If you’re hoping to travel without emptying your wallet, Salt Lake City actually has a handful of budget airlines that can help you out. Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are some of the top budget carriers operating out of Salt Lake City.
These airlines offer affordable fares to plenty of popular spots across the U.S.
Choosing a budget airline doesn’t always mean you’re giving up convenience or service. Lots of travelers find flights from Salt Lake City with these carriers to be flexible and pretty reliable.
Knowing what low-cost options are out there can help you plan smarter and stretch your travel budget. Booking early and comparing fares between carriers is key to snagging the best deals.
With a little research, you can find budget-friendly flights that fit your plans and your wallet.
Key Takeways
- Budget airlines from Salt Lake City provide affordable travel to many U.S. locations.
- You can save money without giving up convenience.
- Comparing fares helps you find the best deals for your trip.
Leading Budget Airlines Operating in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City International Airport has several budget airlines offering affordable flights for all sorts of travel needs. These low-cost carriers serve popular routes and keep fares competitive.
At Salt Lake City, Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines really stand out as leading budget picks. Frontier is all about cheap fares and basic services, flying to a bunch of U.S. cities.
Alaska Airlines aims for a balance of low prices and decent service. Delta is the biggest airline at SLC, but it’s not really a budget carrier.
You’ll usually get fewer perks on these budget airlines, but your ticket will cost less. Some carriers like Frontier charge extra for bags or seat selection, so it’s worth checking their policies before you book.
Key Destinations Served by Budget Airlines
Budget airlines from Salt Lake City mostly stick to popular domestic routes. Frontier flies to places like Las Vegas, Denver, and Phoenix.
Alaska Airlines covers West Coast cities such as Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Right now, there aren’t really any budget direct flights from Salt Lake City to Europe or Asia.
If you want international budget flights, you’ll probably need to connect through a bigger airport elsewhere.
Online tools make it easy to compare flights from Salt Lake City International Airport and find the best budget deals for where you’re headed.
Current Trends in Budget Air Travel
Budget air travel at Salt Lake City is on the rise, with more people looking for low-cost options. Airlines are adding new routes and using smaller planes to keep costs down.
You’ll see more flight deals and seasonal promos, especially to vacation spots out west. But there’s a catch—extra fees for things like bags or seat selection are getting more common.
To get the lowest price, you’ll want to watch out for those extra charges. Websites and apps can help you compare flights and spot the best deals from Salt Lake City International Airport.
How to Find the Best Deals on Budget Airlines
Scoring a cheap ticket on budget airlines from Salt Lake City is all about knowing when to book, where to look, and what surprises might pop up. You really need the right tools and habits to get the lowest fare without any hidden headaches.
Tips for Securing Cheap Tickets
Try to book your flight well ahead—usually 3 to 6 weeks before your trip works best for Salt Lake City routes. Avoid flying on weekends since prices are usually higher.
Midweek flights almost always cost less. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and times, you’ll save more.
Early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper, though not everyone loves those hours. If you can, check nearby airports too—sometimes that shaves off a few bucks.
Mixing and matching airlines can work in your favor. Combining flights from different budget carriers might get you a better deal than sticking with just one.
Using Price Alerts and Fare Comparison Tools
Set up price alerts on sites like KAYAK, Skyscanner, or Airfarewatchdog. These will ping you when ticket prices drop for your chosen dates.
Fare comparison tools let you check multiple airlines at once, so you can spot the cheapest routes from Salt Lake City. Keep an eye out and book when you see a price dip.
Price alerts are especially handy for catching flash sales from airlines like Spirit or Frontier, which pop up now and then in Salt Lake City.
Identifying and Avoiding Hidden Fees
Always look at what’s included in your ticket price. Budget airlines often tack on fees for carry-ons, checked bags, seat selection, or even printing your boarding pass.
Check for a full breakdown of fees before you click “book.” Avoid last-minute extras—they’ll add up fast.
When comparing flights, focus on the final price, not just the base fare. That way, you’re less likely to get stung by surprise charges at the airport or on your credit card statement.
Planning Your Trip to and from Salt Lake City on a Budget
You can keep costs down by picking the right transportation, hotel, and flights. Sometimes looking outside Salt Lake City or booking at the right time makes a big difference.
Smart choices go a long way toward making your trip affordable without giving up too much comfort.
Car Hire and Ground Transportation Options
Renting a car in Salt Lake City can be pretty cheap if you book early. Many companies have deals starting around $30 a day.
Always compare prices online before you decide. Public transit is another solid budget pick.
The Utah Transit Authority runs buses and light rail at reasonable rates. The TRAX light rail system connects you to lots of places, including downtown and the airport.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are easy to find, but prices can spike during busy times. Some hotels have shuttle service, which can save you a few bucks on transport.
Affordable Hotels and Accommodation Choices
Salt Lake City has budget hotels and motels starting at about $50 a night. If you stay near downtown or the airport, you’ll have easy access to everything.
Sometimes booking your hotel together with flights or car rentals in a bundle knocks a few dollars off the total. Hostels and Airbnb are also out there if you want something cheaper or more flexible.
Always check reviews for safety and cleanliness—better safe than sorry. To get the lowest rates, try to avoid peak travel times like holidays or big events.
Booking a few weeks ahead usually lands you a better deal than waiting until the last minute.
Navigating Nearby Airports for More Savings
Salt Lake City International Airport is the main hub, but don’t overlook nearby airports for cheaper flights. Provo Municipal Airport or Ogden-Hinckley Airport sometimes have better deals.
Driving a bit farther to these smaller airports could save you money, especially if budget airlines fly there. If you’re up for it, check flights out of Denver or other nearby regions.
Just remember to factor in the cost of getting to and from those airports when you’re adding up your savings.
Exploring Flights to “Everywhere” from Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City airport connects to plenty of cities in the U.S., plus a handful of international spots. Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest usually have the lowest fares out of SLC.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you’ll probably score the cheapest tickets. Flying midweek or during slower seasons is a smart move. It’s always worth poking around on flight comparison sites to see which days are actually cheapest—sometimes it’s surprising.
Direct, budget-friendly international flights from Salt Lake? Not so much. But if you don’t mind a layover, you can snag deals to major hubs in Europe or Asia. Booking early helps, though sometimes those last-minute deals pop up when you least expect it.