Sacramento’s got a handful of budget airlines that make flying out of town less of a wallet-buster. If you’re looking to save some cash, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are two of the top picks when you’re flying from Sacramento International Airport.
Both airlines are all about low fares to destinations across the U.S. It’s a great way to stretch your travel dollars.
These airlines keep things basic, so you’ll pay less up front—just don’t expect frills unless you’re willing to pay extra for stuff like checked bags or picking your seat. Timing your booking right can help you snag even better deals.
Key Takeaways
- Spirit and Frontier offer lots of cheap flights out of Sacramento.
- You’ll pay extra for things like bags or picking your seat—budget flying is a bit “build your own.”
- Being smart about booking can help you get the best bang for your buck.
Overview of Budget Airlines in Sacramento
You’ll spot several budget airlines at Sacramento International Airport. They offer cheap fares and fly to a decent range of places.
Knowing who flies where makes it a lot easier to plan a trip without breaking the bank.
Popular Low-Cost Carriers
Spirit Airlines is a mainstay at Sacramento. Their base fares are seriously low, sometimes dipping down to about $29.
You’ll pay more for extras like bags or picking your seat, but the up-front price is hard to beat.
Frontier Airlines is another big player here, known for affordable flights to a bunch of U.S. cities. They run frequent sales, though you’ll see extra charges for add-ons.
Southwest and JetBlue pop up too, but Spirit and Frontier really lead the pack on price. If you’re after no-frills and low fares, these two are usually the way to go.
Key Routes and Destinations
Spirit Airlines mainly flies to places like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix from Sacramento. Perfect if you want a quick, cheap getaway.
Frontier covers more than 50 spots, including Denver, Salt Lake City, and other western cities. Sometimes you’ll find it’s way cheaper than the big airlines.
Checking these routes regularly can help you pounce on the best deals.
Spirit Airlines: Affordable Travel Options
Spirit Airlines keeps fares low for flights out of Sacramento. You can pick from one-way or round-trip tickets.
It’s a solid choice if you want to save, but you’ll want to know the routes, prices, and what the experience is actually like before you book.
Available Routes and Destinations
From Sacramento (SMF), Spirit flies to over 60 destinations. Las Vegas (LAS) is a super popular route, and you’ll see direct flights to major cities in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Sacramento to Las Vegas is often just $29 one-way. It’s a handy option whether you’re traveling for fun or work.
Spirit keeps adding new destinations, so it’s worth checking their site now and then.
Flight Pricing and Fees
Spirit’s model is all about the ultra-low base fare. You’ll pay extra for carry-ons, checked bags, and picking your seat.
One-way tickets from Sacramento can start at $29, but round-trip prices will vary. They sometimes offer payment plans from $8 a month.
Don’t forget: the base fare is just the start. If you want bags or a specific seat, the price climbs. Booking early or using promo codes can help you snag the lowest rates.
Travel Experience and Services
Flying Spirit from Sacramento is about as no-frills as it gets. You’ll want to bring your own snacks, and the seats are pretty basic—no fancy screens or extra legroom.
Schedules can change now and then, but they’ll let you know and give you options if that happens. If you can travel light, just a backpack, you’ll breeze through without surprise fees.
Spirit’s all about saving you money, not pampering you. If that’s your priority, it’s a good fit.
Frontier Airlines: Value-Focused Flights
Frontier Airlines is another go-to for cheap flights from Sacramento International. They keep base fares low and let you tack on extras if you want them.
It’s a straightforward setup—pay for what you need, skip what you don’t.
Flight Routes Served from Sacramento
Frontier flies to over 50 destinations from Sacramento. You’ll see flights to places in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Popular routes include Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle. Most flights are domestic, but the network is wide enough for both work trips and vacations.
Fare Structure and Additional Charges
Frontier’s base fares can be shockingly low, sometimes just 8 cents a mile. But just like Spirit, anything beyond the basics—bags, seat picks, whatever—costs extra.
They offer bundles like WORKS℠ if you want stuff like refundable tickets or reward miles. If you want to keep things cheap, stick to a personal item and skip the extras.
Customer Experience Overview
Frontier is basic service, friendly staff, and not much else. There aren’t backup planes if something goes wrong, and delays can happen.
Most people say it’s best for folks who want to save and don’t care about perks. If you like knowing exactly what you’ll pay and don’t need bells and whistles, it’s a solid choice.
Tips for Booking the Best Budget Flight from Sacramento
Saving money on flights isn’t just about picking the right airline. How and when you book matters, too.
Comparing prices and knowing a few tricks can make a big difference—especially on routes like Sacramento to San Diego.
How to Compare Budget Airfares
Start by checking a few different flight search sites. Compare prices for one-way flights since budget airlines usually go lower on those.
Look at Spirit, Southwest, and Frontier—they’re the main budget options at Sacramento International.
Watch for extra fees like baggage or seat selection. These can sneak up on you and add a lot to the total.
Booking early tends to get you better prices. Try searching on weekdays, too—weekend prices are usually higher.
Use filters for flight time and stops to find the sweet spot between cheap and convenient. Save the best options and check back before you book, just in case prices drop.
Traveling to Popular Destinations Like San Diego
If you’re flying from Sacramento to San Diego, budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit usually have the best deals. It’s a busy route, so booking early is your safest bet for snagging cheap one-way tickets.
Try checking flight times that skip the peak travel hours. Sometimes, flying midweek can shave a bit off the price too.
Just a heads up—budget airlines might use less crowded terminals or have some quirky rules about carry-on bags. Definitely double-check those details so you don’t get stuck with surprise fees or last-minute hassles when heading from Sacramento to San Diego.