If you’re hoping to save some cash on flights out of Salem, Oregon, budget airlines are your best bet. Avelo Airlines is the main budget carrier at Salem’s McNary Field, offering low-cost, direct flights to places like Las Vegas and Sonoma.
This means you can travel without shelling out big bucks—and you get to skip the chaos of bigger airports. It’s honestly a relief for anyone who hates long lines and endless parking lots.
Flying budget from Salem lets you dodge the usual airport headaches but still score decent fares. It’s a solid way to make your travel budget stretch further and still hit some popular spots.
Key Takeaways
- Salem has affordable flight options with budget airlines like Avelo.
- You’ll find convenient, low-cost flights from Salem’s airport.
- Budget airlines help you save both money and time.
Top Budget Airlines Serving Salem Oregon
Budget airlines flying out of Salem offer direct routes and wallet-friendly tickets. You’ll notice flexible booking is possible, but don’t expect much in the way of business class perks.
It’s worth knowing exactly what each airline brings to the table before you book.
Direct Flights and Airline Options
Salem’s airport is mostly about Avelo Airlines for direct flights. Avelo connects Salem to a handful of destinations, with a focus on West Coast cities.
You won’t have to switch planes for some of the more common routes, which honestly saves a lot of hassle.
Other budget airlines don’t do many direct flights from Salem. If you want to go beyond Avelo’s limited network, you’ll probably have to connect through a bigger airport, like Portland.
Direct flights from Salem are pretty concentrated—it’s mostly Avelo, which is still a newer, budget-focused company.
Cheap Flights and Ticket Prices
You can snag cheap flights from Salem for around $45 one way with airlines like Avelo. These fares are bare-bones, so don’t expect extras tossed in.
Prices jump around depending on where you’re headed and the time of year, but they’re usually lower than what you’d pay at bigger airports nearby.
Booking early or during a sale is your best shot at locking in a deal.
Budget flights tend to tack on fees for checked bags, picking your seat, or snacks. Those extras add up fast, so double-check what’s included before you buy.
Flexible and Business Class Options
Flexible flights from Salem are rare on these budget carriers. Avelo, for example, has basic fare rules and not a ton of wiggle room if you need to change your flight.
Business class? Pretty much a no-go with budget airlines out of Salem. If you want more comfort or perks, you’ll have to fly from a bigger spot like Portland or even Seattle.
Budget airlines keep things simple to keep prices low. If you need flexibility, sometimes spending a bit more or flying out of a larger airport makes sense.
How to Find the Best Flight Deals from Salem
Scoring the best flight deals from Salem is all about using price alerts and knowing when to search. A bit of effort here can save you a surprising amount.
Using Price Alerts and Fare Comparison Tools
Price alerts are your friend—they’ll ping you when fares drop. Set them up on Google Flights or Skyscanner for Salem departures.
Fare comparison tools let you see prices from a bunch of airlines and booking sites at once. It’s a quick way to spot which days are cheapest.
Keep an eye out for airlines like Spirit, JetBlue, and American if they pop up in the search. Comparing fares every day (or two) can pay off.
Some sites let you search for flights to “everywhere” from Salem. Handy if you’re flexible and just want the cheapest escape.
Search Techniques for Cheap Tickets
Try looking at flights on different days and at odd hours—midweek and early or late flights are usually cheaper. Weekends? Prices tend to spike.
Book a few weeks ahead if you can. Last-minute bargains aren’t common from Salem.
Check both one-way and roundtrip options. Sometimes splitting up your tickets is cheaper, weird as that sounds.
Use flexible date searches to see if flying a day or two earlier or later saves you cash. Some folks swear by clearing cookies or using private browsing to avoid price hikes after repeat searches.
If you’re up for it, check flights out of nearby airports, too. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly out of Salem and return to Portland, or vice versa.
Travel Tips for Budget Flyers at Salem Oregon
Knowing your airport options and where to crash for the night can make your trip from Salem way smoother. There are affordable flights around, and you can find decent hotels that won’t break the bank.
Airports Near Salem and Connection Options
Salem doesn’t have a big airport, so most budget travelers end up using Portland International Airport (PDX), which is about 50 miles north. PDX has loads of low-cost flights—including some from Avelo, which also flies out of Salem.
Getting to PDX by bus, shuttle, or car takes about an hour. You’ll find way more flight choices and usually better prices than sticking to smaller local airports.
If you want to stay closer, there’s the Salem Municipal Airport, but it mostly serves private and charter flights. For most budget trips, PDX is still your best bet for cheap and reliable options.
Accommodation: Best Hotels in Salem
You’ll find plenty of affordable hotels in Salem that manage to balance comfort with cost. Places like the Best Western Plus, La Quinta Inn, and Holiday Inn Express tend to offer solid value.
Booking early usually helps snag lower rates, though sometimes you get lucky last minute. It’s worth checking if breakfast or Wi-Fi comes free—those little perks add up.
Some hotels throw in shuttle service to the main airports, which is a lifesaver if you’re traveling light. Not every place does, so always double-check.
I’d suggest poking around hotel booking sites for discounts or deals. Staying near downtown Salem or close to major roads can make getting around a whole lot easier, and you might save on taxis or rideshares too.