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If you’re hunting for the best budget airlines in and out of Springfield, Illinois, you’ve got a couple of solid picks that keep fares low and things pretty simple. Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways are the main budget-friendly carriers at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, offering nonstop flights that help you save both cash and time.
These airlines focus on straightforward, no-frills service, which really keeps costs down for travelers.
Flying out of Springfield’s main airport can open up some nice deals, especially if you book early or keep an eye out for flash sales. These budget airlines hit popular routes, connecting Springfield with bigger hubs and vacation spots.
You get flexibility without blowing your budget.
Whether you’re traveling for work or just need a break, knowing which budget airlines serve Springfield—and how to find the best flight deals—makes planning a whole lot easier. A little research on the airlines and travel options from the airport can help you snag the right flight for your plans.
Key Takeways
- Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways offer the best budget flight options from Springfield.
- Booking early and choosing nonstop flights can help you save on travel costs.
- Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport provides easy access to affordable flights for many destinations.
Leading Budget Airlines Operating in Springfield, Illinois
You’ll find a handful of budget airlines in Springfield, Illinois, with options that suit all sorts of travel needs. Some stick to domestic routes, while others give you connections for a wider range of destinations without draining your wallet.
Allegiant Air Overview
Allegiant Air is one of the main budget picks flying out of Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. It’s known for cheap tickets and direct flights to vacation spots.
They keep things simple and affordable, so it’s a good bet if you’re looking to save.
Allegiant mostly sticks to domestic routes, connecting Springfield with cities in Florida, Nevada, and other touristy spots. No international flights here, but you can always connect through a bigger hub if you’re heading farther.
Domestic and International Options
Springfield’s airport is mostly about domestic flights. Airlines like American Airlines offer connections to big hubs like Chicago and Dallas.
Once you’re at a hub, you can book international tickets and head pretty much anywhere.
There aren’t any major international budget airlines like Ryanair or British Airways flying directly from Springfield. If you’re going abroad, you’ll need to start with a domestic flight and switch to a global carrier at a bigger airport.
Top Airlines for Cheap Flights
Besides Allegiant, you might want to check out American Airlines and Breeze Airways for budget-friendly flights. American Airlines connects you to plenty of cities and sometimes has good deals, while Breeze Airways is newer but tends to offer low fares.
When you’re booking, try to go for direct flights to avoid extra costs and long layovers. Flight comparison tools can help you spot the best deals on these airlines.
Affordable Flight Options and Booking Tips
Finding cheap flights is really about knowing where—and when—to look. Booking on the right days and setting up price alerts can make a surprising difference.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Springfield
Start with flight comparison sites like Farecompare or Skyscanner. They pull prices from a bunch of airlines so you can see what’s cheapest.
Breeze Airways often pops up with some of the lowest fares from Springfield.
Be flexible with your travel dates and maybe even the airports you use. Shifting your trip by a day or two can sometimes drop the price quite a bit.
Orlando is one of the cheapest destinations from Springfield, with tickets sometimes dipping as low as $39.
Best Days and Months to Book
If you’re looking for the cheapest month to fly from Springfield, it’s usually June. Flights are often less expensive then.
Try to book your tickets earlier in the week—Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually have the best prices.
Weekends and Fridays? Not so much. Prices tend to jump.
If you can swing a midweek flight in June, you’re more likely to snag a deal.
Using Price Alerts and Fare Comparison Tools
Set up price alerts on sites like Kayak or Expedia. They’ll ping you when fares drop, so you don’t have to keep checking.
Fare comparison tools are worth using before you book. They scan tons of airlines and travel sites for the best price.
Comparing options like American Airlines and Breeze Airways side by side can help you lock in a cheaper ticket. It’s a real time-saver, honestly.
Springfield’s Capital Airport: Essential Travel Information
Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) is the main spot for travelers in central Illinois. It’s got direct flights to a few key cities, and you can always catch a connecting flight if you need to go farther.
The airport’s pretty convenient if you’re coming from downtown Springfield.
Flight Routes and Nearby Airports
At Capital Airport, you’ll find daily direct flights to places like Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth. Those are major hubs, so once you’re there, you can connect almost anywhere.
Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways are the main budget airlines here, and they usually have pretty competitive fares.
If you’re up for a drive and want more flight options, St. Louis Lambert International is about 95 miles away, and Chicago Midway is around 200 miles out. Those airports have more airlines and international flights, but, yeah, it’s a bit of a trek.
Connecting and Indirect Flights
If you can’t get a direct flight to where you’re going, connecting through bigger hubs like Chicago or Dallas is the way to go. These indirect routes add some travel time, but you get more flexibility.
Always check your total travel time and how long your layover is—some are quick, others can leave you sitting around for hours.
A lot of the budget airlines at SPI focus on nonstop routes, but indirect flights are still an option if you need them.
Travel Distance and Access to Central Springfield
Capital Airport sits about 5 miles northeast of downtown Springfield. The drive usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
You’ve got a few ways to get around: rental cars, taxis, and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. Public transit isn’t great out here, so a car or ride-share is usually your best bet.
Parking’s available at SPI if you need to leave your car while you’re away.
Travel Planning: Accommodation and Extras Near Capital Airport
If you’re flying into Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, there are convenient places to stay, solid car rental options, and a few interesting attractions nearby.
A bit of planning helps your trip go smoother.
Hotels and Lodging Near Capital Airport
There are several hotel choices close to the airport—State House Inn, MainStay Suites Springfield, Drury Inn, Comfort Suites, and a few others. Many offer free airport shuttles and pretty reasonable rates.
If you want easy access and a comfy spot to crash, these hotels are worth a look. Compare prices and pick what fits your budget.
Staying near the airport can save you time, especially if you’ve got an early flight or a late arrival.
Car Rental and Getting Around Springfield
Car rentals are easy to find in Springfield, with companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis right near the airport. You can book ahead online to save some hassle.
Honestly, driving’s the best way to see Springfield. Renting a car gives you the freedom to check out spots like the Illinois State Capitol or Lincoln Memorial Garden.
Public transportation isn’t great, so a car is handy for day trips or quick weekend escapes.
Tourist Attractions for Travelers
Springfield has a few historic sites you really shouldn’t skip. The Old State Capitol State Historic Site lets you step back in time, and the Illinois State Capitol gives tours that dive into Illinois history and Lincoln’s story.
If you want something quieter, check out the Lincoln Memorial Garden. It’s honestly a great spot to unwind, especially if you’re feeling a bit worn out from traveling.
All these places are just a short drive from the airport or your hotel, so squeezing them into your plans shouldn’t be a hassle.