Saint Paul, Minnesota, is actually served by a handful of budget airlines that help you keep travel costs down without totally sacrificing convenience. If you’re thinking of flying out of the area, Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines are some of the top budget options you’ll find at Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport.
These airlines usually have competitive fares, a solid range of destinations, and flexible booking choices. You won’t always get fancy perks, but for the price? Hard to beat.
Each airline brings something a little different to the table. Sun Country is all about affordable trips to warmer places like Mexico and the Caribbean.
Southwest stands out for its big network and policies that are actually kind to customers. Frontier often comes in with the lowest base fares on tons of domestic routes.
Knowing what each airline does best can help you pick the right fit for your budget and travel style. Sometimes it’s not just about the lowest fare—there’s a bit of give and take.
Booking early and watching for flash sales or special offers can really pay off. Also, those extra fees? They add up, so knowing what you’re in for can help you avoid surprises.
Key Takeaways
- You can save a fair bit by flying budget airlines from Saint Paul’s airport.
- Each major budget carrier has its own perks and destinations.
- Booking smart and understanding fees will help you stretch your travel dollars.
Overview of Budget Airlines Operating in Saint Paul Minnesota
Flying out of Saint Paul, you’ve got access to several budget airlines offering wallet-friendly fares. These airlines fly from a busy airport hub with plenty of direct routes.
If you’re after a cheap ticket, you’ll usually get basic services and a no-frills experience.
Minneapolis St Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis St Paul International Airport (MSP) is the main airport for Saint Paul. It handles flights for more than a dozen budget airlines, including Sun Country and Spirit.
MSP has two terminals. Terminal 1 hosts most budget carriers, while Terminal 2 has a few others.
The airport supports about 17 commercial passenger airlines, so it’s a busy spot for anyone chasing affordable flights. MSP is modern and has convenient access to both downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Direct Flights and Routes
Budget airlines at MSP run plenty of nonstop flights to popular U.S. cities. You can find direct routes to places like Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, and several spots in Florida.
Some of these flights run several times a week, so you’ve got options. Flight times depend on where you’re heading—Denver is around 2.5 hours, while West Coast destinations can stretch closer to 4 hours.
Typical Economy Experience
When you book a budget flight from MSP, expect a pretty standard economy seat with limited legroom. Some carriers, like Sun Country, toss in onboard power or inflight entertainment, but it’s not a guarantee.
Checked bags, seat selection, and snacks usually cost extra. The idea is to keep the ticket price as low as possible, so don’t expect luxury. But if you just want to get from A to B without breaking the bank, it works.
Major Budget Airlines Serving Saint Paul
You’ll find several budget airlines offering affordable flights from Saint Paul. Whether you’re flying within the U.S. or to nearby countries, there are options for cheap tickets.
Some airlines focus on rock-bottom fares. Others try to balance value with a wider range of flights.
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines is a mainstay in Saint Paul. They offer direct flights to more than 50 cities, so you’ve got a decent selection.
The airline is known for competitive prices and frequent deals. Sun Country tends to keep things straightforward—low-cost options for both domestic and vacation destinations, and fewer pesky fees than some competitors.
Delta Air Lines and Affordable Options
Delta Air Lines is headquartered near Saint Paul and runs plenty of flights from MSP. While Delta isn’t a true budget airline, you can sometimes snag affordable tickets, especially during sales.
Delta’s network is huge, covering domestic and international routes. They also partner with airlines like Air France and Air Canada, which can mean cheaper connecting flights if you’re willing to do a little research.
Other Low-Cost Carriers
Besides Sun Country and Delta, you’ve got Southwest and Frontier running low-cost flights out of MSP. Southwest is famous for no baggage fees and regular deals.
Frontier often has the lowest base fares, but watch out for extras—they charge for a lot. For international trips, Air Canada and Air France also operate from MSP, so you can sometimes find affordable flights to Canada or Europe if you book early or catch a sale.
All together, you’ve got a mix of budget options depending on where you’re going and how you like to travel.
How to Find and Book the Best Budget Airline Deals
Saving money on flights is totally doable if you use the right tools and strategies. Pay attention to flight dates, ticket types, and your airport choices.
These little details can make a big difference when you’re trying to score a deal.
Flight Calendar and Price Alerts
Using a flight calendar lets you see prices over weeks or even months. It’s an easy way to spot the cheapest days to fly, not just the dates that work for your schedule.
Set up price alerts on sites like Kayak, Expedia, or directly with airlines. These will ping you when fares drop—super handy if you don’t want to check prices every day.
Jump on deals quickly, though. The best fares don’t stick around for long.
Cheapest Month to Fly and Travel Dates
Flying in the cheapest month can save you a ton. For Saint Paul, January and February usually have lower prices since fewer people are traveling.
Try to avoid weekends or holidays if you want to pay less. Midweek flights are almost always cheaper.
If you’re flexible, moving your trip by a day or two can make a surprising difference.
One Way Tickets and Return Flights
Booking one way tickets on different airlines can sometimes be cheaper than a round trip. It’s not always the case, but worth checking.
On the flip side, round trip tickets sometimes come with discounts. Compare both before you decide.
One way tickets are more flexible if your plans change, but round trips can offer better price guarantees.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Airports
Don’t forget to check nearby airports like Minneapolis or even those a bit farther out.
Flying from a different airport might give you lower fees or more budget airline choices. Just make sure you factor in the cost and hassle of getting there—sometimes the savings disappear once you add up ground transport.
Checking all your airport options is one of those little things that can really pay off.
Tips for a Comfortable and Affordable Trip
A bit of planning goes a long way. Thinking about how you’ll get around, where you’ll stay, and what you want to see can save you time and money.
Knowing your options in Saint Paul helps you avoid headaches later.
Connecting to Public Transport
Saint Paul’s public transport is actually pretty solid. From the airport, Metro Transit buses can get you into downtown Minneapolis or other neighborhoods.
The light rail links the airport with downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. It’s a good way to avoid renting a car if you’re not planning to drive much.
Bus routes like the Metro Blue Line serve the airport and nearby areas. You can grab a transit pass or use mobile ticket apps, which is convenient. Public transport is cheap and helps you dodge parking fees, though schedules can vary on weekends and holidays, so check ahead.
Car Hire and Transit Options
If you’d rather drive, there are plenty of car rental companies at MSP—think Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and the usual suspects.
Booking early usually gets you the best rate. Renting gives you the freedom to explore, but traffic can be a pain during rush hour.
If you don’t want to rent, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are everywhere. They’re quick but can get pricey at peak times. Weigh your itinerary and budget before you decide.
Best Hotels Near the Airport
There are a bunch of hotels near the airport with reasonable rates and shuttle service. Places like the Hilton Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and Fairfield Inn offer comfort and free airport shuttles.
Staying near the airport is a time-saver, especially for early flights. If you’d rather be closer to downtown Minneapolis or the Mall of America, you’ll find budget options there too.
Booking ahead usually means better prices. Look for hotels with free Wi-Fi and breakfast to cut down on extra costs.
Top Attractions in Minneapolis St Paul
The Mall of America is one of the largest malls in the US. It’s practically next to the airport, which is weirdly convenient.
You’ll find shops, restaurants, and—believe it or not—an indoor theme park. The light rail from the airport drops you right there, so no car needed.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art has free admission. Their collection is huge, and honestly, it’s worth the quick drive or bus ride from Saint Paul.
If you’re thinking about outdoor stuff, keep an eye on the weather. Minnesota’s mood swings can really mess with your plans.