Tampa, Florida, is lucky to have a handful of budget airlines that keep travel costs down and options wide open. If you’re hoping to save some cash on flights but don’t want to sacrifice too much comfort, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and Avelo Airlines are the main budget picks flying out of Tampa.
These airlines roll out low fares and a decent mix of routes from Tampa International Airport. There’s a lot to like about having choices, honestly.
Flying budget from Tampa opens doors to tons of popular U.S. destinations. Each airline does things a little differently—some have more deals, others focus on nonstop flights.
Knowing which carrier fits your needs and what to expect before you book can really help you stretch your travel budget.
Key Takeways
- There are several budget airlines with low fares flying from Tampa.
- Tampa International Airport is the main spot for affordable flights in the area.
- You’ll find both nonstop and multi-stop options, depending on where you’re headed.
Top Budget Airlines Serving Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has a pretty solid lineup of budget airlines. These carriers keep fares low and hit a bunch of the most popular routes. They all have their quirks—flight schedules, baggage rules, and destinations can vary quite a bit.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a crowd favorite for cheap flights out of Tampa. They’re one of the few that still offer free checked bags, which is a big plus if you don’t like traveling light.
Southwest flies to a ton of U.S. cities, so flexibility’s there. Their customer service gets good marks, and booking is pretty straightforward.
Flights from TPA can fill up quickly since they’re affordable and dependable. If you hate surprise fees and want a simple experience, Southwest is hard to beat.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is all about low base fares and getting you to vacation spots. They don’t have as many daily flights from Tampa, but the prices can be shockingly low.
A heads up: Allegiant’s cheap tickets don’t include much—checked bags, seat selection, and even some carry-ons cost extra. If you just want the absolute lowest fare and don’t mind skipping the frills, Allegiant is worth a look.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways is a budget-friendly pick with a few nice extras. Free Wi-Fi and snacks are unusual perks for a low-cost carrier.
JetBlue’s got several routes from Tampa, especially to places like New York and Boston. They do charge for checked bags, but you get more legroom than most budget airlines.
If you like a little more comfort without breaking the bank, JetBlue is a solid pick. It’s a nice middle ground between rock-bottom prices and a little more in-flight enjoyment.
Key Airports for Budget Travel in Tampa
Tampa’s got two main airports that make budget travel pretty accessible. Each one brings something different to the table, and knowing a bit about them can make planning a lot easier.
Tampa International Airport Overview
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the area’s main airport and handles a big chunk of the traffic. It’s got a wide range of flights, including most of the budget options.
Southwest and Allegiant both offer plenty of affordable fares here. You’ll find lots of nonstop flights to big cities and vacation destinations.
TPA’s terminal is modern and has enough amenities to keep you comfortable. It’s also well connected to downtown Tampa and the rest of the area by shuttle or car.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is smaller than TPA and really leans into the budget travel scene. Allegiant Airlines uses PIE as a base, so you’ll see a lot of their flights here.
The airport is easy to get around, lines are usually short, and you won’t deal with much traffic. If you’re looking to save both money and time, PIE could be the better bet.
It’s about 20 miles from Tampa, so just keep transportation in mind when you’re booking.
Popular Routes and Destinations
Tampa’s got direct flights to a bunch of key cities, with plenty of budget-friendly options. You’ll see routes to both tourist hotspots and major hubs like New York City.
Direct Flights from Tampa
You can snag nonstop flights from Tampa to over 100 destinations. Airlines like Southwest, Delta, Frontier, and Breeze Airways all run a lot of these routes.
Nonstop means no layovers, obviously, so you get there faster and usually for less money. Popular direct spots include Atlanta, Cleveland, and Albany.
If you’re in a hurry or just hate changing planes, look for those nonstop flights. They’re frequent and work well for both business and vacation trips.
Flights to New York City & LGA
Flights from Tampa to New York City—especially LaGuardia (LGA)—are super common and can be surprisingly affordable. Several budget airlines compete on this route, which keeps prices low.
LGA is close to Manhattan, so it’s handy for quick trips. You can often find fares in the $50-$100 range if you book ahead.
Direct flights here mean you skip the hassle of changing airports in New York. Not bad for a city break or work trip.
Cheap Flights to Orlando
Orlando’s always a hot destination, and plenty of people take budget flights between Tampa and Orlando. Even though you could drive, some folks just like the convenience of a quick flight.
Low-cost airlines toss out special deals for Tampa to Orlando pretty often. Sometimes roundtrips start as low as $30, especially if you’re traveling off-peak.
If you’re headed to the theme parks or have business in Orlando, keep an eye out for these deals—they change fast. Direct flights are the way to go if you want to save time.
What to Expect When Flying Budget From Tampa
Flying budget from Tampa is usually a no-frills experience, but you’ll get the basics covered. Most flights focus on the essentials, but you can add extras if you want—just be ready to pay for them.
Booking and Flight Details
Budget airlines like Southwest, Allegiant, and Breeze run a lot of flights from Tampa. Booking early is your best bet for the lowest prices.
These airlines usually charge for things like checked bags, seat selection, and snacks. Always double-check the fees so you’re not surprised at checkout.
Flights can fill up, and sometimes your date or time options are limited. Most routes are domestic—think Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville.
Some budget airlines use smaller terminals, which can mean fewer amenities but quicker boarding.
Cabin Options and Business Class Tickets
Don’t expect traditional business class on most budget airlines from Tampa. The closest you’ll get is “priority boarding” or an “extra legroom” seat, and those cost extra.
If you want more comfort, grab an extra legroom seat early—they go fast. Just know you won’t get fancy perks like meals or lounge access.
Each airline’s website will spell out what upgrades and seat options are available, so it’s worth checking before you book.
On-Site Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife
Tampa International Airport doesn’t have a huge selection when it comes to shopping or dining. Mostly, you’ll find quick bites—think coffee shops, fast food, and a handful of small restaurants.
Prices inside the airport are usually higher than what you’d pay in downtown Tampa. Still, the convenience is hard to beat if you’re rushing to catch a budget flight.
If you happen to arrive early, maybe take a chance and check out the areas just outside the airport. Tampa Bay’s got a ton of bars, restaurants, and entertainment spots only minutes away.
Honestly, it’s not a bad backup plan if your flight gets delayed or you just want to kill some time.