Best Budget Airlines Operating in Spokane Washington for Affordable Travel Options

If you’re hoping to save some cash on flights from Spokane, budget airlines are definitely worth a look. These carriers are all about low fares but still get you where you need to go, reliably.

Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Alaska Airlines are among the top budget carriers at Spokane International Airport. That means you’ve got a few solid choices if you want to travel without breaking the bank.

A busy Spokane airport with budget airline planes, travelers, and airport staff against a city and mountain backdrop.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean giving up convenience. These airlines fly to a bunch of U.S. cities, so you can usually find something that works for your plans and your wallet.

Booking early and keeping an eye out for flash sales can get you the lowest fares for your next trip out of Spokane.

Key Takeways

  • Spokane has several budget airlines offering affordable flights.
  • These airlines serve many destinations across the United States.
  • Booking smart helps you get the lowest prices for your trips.

Overview of Budget Airlines in Spokane

An airport scene in Spokane with several colorful budget airplanes at gates and taxiways, a modern terminal, and the city skyline with natural landscape in the background.

There are a handful of budget airlines flying in and out of Spokane. They’re all about keeping prices low and just covering the basics.

You’ll find routes to cities all over the U.S., plus frequent deals if you know where to look.

Major Budget Airlines Serving Spokane

Spokane gets service from budget names like Frontier Airlines and Sun Country Airlines. Frontier flies to more than 50 spots around the country, so you’re not short on options.

Sun Country has some nonstop routes and keeps fares low, plus you get perks like inflight entertainment.

Alaska Airlines is here too—technically a full-service airline, but its fares can be pretty competitive. All of these connect Spokane with big hubs and popular cities.

If you’re after rock-bottom prices, Frontier and Sun Country are good places to start your search.

Key Features of Budget Carriers

Budget airlines keep costs down by trimming the extras—think no free checked bags and no fancy meals. If you want those, you’ll pay a little more.

Seats might be a bit smaller, and amenities are basic. But hey, that’s how they keep tickets cheap.

Booking early is smart since prices usually climb as seats fill up. A lot of budget flights from Spokane are nonstop, which can save you time and hassle.

Most of these airlines are no-frills—just straightforward, get-you-there service. Still, safety and basic comfort are a given.

How Spokane Compares to Other Airports

Spokane International is smaller than the big city airports, but you still get a decent lineup of budget airlines.

It’s often less crowded, with easier check-in and shorter security lines. Some bigger airports might have more options, but for its size, Spokane holds its own.

If you’d rather skip the chaos of a huge airport but still want cheap flights, Spokane’s a pretty good bet.

Top Budget Airlines Operating from Spokane International Airport

There are a few wallet-friendly airlines at Spokane International. They cover a range of routes across the U.S., and service is generally solid.

Which one’s best for you depends on where you’re headed and what you need.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is a mainstay at Spokane International, mostly flying out of Concourse C. Direct flights to places like Seattle and Portland are common.

You get a good mix of low fares and reliability. Alaska’s Mileage Plan has some sweet deals if you fly a lot, and they throw in perks like free messaging and snacks.

Customer service is usually pretty good too.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines isn’t as prominent here, but it does offer something different. Spokane connects to Hawaii with this airline, so if you’re dreaming of Oahu or Maui, this is a budget-friendly route.

Prices can be decent, especially if you catch a sale. The flights have a Hawaiian vibe—meals, entertainment, all that.

Just know the routes aren’t super frequent, so book early if you’re set on this option.

Delta

Delta flies out of Spokane too, mostly from Concourse C. You can get to big hubs like Minneapolis or Salt Lake City, then connect elsewhere.

Delta’s basic economy fares keep things affordable, though you’ll give up perks like seat selection or ticket changes.

Still, Delta is known for being on time and having solid customer service. If you want more flexibility, you might want to upgrade.

Flight Routes and Ticket Pricing

Spokane offers a mix of direct and connecting flights. Ticket prices depend on the airline, where you’re going, and when you book.

Knowing your options can help you score a good deal and avoid surprises.

Direct Flights vs. Connecting Flights

Direct flights from Spokane take you straight to your destination—no stops, nice and easy. They’re faster and more convenient, but sometimes you’ll pay a bit more.

Airlines like Alaska and Frontier have direct flights to hubs like Seattle, Portland, and L.A.

Connecting flights mean at least one stop before you get where you’re going. They take longer but can be cheaper, especially if you’re flexible or flying to less popular spots.

Flight Schedule Insights

Schedules out of Spokane change depending on the airline and the day. During summer and holidays, you’ll see more flights—and usually higher prices.

Popular routes like Spokane to Seattle or Portland run daily with Alaska Airlines. Budget airlines might have fewer daily departures, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Early morning and late evening flights sometimes cost less and are less crowded.

How to Compare Flight Tickets

When you’re comparing tickets, look at price, how long the flight takes, and what’s included (like bags). Sites like Expedia or Skyscanner make it easy to see your options side by side.

Always check the total cost—fees for bags and seats can add up. Round-trip tickets are often cheaper than booking two one-ways, but not always.

Pay attention to whether it’s a direct flight or if you’ll be making stops, since that can really change your travel day.

Securing Cheap Tickets

To get the best deals, book early and be flexible with your dates. Flying mid-week or during off-peak hours usually saves you money.

Allegiant and Frontier sometimes have one-way fares under $70. Signing up for fare alerts helps you jump on deals fast.

Round-trip tickets can be a better value, and avoiding holidays or weekends usually means lower prices. Try a few search engines—you never know where a discount will pop up.

Tips for Booking Affordable Flights from Spokane

You can save money by booking at the right time, comparing airlines, and using a few travel hacks. Knowing how to shop around makes a difference.

Best Time to Book

Timing matters. For Spokane flights, booking about 3 to 6 weeks before you go is usually the sweet spot.

Prices tend to creep up as your departure date gets closer. Early booking gives you more choices, too.

If you can, check flights for mid-week departures—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares since fewer people travel then.

Booking way too far ahead or at the last minute can sometimes backfire with higher prices.

Comparing Airlines and Fare Options

Always compare airlines out of Spokane. Top picks include Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest, Delta, and Frontier.

Use search tools to line up prices and see what’s included. Some budget airlines look cheap at first, but fees for bags or seats can add up.

Check both one-way and round-trip options. Sometimes two one-ways on different airlines are cheaper than a round-trip ticket.

It takes a little extra time, but the savings can be worth it.

Travel Hacks for Extra Savings

Flying during off-peak hours—think early mornings or those late-night slots—usually means snagging cheaper tickets. Most folks don’t love those times, so airlines quietly drop prices just to fill up the plane.

You might want to join a few airline loyalty programs or just sign up for fare alerts. Sometimes you’ll get pinged about random flash sales or surprise discounts out of Spokane.

Try to stay flexible with your travel dates if you can swing it. Those “whole month” search tools on booking sites are honestly a lifesaver for spotting the cheapest days.

And hey, maybe skip traveling during holidays or peak seasons. Spokane flights get packed, and prices shoot up when everyone’s trying to get out of town.