major hubs. If your trip goes beyond, it’s a good way to connect quickly.
Choosing nonstop flights usually means less travel stress, especially when budget airlines are focused on these routes.
Comparing Budget and Major Airlines at Raleigh-Durham
When you’re flying out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you’ve got choices. Some airlines focus on low prices and fewer extras, while others offer more comfort and perks—at a price.
Service Offerings and Fare Types
Budget airlines at RDU, like Southwest, JetBlue, and Allegiant Air, are all about affordable fares. You’ll pay separately for extras like checked bags, seat selection, or snacks.
Southwest is a bit different—they throw in two free checked bags, which is a rare perk if you tend to pack heavy.
Major airlines—think American, Delta, United, Alaska—have a range of fare types. You’ll see economy, premium economy, and business class, and these usually come with more perks like seat selection, entertainment, or loyalty points.
The trade-off is higher prices, but you get a bit more comfort and flexibility. If you’re just looking for the cheapest way to get from point A to B, budget airlines are usually enough.
But if you want more space, better schedules, or to rack up frequent flyer miles, the majors might be worth it.
Major Airline Alternatives
Major airlines at Raleigh-Durham are a solid option if you want more than just the basics. American and Delta have multiple daily flights and connect you to bigger hubs.
United and Alaska also fly from RDU, offering good routes and premium services. You might get newer planes, priority boarding, or lounge access—things you don’t usually see with budget carriers.
Schedules are often more flexible, with better options if you need to change or cancel. If you care about service, seat comfort, or earning rewards, the bigger airlines are a better fit—but you’ll pay for it.
Budget airlines like Southwest and JetBlue are still top picks if saving money is your main goal.
Travel Tips for Finding the Best Budget Fares
Saving money on flights out of Raleigh is all about timing and knowing where to look. The right tools and a little flexibility can make a big difference.
Seasonal Deals and Booking Strategies
Book early if you’re flying during busy times like summer or holidays. Prices usually climb the closer you get.
Sign up for alerts from sites like Airfarewatchdog—they’ll email you when there’s a sale from Raleigh. Airline apps, especially for Southwest, are handy for catching flash sales before they’re gone.
Midweek flights, like Tuesday or Wednesday, are often cheaper than weekends. If you can be flexible, check those days for better deals.
Always compare prices across different sites before you buy. Deals pop up on Spirit, Delta, and Southwest out of RDU, so it’s worth shopping around.
Navigating Raleigh-Durham International Airport
RDU has three terminals. Most low-cost carriers, like Southwest Air, use Terminal 1.
Honestly, just knowing which terminal you need can save you a bit of hassle. It’s a small thing, but it helps.
RDU isn’t as huge as some airports, so getting to your gate is usually quick. Still, you’ll want to show up at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight for security.
Before you book, check which airlines fly direct. Direct flights are often cheaper and way less stressful than flights with layovers.
Southwest Air, for example, has a bunch of direct routes from Raleigh. That’s a win for both your wallet and your sanity.
Parking at RDU is pretty affordable. If you book your spot online, you might save a few bucks.
If you’d rather skip parking altogether, public transportation and rideshares are solid options. Sometimes, it’s just easier to let someone else do the driving.